Hobbies And Interests
Origin
The battleship game first started as a pencil-and-paper simulation game in 1931. Because it belonged to the public domain, the basic set of rules of the game were published under many different names during its early years. It was not until 1967 that the game was released by Milton Bradley with the name "Battleship" attached to it. This version swapped the pencils and paper graphs previously used in exchange for plastic battle grids, pegs and miniaturized ship models.
"Battleship: The Tactical Combat Game"
An updated version of the original game, "Battleship: The Tactical Combat Game" was released in 2008 and is the version that is available on store shelves in 2011. Revisions include a clear plastic battle grid with a removable map that allows players to view their opponent's grid after each game, a series of small islands on each grid and a varied hole pattern on the game's Aircraft Carrier to increase its difficulty. Additionally, the game's Cruiser, which featured three peg holes in a straight line, has been replaced with a Weapons Platform that features a triangular pattern to its peg holes.
"Electronic Battleship"
"Electronic Battleship" originally made its debut in 1977. In this version, the game's battle grids act as mini-computers, allowing each player to enter the desired coordinates for each shot. Sounds and lights indicate whether or not a ship takes a hit.
"Electronic Talking Battleship"
Introduced in 1989, "Electronic Talking Battleship" took the concept of "Electronic Battleship" one step further by introducing a computerized voice. This also allowed players to compete in a solo match against the computer.
"Electronic Battleship Advanced Mission"
"Electronic Battleship Advanced Mission" was released in 2001, adding new strategies and more variety to the game. This version of the game introduced new weapons for each unit, some of which boast larger blast radiuses and the ability to inflict damage upon multiple enemy units at the same time.
"Star Wars Electronic Galactic Battle"
"Star Wars Electronic Galactic Battle," released in 1997, is the first version to implement a theme beyond the basic naval warfare simulation. Calling on the popular "Star Wars" franchise, the game lets players fight as either the Empire or the Rebel Alliance.
"Battleship: Star Wars Advanced Mission"
Making its debut in 2002, "Battleship: Star Wars Advanced Mission" pairs the original naval simulation game with the action-packed, futuristic setting of "Star Wars." Naval units are replaced with intergalactic starships and lasers are fired in lieu of torpedoes or missiles.
"Battleship Command: Pirates of the Caribbean"
The latest incarnation of the game to be released, "Battleship Command: Pirates of the Caribbean" hit store shelves in 2006. This version lets players go back in time, moving their naval warfare simulation to pirate-infested seas. Cannonballs replace torpedoes and wooden ships replace submarines, offering an interesting change of pace to the classical board game.