Chiral 1.0.0
Andrew Welch
Ambrosia
PO Box 23140
Rochester, NY 14692
Shareware Fee - $15.00

Rochester, N.Y. -- April 20, 1994 -- Today Ambrosia Software, Inc. announced the launch of Chiral 1.0.0, its dynamic new $15 chemical conundrum for Macintosh. Webster defines Chiral as “a kind of symmetry found in atomic particles that is not superimposable on its mirror image.” Ambrosia redefines this dry scientific adjective with a mind melter of a puzzle game.

Chiral continues Ambrosia Software’s commitment to pulse quickening, high quality Macintosh games. This latest Ambrosia program is the fruit of a collaboration between Macintosh developer Trevor Powell and Ambrosia Software’s prolific founder Andrew Welch. Chiral is an amalgamation of high resolution 256 color graphics, funky digitized sound effects and addictively puzzling game play. Currently Ambrosia’s Maelstrom 1.4 is one of the top ten player reviewed games in Inside Mac Games magazine; recognizing that Maelstrom’s $15 super cut throat price is part of the equation, Ambrosia has priced Chiral at $15 as well.

A fusion between the scientific concept of atomic bonding and the addictive game play of Tetris, Chiral is based upon the ill fated tale of Molecular Tendencies Laboratories. Attempting to develop a new form of “clean energy”, molecular chemists have created a machine that fabricates atoms out of thin air; or in the case of heavy atoms, not so thin air. Unfortunately for the chemists in the lab, and mankind in general, once the reaction has started there is no way to stop it. The result is the introduction of unattached, unstable atoms into our atmosphere. So much for clean energy, we should have stuck with windmills and water wheels. As an acting participant in this experiment gone wrong, the player must stabilize these newly formed atoms to avoid further turmoil in this already strife ridden world of ours. Forming bonds between each atom to create inert molecules is the only safe way. After navigating through Ambrosia’s user friendly shareware notice and detailed control panel/title screen a player is confronted with the molecular arena and a glass vial.

The glass vial quickly (or not so quickly, depending on which of the six difficulty levels has been selected) begins to accumulate atoms. Points are scored by placing the atoms in the arena, building molecules out of the atoms provided. Simple really, until one recalls Sister Halitosis, her lightning quick three foot ruler and the laws of atomic chemistry from 10th grade science class. Each atom has a dot pattern representing the number of bonds it needs to form. In order to clear assembled molecules from the screen and score points, every atom in each new molecule must be “satisfied.” To be satisfied each atom must have all of its bonds fulfilled. An atom with three dots must have bonds to three other atoms to be truly satisfied, an atom with one bond may only bond with one other atom, and so on. 

A doctorate in atomic chemistry is not needed to quickly grasp the strategy of game play. The number matching concept is very similar to dominoes: An atom with four dots needs to be aligned with four other atoms.

There are some things that even dear old Sister Halitosis never taught us about. Some atoms are stubborn, refusing to be moved once they are placed. Other atoms are in a hurry, emitting a loud grunt and accelerating game play. Some atoms are secretive and will not divulge how many bonds they require to be satisfied. And some atoms are downright ornery. These atoms destroy any other atoms that they can attach themselves to, leaving no points behind.

Even having mastered the laws of atomic chemistry and anti-social atoms, players are still given enough challenge to make game play addicting. Chiral has six separate difficulty settings and twenty four levels of puzzling play, for a grand total of 144 screens of mind boggling fun and excitement.

The attraction of Chiral’s actual game play is heightened with professional sound effects and graphics. The artwork is provided by digital artist Mark Lewis. Not only do the graphics cover the actual playing components, which are exceptionally detailed, but the backgrounds for each level as well. The digitized audio effects have enough beat to provoke more then just foot tapping. This is reflective of Ambrosia Software’s philosophy that by combining electronic art and digitized sound effects with challenging game play, Ambrosia’s games will have the edge in achieving player satisfaction.

Chiral 1.0.0 and other Ambrosia titles are supported by a Technical Support line, a toll free order only line, professionally duplicated discs and Ambrosia Software’s commitment to providing quality products and service at reasonable prices.

Founded by Andrew Welch, Ambrosia Software, Inc. is a small aggressive development company dedicated to bringing high quality programs to the Macintosh market. Ambrosia distributes Chiral 1.0.0 and other programs as shareware. Chiral 1.0.0 requires a color capable Macintosh with at least a 256 color monitor, and System 6 or above. Chiral 1.0.0 is available on America Online, Compuserve and AppleLink, or can be ordered directly from Ambrosia Software, Inc.

             Screen shot and description taken from Chiral press release

     Almost all of the shareware games reviewed here have been based on old arcade or computer games.  Chiral is unlike any computer game that I have ever seen.  The object of Chiral is to build molecules of a minimum size which changes with each level.  The larger and faster you build those molecules the more points you get.  This is not as easy as it seems because the atoms each have different amounts of bonds needed to fill their requirement.  With so many different possibilities this game can be very challenging.  Unlike most arcade game Chiral requires thinking as well as dexterity.  You need to think to plan out how you want to place the pieces.  You need the dexterity only to move along quickly before the time runs out.  Overall This game is good to strengthen your thought process, and you get rewarded (in higher scores) for your effort.

DAVE'S RATING  ****