Games published by Capstone Software
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We provide a complete list of games published by this publisher.
Anyone for Cards?
While in Arizona, USA, he enters the home of Reynold and Viola, 65, and meets 18 characters who have also come here for a reason. The reason is to play one of 12 card games - Cribbage, Gin, Hearts, Spades, 31, 99, Whist, Pinochle, George, Oh Hell, Euchre, Crazy Eights. Each visitor has different skill levels in the various games, but is able to play any of them.
By choosing the participants of the game you start playing. During the game is available ranking by Rank and by Costume, each player can talk to you, or you can even learn the rules of each game.
In the options you can change the image of the deck, the board, the skill levels, the speed of conversation and the movement of the cards, as well as the sound and music settings. You can also save the game, load it or start it as a new one.
Bridge Master
Bridge Master, a captivating DOS game released in 1992, swiftly garnered attention for its unique blend of strategy and intellect. The game revolves around the classic card game of bridge, a pastime that has captivated players for centuries. Designed with both novice and seasoned players in mind, Bridge Master invites users into its intricately woven world where every hand is a new challenge and learning opportunity.
The essence of Bridge Master lies in its ability to combine entertainment with education. Unlike many video games of its era, which focused primarily on action and adventure, this title emphasizes the cerebral aspects of card play. Players are guided through a series of increasingly difficult scenarios, designed to enhance their understanding of bidding strategies, partnerships, and the subtleties of playing the hand. Each scenario presents distinct challenges, often accompanied by helpful tips and hints, making the experience as much about learning as it is about playing.
Graphically, Bridge Master showcases the aesthetics typical of early 90s DOS games. The interface is straightforward, prioritizing functionality over flamboyance. The muted color palette and simple graphical elements reflect a time when the emphasis was squarely on gameplay rather than visual spectacle. Although one might regard its graphics as rudimentary by today’s standards, the game successfully immerses players in the strategic intricacies of bridge, ensuring that the quality of the gameplay transcends visual limitations.
Soundscapes in Bridge Master also contribute to the overall experience, albeit subtly. The background music is calm and unobtrusive, allowing players to focus on the nuances of their game decisions. Sound effects, while minimal, serve to punctuate significant moments in gameplay, such as successful bids or revealing hands. This makes for an immersive atmosphere that, while not bombastic, whispers the thrill of competition and camaraderie.
Legacy is often a significant measure of a game’s success, and Bridge Master has certainly left its mark in the world of card games. Throughout the years, it has inspired a generation of players to explore the depths of bridge, fostering a community that thrives on strategy and collaboration. The educational components embedded within its gameplay mechanics continue to resonate with enthusiasts, highlighting an enduring appreciation for intellectually stimulating games.
Discoveries of the Deep
Discoveries of the Deep is an acceptable deep-sea exploration simulation that suffers from the same syndrome as most Capstone games: great concept but poor execution.
The concept in this case is quite novel: your goal is to explore the deepest place on earth: at a point 320 kilometers south of Guam called 'Challenger Deep' in the Navy Trench - 11 kilometers (7 miles) deep from sea level. For perspective, that's two kilometers deeper than the height of Mount Everest. The game lets you explore those depths at the helm of a high-tech simulated mini-submarine. You can undertake any of seven very different missions, from cleaning up a nuclear waste dump to searching for new life at the bottom of Romanche Gap, hunting for a sunken Spanish galleon, recovering the 'black box' of a drowned airliner or even seeing the Titanic first hand.
Despite these exciting missions, Discoveries of the Deep unfortunately has many flaws that prevent the game from reaching its full potential. For starters, the user interface is very clunky, and the piloting of the ship is extremely simplistic. To top it all off, most of the game's graphics are of very low quality. While it is true that graphics are not as important as gameplay, in this case the very pixelated screens and poor quality graphics make suspension of disbelief very difficult. It's not easy to distinguish objects (is that a coral or a fish?), making gameplay an exercise in squinting a lot at the screen more than anything else. While the mission objectives are diverse, they really amount to the same thing: look for the wreck, the plane, or the landfill, and then press a few buttons to accomplish the objectives. One redeeming quality of the game is that it lets you explore the sea at your leisure, though with primitive graphics, you won't be doing it for long.
Overall, it's a shame that Capstone has once again botched an original game concept. Anyone looking for an educational title about marine life should play Odell: Down Under, and anyone looking for a realistic treasure hunting simulation should stick with MicroPlay's superior Sea Rogue. It's not exactly a Real Dog, but it's not a Top Dog by any stretch of the imagination.
Home Alone
Home Alone, a delightful DOS game released in 1991, is based on the iconic holiday film of the same name. Developed by Bethesda Softworks, this title captures the whimsical essence of the movie while allowing players to step into the shoes of young Kevin McCallister. As fans of the film know, Kevin finds himself left behind when his family goes on vacation, leading to a series of comedic and suspenseful encounters with bumbling burglars. The game taps into that spirit, offering an interactive experience that resonates with both nostalgia and excitement.
From the moment players start the game, they are instantly transported to the McCallister home. The objective is to thwart the plans of the two would-be intruders, Marv and Harry, who are intent on robbing the house. Players navigate through various rooms, setting traps and using household items to outsmart the intruders. This element of strategy adds depth to the gameplay, as players must plan their moves carefully while managing Kevin's energy level. The clever use of items—like toy cars and paint cans—contributes to the game's charm, reflecting the cleverness that made the movie a classic.
The graphics, while reflecting the limitations of early 90s technology, manage to evoke a distinct sense of atmosphere. The pixel art captures the essence of a suburban home filled with holiday decorations, creating an inviting backdrop. Coupled with a catchy, albeit repetitive, soundtrack, the game's environment helps immerse players in the nostalgic vibe of Christmas in the ‘90s. Each room presents unique challenges, ensuring that players remain engaged as they devise new strategies to protect Kevin's home.
Although the mechanics may seem simple by today's standards, Home Alone offers a delightful diversion for fans of the genre. The charm lies not only in the gameplay but also in its connection to a beloved cinematic experience. For many, the game acts as a digital extension of the film, allowing players to relive memorable moments through interactivity. Its blend of humor, strategy, and festive spirit makes it a unique title in the realm of licensed video games.
As the years have passed, Home Alone has maintained a certain cult status among retro gaming enthusiasts. Its appeal endures, partly due to the timelessness of the movie it represents. In an era where nostalgia often fuels the gaming market, revisiting this classic can evoke fond memories for those who played it in their youth. Overall, Home Alone encapsulates the playful spirit of the original film, making it a noteworthy piece in the history of videogames.
