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A board-game perfect version of Chess arrives on Xbox. The Chessmaster series has always been super; they have always accurately represented the game of chess, delicacies and all. Chessmaster on Xbox doesn’t do anything do damage the reputation but includes many a game mode for your playing pleasure.
The game’s single player scope is immense. The game includes one hundred CPU opponents of varying skill levels and customizable rules so you can bend the game at your will. There is also a mode that lets you set the different pieces in particular ways so you can practice certain strategies. If you need a bit of practice, you can play in the game’s chess academy mode which is a virtual tutor that works effectively well. The lessons were written by multiple-time US championship winners, and will enable you to quickly get a grasp of the game. Once you have the basics worked out you can try one of the game’s more fun game modes. There is also a famous match mode that allows you to play in a number of famous matches all the way from 1916 to this year; there are 800 of these in all. Lastly, those quick of thought can play the puzzle mode which requires you to get out of a tricky situation in a more or two.
The game’s AI works very well during the game. There are all sorts of levels, so you’ll notice that the first few are extremely easy even if you’re a novice, but in the higher levels, the AI will effectively kick your ass. It is a nice workout and the wealth of difficulty settings and modes in the game is certainly a welcome addition.
Actually controlling the game isn’t a problem at all as it uses one of the most straightforward control systems ever; this is a chess game, after all.
Aside from the hefty single-player portion, the game includes a full online mode. The game allows you to play in rated matches that affect your status in the online leaderboards, but also unrated matches. Moreover, you can talk on the headset and the games are lag free which is to be expected. There is also a two-player mode offline, which works just as well.
The game’s visuals are impressive for a chess game. The game includes a number of boards, both of the 2D and 3D varieties, and some come complete with animated pieces, which are also modeled very well. You can get all kinds of views with the boards, and the interface is easy to use.
The game’s audio performs just as well. The game’s sound effects are pretty wild (for some of the more extravagant boards), and the background music is relaxing and allows you to focus well.
Overall, if you were looking for a great game of chess, with hundreds of AI opponents and even more online, Chessmaster is definitely recommended -- Adam Nunez, PGNx Media
---- Nov 16, 2004
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