User:Hipponias/Contract Bridge
| Contract Bridge | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | Whist Entertainment |
| Creator(s) | John Collinson |
| Year of inception | 1886 |
| Release date | 1958 |
| Genre | FPS, card |
| Platform(s) | PC (Playing Card) |
| Official website | http://www.worldbridge.org |
Contract Bridge is a controller-less avant-garde card-based video game made by Whist Entertainment. In this intense FPS, 2 teams of 2 players attempt to win 'auctions'. In rounds known as 'deals', the 'declarers' have to seize the contract with their weapons, while the defenders have to stop them.
History[edit | edit source]
A prototype version of Contract Bridge, known as Biritch, was created by Whist game designer John Collinson in 1886. Drawing inspiration from other FPS card games such as Galata and Operation Constantinople, he decided to randomize the cards every round and add a convoy to make the game more exciting.
Time constraints on missions were added in 1958, limiting players to seven and a half minutes per trick. This was done due to an exploit which corrupts the player's inventory due to a buffer overflow once the trick timer hits 8 minutes.
Setting[edit | edit source]
Contract Bridge is set in the present day, where two teams of ageing grandmothers fight against each other. Each round sees one team pitted against the other, protecting or trying to destroy a convoy heading to auction a contract. The weapons are randomly distributed and each player starts at the opposite side of the map. They have to communicate with their teammate while avoiding hostile NPCs and trying to kill the other team. Friendly chatter between the teams while they kill each other is encouraged by the in-game chat. With a wide selection of 52 Weapons, each round of Contract Bridge gives you a different setup.
Game modes[edit | edit source]
Rubber mode[edit | edit source]
Rubber mode uses the original map in Alpha, and is often played by amateurs.
'Duplicate' mode[edit | edit source]
Duplicate mode, also known as Hardcore mode, uses a new map containing two bridges, which makes it more suitable for professional play. The convoy can pass on any of the two bridges, forcing players from both teams to take risks and play strategically.
Strategy[edit | edit source]
Each player gets a random selection of weapons, also known as 'cards', at the beginning of the game. Knowing when to use each card, from the exclusive 'Diamond Queen' Flamethrower to the 'Ace' class Spade, is key to winning the game. Although a lucky starting inventory can help, making the best of your weapons is still very important.
Most advanced players attempt to 'trick' others through the use of smoke grenades or flares. However, these can be trumped by night-vision goggles or sunglasses, respectively. The game ends when the convoy reaches its destination, is destroyed, or 13 successful tricks are performed.
Scoring[edit | edit source]
The videogame uses a unique scoring system, giving points for number of tricks, K/D ratio, and contracts taken/fulfilled. Rubber bridge uses a different scoring system to duplicate bridge.
Advantages to other games[edit | edit source]
The game is the top of its range in mobility, being the size of a deck of cards, and can be played with or without internet, while fitting into a trouser pocket. It does not require the installation of any software, and its CPU usage is minimal. The game can also be easily reprogrammed into other games, such as Poker or Solitaire.
The graphics of the game are generated entirely in the player's mind, so do not require a dedicated graphics card.