Chess!
- October 23, 2023
- Exeter Game Studios
Get on Steam"Chess! is a realistic sport game built with Unreal Engine 5, integrated with the Lichess platform. It offers multiplayer matches with millions of active players, AI practice, and offline puzzles. Customizable options, free flying camera, and online ELO tracking are available. Join one of the world's largest chess communities with stunning next-gen graphics."
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game offers a comprehensive chess experience with features like puzzles, AI games, and online multiplayer integration with Lichess.
- The graphics and interface are appealing, and the game has rekindled enthusiasm for chess among players.
- The developers are actively working on improvements, and the game is reasonably priced, making it a good value for chess enthusiasts.
- The game suffers from significant performance issues, including low frame rates and random crashes, even on decent hardware.
- There are bugs affecting gameplay, such as pieces not functioning correctly and the game failing to notify players of checkmate.
- The interface lacks essential quality of life features and customization options, making it feel primitive compared to other chess platforms.
- graphics9 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 22 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The graphics of the chess game receive mixed reviews, with some users praising the good visuals and seamless interface, while others criticize the outdated early 2000s graphics and low polygon pieces. Many reviewers express hope for future improvements in optimization and visual quality, particularly in differentiating pieces on the board. Overall, while the graphics are considered a work in progress, they contribute positively to the game's appeal.
“Well, first of all, this is a chess game and has everything it needs in it: puzzles, the ability to change boards and pieces, good graphics, an online multiplayer with lichess integration, and a very good price for a game like this. They are still improving on the game, and I would suggest it.”
“While I could delve into details about the seamless interface, graphics, and more, the most compelling testament I can offer is that this game has rekindled my enthusiasm and love for engaging in chess.”
“I'm looking forward to seeing the direction the team takes this game. The basics are all there, especially the link with lichess on the Steam platform, which is a huge plus. The graphics and optimization are a work in progress, and I have no doubt they will be improved with the addition of offline play, animations, and new boards, as well as higher polygon pieces, which can be a little difficult to differentiate at times.”
“The performance is almost unfathomably bad given the early 2000s graphics, which makes me doubt it has the technical foundation for improvement into something I would choose over the lichess web interface.”
“The graphics really need to be optimized.”
“I'm looking forward to seeing the direction the team takes this game, the basics are all there, especially the link with lichess on the Steam platform which is a huge plus, the graphics and optimization are a work in progress and I have no doubt they will be improved with the addition of offline play, animations, and new boards and higher polygon pieces as they are a little difficult to differentiate at times, i.e., the knights face forward rather than sideways to make them stand out more on the board.”
- optimization7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
Overall, the optimization of the game has received significant criticism, with many users noting poor performance despite its early 2000s graphics. While some players experienced decent frame rates, the general consensus is that the graphics and optimization require substantial improvement to match contemporary standards, especially when compared to other titles like Chess Ultra. There is hope for future enhancements, particularly with the integration of offline play and improved visual elements.
“Compare Chess Ultra, which is five years old but light years ahead visually (with VR) and runs smoothly.”
“I agree with the other reviews; some optimization is needed, but it ran at 60 FPS on medium settings for me.”
“I'm looking forward to seeing the direction the team takes this game. The basics are all there, especially the link with Lichess on the Steam platform, which is a huge plus. The graphics and optimization are a work in progress, and I have no doubt they will be improved with the addition of offline play, animations, and new boards, as well as higher polygon pieces, since they can be a little difficult to differentiate at times.”
“The performance is almost unfathomably bad given the early 2000s graphics, which makes me doubt it has the technical foundation for improvement into something I would choose over the lichess web interface.”
“The graphics really need to be optimized.”
“I agree with the other reviews; some optimization is needed but ran 60 fps on medium for me.”
- stability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game has been criticized for its initial instability, with users reporting frequent crashes and bugs. This has led some players to seek refunds and express concerns about the trend of releasing poorly performing games that rely on large patches for fixes.
“Initially quite buggy - random crashing.”
“I am requesting a refund, and doubt I will return to this, as I feel giving money to this game will encourage more games to come out rushed, buggy, and performing poorly, fixing it in mega patches.”
