Black Box is the scientific version of Mastermind. Originally a
board game, it transfers well to a computer.
You use your powers of deducation to locate a given number of
atoms (up to 10) which are hidden in an 8 x 8 grid. There are
32 rays positioned around the edge of the grid which are used to
detect the co-ordinates of each atom, depending on whether a ray
is absorbed, deflected or reflected.
When you think you know where the atoms are, you enter your
guesses. A score is given based on the proportion of atoms
you track down and the number of rays you use.
Understanding exactly how rays are deflected and relected
took time to fully comprehend. The instruction give full details
on the origins of the game, but provide only a few sentences and
one example for the complete beginner.
5th July 1983
