Ricochet (1981) is an inventive two-player (or one-player vs. computer) strategy game that combines tactical movement with ricochet-based projectile mechanics. Designed specifically for early home computers, it presents players with a rectangular board featuring four corner-mounted cannons—two per player—capable of firing only at 45-degree angles. The battlefield is populated with six “chessmen” per player, which serve as movable obstacles or deflection tools, introducing an added layer of strategic depth. Each turn allows a player to either move a chessman or fire a shot. Points are awarded based on the number of bounces a shot makes before hitting a target or leaving the board, and players are incentivized to act quickly with time-based scoring bonuses. Striking an opponent’s launcher disables it temporarily, while hitting specific targets can yield high rewards. Ricochet also includes five gameplay variants and a clever auto-balancing mechanic that slightly adjusts the board in favor of the losing player after each round to maintain competitive tension. Praised by early reviewers as an innovative digital strategy title, Ricochet stood out for embracing the medium’s unique strengths. Its design—developed by a “concept designer” before that was common—capitalized on the emerging potential of computer-based gameplay. As Electronic Games magazine put it: “A truly offbeat triumph.”

We’re actually pretty excited about this game and reviving a mobile version of it.  There’s a short video clip of it, and a longer one with better notes.   If you’d like top work on a revival, please send us a licensing inquiry.