It was developed on an Apple II, but was first commercially released for Commodore 64 as Colossus Chess 2.0 (CDS Micro Systems, 1984).

[18] Colossus Chess featured time-controlled play with game clocks, an opening book with 3,000 positions, and problem-solving mode that could solve normal mates, selfmates and helpmates.

The new releases featured four chess sets[20] and enhanced graphics developed with the assistance of Gary Thomlinson and Carl Cropley.

[21] Info gave Colossus Chess IV for the Commodore 64 three stars out of five, stating that it was less attractive but "a darn sight more playable" than Chessmaster 2000 with both keyboard and joystick controls.

The magazine warned of the difficulty of remembering the "shifted keyboard control sequences" and said it was "badly in need of a quick-reference card".