Reversi The Eclipse

Reversi: The Eclipse is Freeverse Software's 1997 deluxe Mac shareware take on Reversi/Othello, designed by Lars Graulund. It pairs the classic disc-flipping board game with polished graphics, variable-strength computer opponents, and full Internet head-to-head play, all wrapped in Freeverse's trademark sense of humor.

Gameplay

The Eclipse plays standard 8x8 Reversi: place a disc, flank an opponent's run, and flip every disc in the line to your color. Win by holding the most discs when no legal moves remain. The game offers a range of skill levels and "interactive" computer opponents that react and chat as the match unfolds.

Internet and multiplayer

A built-in Internet client lets players match against opponents worldwide over an Open Transport connection, in addition to local hot-seat play. No dedicated service or account is required beyond an ordinary Mac internet setup, which was a notable feature for shareware in 1997.

Presentation

The Eclipse leans on Freeverse's signature look: clean board graphics, animated discs, and personality-driven computer opponents. It is part of the same Freeverse line as Hearts Deluxe and Enigma, both of which earned strong period reviews (5 Mice in MacUser for Enigma, praise from the L.A. Times for Hearts Deluxe).

Requirements and distribution

Requires System 7 (7.6+ for Internet play), a 68030 or better processor (PowerPC native via fat binary), 3.1 MB of disk space, and 4.5 MB of RAM. Distributed as $19.95 shareware through Info-Mac and freeverse.com; archived on Macintosh Garden under the curator slug reversi-the-eclipse.