Reviewed: September 5, 2004
Reviewed by: Jason Porter
Publisher
Ubisoft
Developer
Ubisoft
Released: August 10, 2002
Genre: Strategy
Players: 2
ESRB: Everyone
10
7
5
9
8.0
System Requirements
Chess is arguably the oldest and best strategy game this world has to offer. Millions enjoy it, and countless masters have devoted their entire lives to playing it over the centuries. It is looked at not so much as a game as a part of refined culture, a symbol of intellect, logic and raw skill. Ah, if only all strategy gamers could attain the same recognition and respect as a chess player. But I digress.
Bridging the gap between this intellectual pursuit of princes and the visceral world of mainstream computer gaming are a number of computer chess programs. The Chessmaster series is one of the most widely known and respected examples of such programs, and for good reason: Their wide range of AI options and increasingly elaborate number of extras over the years have earned them the top spot in the world of computer chess.
Chessmaster 10th Edition is the latest installment of the popular series, and as far as options go, it has no equal. Play dozens of computer opponents with rankings from 1 to almost 3000, in ranked or training modes, on a broad range of chess sets from 2D diagram board to animated 3-D archers and infantry. Get more advice and annotation than you ever wanted, including a chess coach option and a point-based power analysis of your board position each turn. Even (gasp!) play against real, live people via the Internet, using Chessmaster's superiorily swanky interface. But are all the bells and whistles (including stereoptic 3D using a pair of enclosed 3D glasses!) really necessary, or a bit too distracting for a strategy game with timeless depth?
On one hand, chess is chess, whether it is played with cardboard tokens in the dirt or a diamond and onyx set on a marble board. On the other hand, a computer chess program can - and does - offer so much more than just a board and pieces. The overall interface of Chessmaster 10th Edition is simple: just create a game profile, log in to the system and start playing. Casual play against a range of opponents based on the chess rating the game gives you, as well as a dearth of chess puzzles and a replay-by-chapter "Learn the Basics" tutorial occupy the "Fun" option. Imagine that - a video game having only one option listed as "Fun." That takes some guts.
Of paramount importance to this title is its emphasis on improving a player's game, and no expense has been spared to ensure that anyone from a 4-year-old to a decorated Grandmaster will be able to hone their skills effectively (though it's doubtful that players like Kasparov and Karpov would have much to gain from it). The box is adorned with sell points like, "Avoid disastrous mistakes with the improved Blunder Alert mode" and "Chess coaching features such as audio advice for every move."
I'm happy to write that Chessmaster definitely delivers. The "Learn" option of the game features four training options with features too myriad to list. You can study various openings and defenses, analyze a large database of high-caliber games and information from previous Chessmaster games, or try to match the moves of the likes of Bobby Fischer as you follow along with famous games from the past. It even has two separate "schools" for chess, taught by International Master Josh Waitzkin (more basic) and Grandmaster Larry Christiansen (deeper strategy) via audio and written instruction.
These features have a lot to teach the casual amateur. I can honestly say that within a week of play, my skill in chess has gone up at least 50% from what it had been. This game is a fantastic way to learn not just the bare bones of chess, but also the basics behind a cohesive strategy (especially if you're strapped for local opponents).
Once the basics are under your belt, it's time to check out the third and most expansive option, the aptly titled "Play". There's a more rigorous practice area called Training Mode here, where you can get running commentary and analysis of your moves. A board setup option allows you the chance to recreate the moment before a big loss and see how it could have been done differently.
Ranked Play pits you against a computer opponent of your choice, to raise or lower your ranking based on your win/loss record. The last three options let you connect to either a LAN or the Internet for chat, casual and ranked play, and chess tournaments with other Chessmaster users. Whether, like me, you prefer hiding your shamefully poor play in the privacy of your own home, or you are a good player looking for a consistent source of skilled opponents to compete against, Chessmaster has you covered.
In overview, Chessmaster is a fairly comprehensive and flawless version of computerized chess. Its interface is mostly logical and easy to navigate, the training tools are definitely effective and the wide range of competitive play options are well implemented and will always provide a challenge. In fact, I'd bet that no other program on the market offers as wide a range of effectively scored AI opponents. However, the draw of the game will definitely be stronger for less experienced players.
Though unimportant to the nature of the game, there is definitely something to be said for the option to play a game of chess as well. Chessmaster features a total of 35 different chess sets to choose from and they all look nice. I actually find that I prefer the simplicity of the iconic top-down 2D board (the same visual style as a board diagram in a chess magazine), but the options vary wildly, from that stark board to a fully animated whimsical fantasy set in which the Queens turn captured pieces into pink elephants and the like. The animations are smooth enough, and the static 3D sets are quite nice to look at, though some of them are unlockable only by winning a certain number of games in ranked play, which was a bad move on the part of the game - it's just chess. Who plays chess for game unlockables? They aren't exciting enough to warrant any effort on the part of the player anyway.
Aside from the chess sets, there isn't much to say - only one par example of a CG movie (at the beginning of the game) and no video or anything like that. I did notice that the game suffers minor lag at times, which is inexcusable in this day and age, especially in a game that few would venture to call taxing on a computer's CPU. For a chess game, the graphics are nice, but this is no Doom 3.
Oh, and one last thing: Those 3D glasses? They work fine, but they hurt your eyes after a bit. Besides, how silly does it feel to sit there thinking, "Wow, it looks like a real chess set" and then realize that it isn't exactly hard to just go out and buy a real chess set? And that you're saying this while sitting in front of a computer screen wearing 3D glasses? Still, it was a fun novelty to have them included.
There's a nice string number at the beginning of the game, plus minimal sound effects for most boards, as well as more expanded effects on the fancier ones. There is background music, which can thankfully be turned off (what is it with games and inappropriate background music, anyway?). Nothing stands out at all.
The best part of the sound in Chessmaster is the audio commentary from Josh Waitzkin and Larry Christiansen, which is clear and helps lend some sense to a few of the more obscure things they discuss. As a side note, Waitzkin definitely has Christiansen beaten on vocal delivery. Sorry, Larry.
As a chess program, the replay value of a game like Chessmaster 10th Edition can't really be measured based on the gameplay alone. A host of nice extras doesn't hurt the value of this comprehensive chess tool for beginning to intermediate-level players. But because of the timeless nature of chess, the real question is how the game stacks up against previous titles that a potential buyer may already own. The answer is that if you own any of the last couple of Chessmaster games, or prefer internet chess to any kind of AI-controlled opponent, you won't find much worth paying for in Chessmaster 10th Edition. Players of the previous Chessmaster versions will appreciate the upgrade path, a $10 mail-in rebate offer that can be redeemed via the on-box coupon.
However, for the chess player who is new to the game, looking for a way to hone their skills, or just wants to have fun playing a game of chess at their leisure against an opponent who won't talk back, Chessmaster 10th Edition is a solid investment. It is probably the only chess game you'll need for years to come, and it comes with enough content that you'll keep coming back for more.
"Teacher, Mentor, Ultimate Opponent". The slogan of Chessmaster 10th Edition presents a big pair of shoes to fill, and the game itself does a nice job of doing just that. A multitude of options, from studying openings to entering an online tournament, means that there will always be something to catch a player's interest. The extensive training tools will drastically improve the game of any lower-level player who is willing to learn. The graphics are pleasant and the voices of Waitzkin and Christiansen lend clarity to the lessons they teach.
For anyone who doesn't own a recent chess program and is looking for a good one, Chessmaster 10th Edition is definitely it. But if you're already satisfied with what you've got, there's no reason to run out and buy this one.