Games developed by JV Enterprises
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Medieval Chess
Medieval Chess is a unique chess game from the short-lived JV Enterprises that is more intriguing in concept than in actual play. The game is best described as an attempt to make chess 'real', a cross between chess and Archon, but not as much fun. There are many similarities between the rules of chess and Medieval Chess. However, due to the nature of the game, some chess rules do not apply. First, in Medieval Chess there is no check or checkmate. The object of the game is to defeat the king, in combat. Putting the king in checkmate does not result in victory. Next, when a pawn reaches the opponent's side. It is automatically replaced by the missing piece. If there is no missing piece, the pawn waits until one side is defeated. Finally, the 'el passant' rule has been abolished. Players compete for the same squares as their opponents. All other chess rules apply. This includes the rules concerning moves and attacks. Castling on the kingside or queenside is possible as long as the king or rook has not moved.
When a piece is facing an opponent, the screen changes to the attack arena. At this moment, the player who has attacked the King has the advantage and his forces increase. However, attacking the King does not give an advantage. In the attack mode, each piece has different speed, strength, weapon type, weapon reload, weapon speed and weapon damage. The King also has a magic defense, which becomes stronger the more pieces are left on the board. Combat continues until a piece is defeated. Damage suffered in battle is permanent, but each piece gradually heals as the game continues'.
Although the concept sounds good, Medieval Chess unfortunately doesn't play that well. The range of strategic options available is much more limited than Archon, which also features much more balanced gameplay (losing a knight in this game makes it very difficult to win). It's worth a look for chess fans, but everyone else would be better off with Archon or Dark Legions (if you like arcade action) rather than playing this shareware loser.
Towers: Lord Baniff's Deceit
On their way to aid in the battle against Sargon, a crew of adventurers, each skilled in their own way, encounter a storm that blows a hole in their ship. Arriving in Lamini, or Land of Towers, the kindly people of the land help them repair the damaged ship. As the crew members look for a job, they meet the mayor of the town, who is in need of messengers. He tells the adventurers that Lord Baniff has not been heard from for weeks, and that he needs them to seek him out at his Tower and bring him news of his condition. As they enter the door of the Tower, the entrance collapses behind them and they must find their way out.
The gameplay is similar to other real-time first-person D&D games, such as the Eye of the Beholder series, although it is not as complex. There are four characters in the game and you choose one to control. Spells are learned from scrolls and cast by combining the correct syllables. There are 15 levels to explore and tons of monsters and items to find. You can play in co-op mode with another player using a link cable.
