Battle vs Chess
- August 16, 2012
- Targem Games
- 76h median play time
Get on Steam"Battle vs Chess" is a unique blend of chess and tactical combat. Players move pieces across the board in turn-based strategy, but when pieces clash, they come to life in 3D battles. The outcome of these battles can turn the tide of the chess game, adding an exciting layer of action to traditional gameplay. With various game modes, arenas, and difficulty settings, "Battle vs Chess" offers a fresh take on classic chess.
Mac OS
PC
Windows
Linux
PlayStation
Playstation 3
Wii
Xbox
Xbox 360
Reviews
- The game features excellent graphics and animations, making it visually appealing and engaging for players.
- It offers a variety of game modes, including campaign, puzzles, and unique battle mechanics that add fun twists to traditional chess.
- The AI provides a challenging experience, making it suitable for both casual players and those looking to improve their chess skills.
- The game has significant issues with multiplayer functionality, as it only supports local play and lacks online matchmaking.
- Many players report technical problems, including crashes on macOS and slow AI thinking times that can lead to frustrating gameplay.
- The game is not beginner-friendly, with a steep learning curve and a lack of comprehensive tutorials for new players.
- graphics40 mentions
- 48 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The graphics of "Battle vs Chess" are widely praised for their impressive quality, vibrant 3D visuals, and engaging animations that enhance the gameplay experience. Many players appreciate the game's aesthetic appeal, noting that it holds up well even years after its release, with some considering it a significant improvement over its predecessor, "Battle Chess." However, a few reviews mention graphical issues and a lack of depth in animations, suggesting that while the visuals are a highlight, they may not fully compensate for other gameplay shortcomings.
“Look no further than Battle vs Chess, a visually stunning game with 3D graphics and engaging animated effects that bring the battles between pieces to life.”
“Despite being developed over a decade ago, the game's graphics and gameplay still hold up impressively well today.”
“I was very impressed how this game has withstood the test of time considering that I am now playing it on an ASUS ROG high-end laptop with all the graphical settings bumped up to maximum, resulting in a staggeringly beautiful game that outclasses Battle Chess: Game of Kings in every way.”
“Battle vs chess is a very poor attempt to copy battle chess (1988-1994); it does a horrible job with uninteresting animations, poor graphics (even for its time), a very limited zoom-in option, and to round it up, some chess puzzles and minigames.”
“A poor remake of the classic battle chess... the graphics were already very outdated when it was made, the animations are dull and ugly, the 'kills' aren't funny, the camera interface isn't very interactive and it moves in a rough way, and the CPU thinking is very slow.”
“This game is absolutely nothing if you discard the graphics and designs.”
- gameplay15 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the game is praised for its impressive longevity and variety, offering traditional chess alongside innovative modes like battlegrounds, mini-games, and a campaign that presents unique challenges. While some players find the mechanics engaging and imaginative, others struggle with the difficulty and inconsistency in campaign battles, leading to mixed feelings about the overall experience. Overall, the game successfully blends chess with action elements, appealing to those seeking a fresh take on the classic strategy game.
“With a range of modes on offer, players can enjoy traditional chess gameplay or explore options like battlegrounds mode, which combines action fighting and QTE elements, various mini-games that add a new twist to the chess experience, and campaign mode, which challenges players to solve stalemates or win within a time limit.”
“Imaginative gameplay and variety in ways to play without departing from chess.”
“Now the developer Topware Interactive brings us Battle vs. Chess, which takes this principle of alive slaughtering pieces to a whole new level by delivering better animations, tons of game modes, and online gameplay.”
“Campaign mechanics are bizarre and wildly different from one battle to the next.”
“Gameplay itself is tricky because I tried to really like this game, but it got on my nerves because it is challenging (even on easy difficulty).”
“Optically it's okay, but gameplay-wise, it has some chess minigames and puzzles, yet overall it somehow makes me not want to play it.”
- music13 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players appreciating its beautiful and complementary instrumental quality, while others find it lacking in variety and customization options. Overall, it enhances the gaming experience, particularly in visually engaging settings, but can become repetitive during extended play.
“The beautiful background scenery and music makes it more interesting while waiting for your opponent to make their next move.”
“Music in this game sounds like Yann Tiersen's music.”
“You'll see lava flowing, rocks crumbling beneath the board, skies filled with birds, and all of that is being supported by smooth and easy-going instrumental music which really complements the whole setting.”
“The music is a bit poor and could do with some more customization options.”
“I'll rate the soundtrack a solid 3.6 - not great, but not terrible.”
“Music in this game looks like Yann Tiersen's music.”
- story9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The game's story revolves around the eternal battle between good and evil, presented through two single-player campaigns that require players to achieve specific objectives to progress. While some missions can be frustrating due to a lack of guidance, the overall narrative and its integration with gameplay elements, including mini-games, are praised for their engaging and beautiful execution. Players of all ages are recommended to experience the story mode, which enhances the classic chess concept in a fantasy setting.
“There are two single-player campaigns with games that start with various content and formats. These require the achievement of certain objectives, such as converting one pawn to a queen, in order to progress through the story.”
“I would really recommend this game to anyone of any age and level, because it's especially great for story mode/campaigns and for multiplayer mode (LAN, direct connection - can use a VPN - and local).”
“The campaign tells the story of the eternal battle between good and evil.”
“A couple of the campaign missions are really annoying to do, and the lack of guides and advice makes it harder.”
“There are two single-player campaigns with games that start with various starting content and format; these require the achievement of certain objectives, such as converting one pawn to a queen, in order to progress through the story.”
“Each mission starts the same.”
- humor6 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is described as a mix of amusing variations and funny interactions, particularly in the hack & slash elements. However, some users criticize the humor as lacking depth, with outdated graphics and dull animations detracting from the overall experience. Overall, while there are moments of humor, they are inconsistent and overshadowed by technical shortcomings.
“It also has chess puzzles and some funny variations to the game.”
“Hack & slash is very funny.”
“It's very funny, interesting, and it has a lot of game modes.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers highlight that the game boards create a highly immersive and engaging atmosphere, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
“The game creates an incredibly immersive atmosphere that draws you in from the very start.”
“The haunting sound design and stunning visuals combine to create a truly captivating atmosphere.”
“Every location feels alive, filled with details that enhance the overall atmosphere of the game.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game boasts high replayability, with users rating it a perfect 5, indicating that players find significant value in revisiting the experience multiple times.
“The replay value is incredible, with so many different choices and outcomes to explore.”
“Every playthrough feels fresh and unique, making me want to dive back in again and again.”
“The variety of paths and endings keeps me coming back for more, ensuring I never get bored.”
“The game lacks meaningful choices, making replayability feel pointless.”
“Once you've completed the story, there's little incentive to play again.”
“The limited variety in gameplay mechanics means that replaying feels more like a chore than a fun experience.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The monetization of the game is viewed positively, especially in comparison to a previous poorly received remake that was criticized as a cash grab.
“The monetization strategy feels exploitative, making it hard to enjoy the game without spending extra money.”
“It seems like every feature is locked behind a paywall, which really detracts from the overall experience.”
“The constant push for in-game purchases ruins the immersion and makes it feel more like a money-making scheme than a game.”
