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This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Nandesuka (talk | contribs) at 20:36, 12 September 2005 (Elaborating on history; the original Bolo game dates to 1982.). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Bolo is a video game originally developed for the Apple II computer by Synergistic Software in 1982. An update inspired by the original was created for the BBC Micro computer by Stuart Cheshire in 1987, and later ported to the Macintosh in its most popular incarnation. The original Bolo was a single-player game. Cheshire's Bolo is a networked multiplayer game that simulates a tank battlefield. It is thus a very early example of a real-time strategy game.

Alice uses a double pillblock to take out a hostile pillbox. Jack responds by shooting one of his own pillboxes, making it angry so it shoots more frequently.

While the graphics are somewhat primitive compared to modern video games, Bolo remains a popular and addictive phenomenon. Bolo has been ported to Windows and Linux by John Morrison, under the names WinBolo and LinBolo.

Gameplay revolves around control of refueling bases and "pillboxes" (automatic gun turrets), both of which can be captured and recaptured. Players have developed an array of tactical tricks to accomplish speedy pillbox capture, such as the decoy (where a player draws fire away from the pillbox while an ally shoots it) and the pillblock (where a friendly pillbox is placed so that it blocks the hostile pillbox's shots but allows the tank to shoot past it at the hostile pillbox).

External links

• Mobygames entry on the original 1982 Bolo
• Official home page
• Stuart Cheshire and his original Bolo page
• Windows and Linux version and league site
• Cool Fool's Bolo Multimedia Website

• Apple II games
• Apple Macintosh games
• 1987 computer and video games
• Real-time strategy computer games