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Something surprising that I’ve noticed as a member of the retro gaming community is that the game Minesweeper, which was popularized after its inclusion in Microsoft Windows operating systems starting in 1990, is a bit of a divisive game. Apparently, lots of folks simply don’t know how to play the classic puzzle game and wrote it off as difficult. Well, for those, I’m here to set the record straight on this timeless time-waster.
Minesweeper‘s origins are actually a topic of debate. Although it was reports by TechRadar that the Microsoft version we all know was the first of its type, Minesweeper style games date back to at least 1983 with the release of Mined-Out, a similar logic puzzle game created by Ian Andrew and first released for the ZX Spectrum. But it’s hard to argue that the game’s cultural impact stems directly back to it being so accessible on Windows platforms.
If you’re one of the lost souls who could never understand Minesweeper, the time has come. You start with a grid, choosing from three sizes. The grid is initially blank, but underneath lie a hidden randomized layout containing a certain number of bombs. The goal is to uncover all tiles except for those with bombs underneath. The first move is guaranteed to be bomb-free, but after that, it’s on! If a tile contains a number, this means it’s in close contact with a bomb. The number itself will indicate how many bombs are in adjacent spaces. Through the process of elimination (and a little luck), the player uncovers all safe tiles, leaving only the bombs to win the game. By right clicking, the player can also add a flag when they believe they have located a bomb, or a question mark when they’re not certain. The quicker you clear a puzzle, the better you’ve done!
So, if you’ve been confused by it or simply never given Minesweeper a proper go, it’s not too late. Microsoft still hosts a free version released under Xbox Game Studios label, albeit with ads, for anyone interested in the once quintessential puzzle game. Several other versions exist to more closely mimic the classic Windows experience, so really there’s no excuse. Get out there and start clicking!
