Play 3D Tic-Tac-Toe | Commodore 64 Online Game (1984)

3D Tic-Tac-Toe, written by Mark Doyle and published by COMPUTE! Publications, Inc./COMPUTE!'s Gazette, is a variant of the classic Tic-Tac-Toe game designed for the Commodore 64. The game expands the traditional two-dimensional grid into a three-dimensional space, offering players a more complex and strategic experience. Instead of a single 3x3 grid, the game features multiple layers, allowing players to place their marks (X or O) in a cube-like structure. This added dimension introduces new winning combinations and challenges, making it a more engaging puzzle for players.

The game was distributed as a type-in program in COMPUTE!'s Gazette, a popular magazine for Commodore 64 enthusiasts. Users could manually enter the program's code into their computer to play the game. The interface is simple, with a text-based representation of the 3D grid, and players input their moves using coordinates corresponding to the layers, rows, and columns. Despite its basic graphics, the game effectively conveys the 3D nature of the board, requiring players to think spatially to outmaneuver their opponent.

Mark Doyle's implementation of 3D Tic-Tac-Toe showcases the creativity of early home computer programmers, who often worked within the limitations of hardware and software to create innovative games. The game is a testament to the DIY culture of the era, where users actively participated in creating and sharing software. While it lacks the visual polish of later commercial releases, it remains a notable example of how classic games were reimagined for early home computers. The Commodore 64's widespread popularity ensured that games like this reached a broad audience, contributing to the platform's rich library of user-generated content.