Interconnectable game pieces and method of playing a game

Abstract

Apparatus and method for interconnecting game pieces for play in a game providing all of the information needed to effectively strategize on the game piece. The method includes connecting the game pieces in formation by matching connection codes on the bases of adjacent game pieces. That connection can also strengthen the abilities of the game pieces by matching variable symbols on the game pieces.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A game piece connectable with additional game pieces to form a grouping in a game having rules of play, the game piece comprising: 
 a first side having a first connection code; and    a second side having a second connection code, wherein the first connection code permits a first connection with one of the additional game pieces on the first side when the adjacent side of the one of the additional game pieces includes a connection code that matches the first connection code, and wherein the first connection modifies the abilities of the grouping according to the rules of play.    
     
     
         2 . The game piece of  claim 1 , wherein the game piece includes a base, the base including a self-contained record-keeping device, wherein the record-keeping device adjustably displays variable information relating to the game.  
     
     
         3 . The game piece of  claim 2 , wherein the game piece further includes a figure coupled to the base.  
     
     
         4 . The game piece of  claim 3 , wherein the figure represents a character in the game.  
     
     
         5 . The game piece of  claim 4 , wherein the character has characteristics related to the game, and wherein the variable information displayed on the base represents those characteristics.  
     
     
         6 . The game piece of  claim 5 , wherein the variable information displayed on the base forms a pattern.  
     
     
         7 . The game piece of  claim 6 , wherein matching the pattern of variable information displayed on the base of a first game piece with similar patterns of variable information displayed on the base of adjacent game pieces affects the characteristics of those game pieces.  
     
     
         8 . The game piece of  claim 7 , wherein the variable information on the base includes attack abilities and wherein the first connection improves the attack abilities of the grouping of the game pieces.  
     
     
         9 . The game piece of  claim 2 , wherein the base is square-shaped.  
     
     
         10 . The game piece of  claim 2 , wherein the base includes a mechanism for physically connecting one game piece to other game pieces.  
     
     
         11 . The game piece of  claim 10 , wherein the mechanism for physically connecting one game piece to other game pieces is a male/female connection.  
     
     
         12 . The game piece of  claim 1 , wherein the first connection code is a color block.  
     
     
         13 . The game piece of  claim 1 , wherein the first connection code is a symbol.  
     
     
         14 . A method of playing a game comprising: 
 providing first and second game pieces, each game piece including a first side having a first connection code and a second side having a second connection code;    connecting the first and second game pieces into a grouping by matching connection codes between adjacent sides of the first and second game pieces:    engaging the grouping in play following a set of rules; and    modifying the abilities of the grouping based on the connection according to the rules of play.    
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein providing first and second game pieces includes providing first and second game pieces, each including a base having a self-contained record-keeping device, wherein the record-keeping device adjustably displays variable information relating to the game.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising adjusting the record-keeping device to vary the information on the base.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein adjusting the record-keeping device includes varying the characteristics of the game piece during game play.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein adjusting the record-keeping device includes varying a combination of symbols and numbers.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein adjusting the record-keeping device includes forming a pattern of symbols and numbers.  
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein adjusting the record-keeping device includes changing the pattern.  
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein modifying the abilities of the grouping based on the connections includes modifying the attack abilities of the second game piece.  
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising rolling a die.  
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein rolling a die includes rolling a die containing symbols to randomly select a symbol that matches a symbol displayed on the first game piece.  
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 23 , further comprising attacking an opponent by matching the symbol on the die to one of the symbols on the first game piece.  
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein attacking an opponent includes matching the symbol on the die to one of the symbols of the second game piece connected to the first game piece.  
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising disconnecting the first and second game pieces; and moving the first game piece to a new location having matching connection codes.  
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising removing the first game piece from the play area when the game piece is no longer connected to the second game piece.