1988 Superior Software
Platforms: Commodore 64, BBC Micro
This particular entry is closely tied to the Commodore 64 edition of the game, which first helped highlight the project and its unusual origins. For some time, there had been confusion over this title, especially given that Superior Software had already released a Chess game back in 1984. However, this later project was something entirely different, and not simply an update or reworking of the earlier release.
Instead, the game was to be based on the West End musical Chess, and was at one point intended to be released under the name One Night in Bangkok. It was thanks to Christopher Drum on BlueSky that the crucial link was made, after posting an Acorn User article which referenced a BBC Micro version of the game. The article describes the project as follows:
“The long-promised One Night in Bangkok is expected soon. Superior has postponed the game so as to have something to fill the post-holiday lull. The game is based on the West End musical Chess, and is set on a chess board with a three-dimensional Ultimate-style view. Bangkok obeys the rules of chess at all times, there are dangerous pieces roaming around ready to ‘take’ you if you move to the wrong square, and puzzles to solve. Superior has the rights to two of the songs from the show, so they’ll be used as background music.”
So there we have it. Not a continuation of Superior Software’s earlier Chess title, but a completely different licensed game with a unique concept.
At this stage, it is not clear how far the BBC Micro version progressed, or if it differed significantly from versions planned for other platforms. Richard Hanson of Superior Software confirmed the game was under development, but unfortunately for “various reasons”, it never came to fruition. So its not clear how far the game had got, or why it was cancelled – but reading between the lines, it sounds like there were some difficulties with the project perhaps.
If you know anything more, then please do get in touch!
With thanks to Christopher Drum for the information, Richard Hanson for additional info and Archive.org for the scans.
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