Halma, also known as Ugolki or куточки уголки, is a classic strategy board game that has captivated players for generations. This offline game offers a perfect blend of tactical thinking and strategic planning, making it ideal for fans of intellectual challenges. With its roots tracing back to 1883 or 1884, Halma was invented by George Howard Monks, an American thoracic surgeon at Harvard Medical School. Inspired by the English game "Hoppity," Halma quickly evolved into a standalone favorite among board game enthusiasts.
The game is played on a checkered board, where players begin with their pieces positioned in one corner. In two-player mode, the pieces are typically black and white, while four-player versions use distinct colors or markers to differentiate sides. The objective is simple yet challenging: move all of your pieces from your starting corner to the opposing camp. On each turn, a player can either move one piece to an adjacent empty square or leap over other pieces—either their own or opponents’—in a series of jumps, much like in checkers.
Key Features of Halma
- Advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI): The game has seen major AI upgrades over the years, including a completely new AI introduced in version v2020.11, followed by another ground-up redesign in v2021.03.10. These improvements ensure smarter, more adaptive opponents.
- Three Difficulty Levels: Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned strategist, Halma offers three AI difficulty settings to match your skill level.
- Free to Play: Enjoy the full experience of Halma at no cost. No hidden fees, no paywalls—just pure strategic gameplay.
- Three Beautiful Skins: Personalize your game with visually appealing board and piece designs, enhancing both aesthetics and immersion.
What's New in Version 2024.07.24
The latest update, released on July 25, 2024, includes an SDK update to ensure smoother performance, improved compatibility, and enhanced stability across devices. This keeps the game running flawlessly while preparing for future enhancements.
With its rich history, elegant rules, and deep strategic gameplay, Halma remains a timeless choice for solo players looking for a mental challenge. Whether you're revisiting the game or discovering it for the first time, [ttpp] and [yyxx] ensure you have everything you need for an engaging and rewarding experience.