Ishido: The Way of Stones (1990-)

• Developer: Atari

• Publisher: Atari

• Genre: Puzzle

Ishido: The Way of Stones for the Atari Lynx was developed by Software Resources and released in 1990, with Publishing International serving as publisher. The game was exclusive to the Lynx and was not ported to other systems, offering handheld players a unique puzzle experience. It was an adaptation of the original computer game Ishido: The Way of Stones, which had gained recognition for its strategic depth and elegant design, and the Lynx version preserved these core mechanics while adapting the interface for a portable format.

The game challenges players to place stones on a grid according to specific color and symbol-matching rules, aiming to create long chains and maximize points. Its design was inspired by Eastern board games and meditative puzzle experiences, blending strategy with spatial reasoning. Players must carefully plan each move, as one misplaced stone can disrupt patterns and reduce scoring potential. The game’s framing as a contemplative “way of stones” reinforces the deliberate and thoughtful pace of gameplay.

Gameplay on the Lynx featured a top-down grid with clear representations of each stone and its symbols. Players could select stones from a set and place them strategically, receiving immediate visual feedback on valid and invalid placements. The Lynx hardware allowed smooth cursor movement and sharp, readable visuals, making it easy to track chains and plan moves. Audio was minimal, with subtle background effects and gentle cues signaling stone placement or chain completion, providing a calm and focused atmosphere conducive to strategic thinking.

Ishido did not have a prequel or direct sequel on the Lynx and remained a standalone puzzle title. Promotion was limited, primarily through catalogues and magazine previews by Publishing International, which highlighted its strategic depth and cerebral gameplay. Reception was generally positive, with critics praising the challenging puzzles, elegant design, and suitability for handheld play, though some noted that its slow pace and abstract mechanics might not appeal to action-focused gamers. Over time, it has been remembered as one of the Lynx’s most thoughtful and intellectually engaging titles, offering a portable version of a classic strategic puzzle experience.

Images from MobyGames