Othello for all

Othello for all – A Flexible Reversi Companion with Hidden Depth

If you’ve ever wanted a dedicated Othello app that lets you tweak nearly every match setting, Othello for all is worth a look. It’s a free Reversi simulator focused on single-device matches—human vs. computer or human vs. human. What sets it apart is the sheer number of difficulty levels (30, from beginner to expert) and the ability to unlock special boards by beating the AI under certain conditions. I’ve found it works well for quick practice sessions, but the language wall and subscription quirks can frustrate long-term users.

Core Gameplay and Real-World Use

The app delivers the classic Othello rules without surprises. You choose between playing against the computer (with adjustable AI strength) or passing the device to a friend. The handicap feature—starting with 1–4 black stones already placed—is useful when teaching younger players or balancing skill gaps. I’ve used it to let my daughter learn the opening moves without feeling overwhelmed. A hint system helps when you’re stuck, though it’s not always accurate at higher difficulty levels. The save/load progress option is a lifesaver for longer matches; I often pause a game on the train and resume later without losing track.

Board Customization and Unlockables

What makes Othello for all feel less generic than most clone apps is the secret board system. Defeating the computer under specific conditions (like winning without flipping any corner piece) unlocks new board designs and piece styles. I’ve spent a weekend trying to crack one condition—it adds a light puzzle layer to the strategic grind. However, the unlock criteria are not explained in the app; you’ll need to guess or search online guides (mostly in Japanese). That’s a notable downside for non-Japanese speakers.

Premium Subscription – What You Get and What You Don’t

The app offers a recurring premium membership that costs a few dollars per month. Benefits include auto-scoring (so you don’t have to watch ad videos for extra points), faster grade progression via login bonuses, and ad-free gameplay. On one hand, the ads in the free version are not obtrusive—they show between matches, not during play—so paying for removal felt unnecessary to me. On the other hand, if you play daily, the grade-boost might help you unlock boards quicker. A major limitation: the subscription auto-renews and must be cancelled via Apple ID settings or the app’s title screen. I once forgot to cancel a free trial and got charged—so set a reminder if you try it.

Honest Drawbacks You Should Know

First, the app is only available in Japanese. Menus, settings, and unlock hints are all in kanji/kana. If you don’t read Japanese, you’ll rely on memory or trial and error. Second, the hint system sometimes suggests moves that are objectively weak—at expert level I noticed it ignoring corner traps. Third, there’s no online multiplayer. You cannot challenge strangers or friends remotely; all human matches are local pass-and-play. For a modern board game app, that feels dated. If you want online Reversi, look elsewhere. But if you need a customizable offline Othello tool with solid AI variety, Othello for all delivers—just be ready for the language barrier.