A Tiny but Mighty Solitaire Game

In an era where game file sizes are growing ever larger and disk space is becoming increasingly expensive, a small game can be a welcome respite. Classic Bits, a group of vintage computer enthusiasts, has created a solitaire game so diminutive that it can be loaded from a QR code.

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TinySol, as the game is called, was discovered by YouTuber LGR Blerbs at the VCF Southwest convention in Texas. The story of how Blerbs came across TinySol sounds like the beginning of a horror film: he was randomly handed a 5.25-inch floppy disk containing the game at a booth.

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Despite its compact size, TinySol is a relatively new game, having been in development since 2021. The developer, Classic Bits, explains in the dot matrix-style manual that accompanies the hard copy that the game was originally designed to be a tiny game that could be shoehorned into ROM images for GRiD computers. The game was intended to leverage the sharp 640×400 AT&T 6300 monochrome video.

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With a file size of a mere 3 kilobytes, TinySol is a marvel of modern game development. The game allows players to enjoy three-card Klondike Solitaire with simple black & white graphics. The program is so compact that it can fit within a QR code, which can be decoded with a snippet of code written on TinySol’s packaging.

A Closer Look at TinySol

In the comments to Blerbs’ video, Classic Bits provided some additional information on the game. The developer explained that the game is intentionally monochrome for maximum clarity on old displays. The QR code version of the game, however, is actually a mini low-rez version with limited features.

Currently, the only mode available in TinySol is the three-card draw. However, Classic Bits has announced that a one-card draw mode will be added in an upcoming release. The game’s compact size and limited features make it a unique and fascinating experience for players.

Fortunately, you don’t need a hard copy or a QR code to check out TinySol yourself. The game is free to download via the Classic Bits website. You can run TinySol in DosBox by dragging and dropping the TinySol executable onto the DosBox application.

It’s worth noting that many of the three-card draws the game generates are not actually winnable. Classic Bits has compiled 640 winnable save files that you can also download if you wish.

A Game for the Ages

TinySol is a game that is sure to appeal to fans of classic computer games. The game’s compact size and limited features make it a unique and fascinating experience for players. With its simple black & white graphics and intentional monochrome design, TinySol is a game that is sure to transport players back to the early days of computer gaming.

So if you’re looking for a game that is a little different from the usual massive open-world epics, then TinySol is definitely worth checking out. The game’s compact size and limited features make it a great choice for players who want to experience something new and unique.