Chess is a classic strategy game that offers fantastic mechanics and ingenious visuals, with humor included throughout. Players of all skill levels can test their abilities against AI or human opponents. However, the game is marred by frequent ads and bugs, which can detract from the overall experience. Regardless, it provides a solid platform for chess enthusiasts to engage in friendly competition or intense matches.
Reviews
- Great for beginners with a helpful tutor feature that suggests moves.
- Offers multiple difficulty levels, allowing players to gradually improve their skills.
- User-friendly interface with customizable boards and pieces.
- Excessive and intrusive ads that disrupt gameplay, often requiring a restart to close.
- Inconsistent AI difficulty, with some levels playing much harder or easier than expected.
- Multiplayer mode lacks a timer, allowing opponents to abandon games without consequence.
- monetization1,406 mentions
- 2 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 98 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game has received overwhelmingly negative feedback from users, primarily due to the intrusive and excessive nature of the ads. Many players report being forced to watch long, unskippable ads before and after games, with some even interrupting gameplay, leading to frustration and a diminished gaming experience. While some users acknowledge the necessity of ads in a free app, the frequency and aggressiveness of the ads have prompted many to consider uninstalling the game or seeking ad-free alternatives.
“It's a fantastic chess app with no ads.”
“No ads in the middle of games.”
“But the best of all, is free and has no ads!!”
“With the new ads popping up before starting the game (10s no way to skip) and now in between and even after the game, this is a complete distraction from playing anymore, that also deters me from even considering purchasing this game.”
“The ads have become so frustrating recently.”
“I can't even start the game anymore without watching a handful of ads.”
- graphics414 mentions
- 76 % positive mentions
- 21 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The graphics of the chess game have received a mixed response from users, with many praising the customizable options and 3D visuals, while others noted that some graphics could be improved or feel outdated. Overall, the game is described as visually appealing with clear and intuitive designs, though there are suggestions for enhancements to elevate the graphical experience further. Many users appreciate the balance between aesthetics and functionality, making it enjoyable for both casual and serious players.
“The graphics are beautiful and no stupid ads jumping on your face.”
“Graphics are excellent, no lag, moves are clear, lots of customization, connects to Google Play Games.”
“Great graphics on the 3D mode and depending on your skill set, the application allows you to determine your own challenge level.”
“Terrible graphics, poor contrast, uninstalled as soon as I opened it.”
“Graphics are not up to date.”
“Graphics need to be improved.”
- gameplay101 mentions
- 59 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
Overall, the gameplay is highly praised for its smoothness, customization options, and challenging AI, making it suitable for players of all skill levels. However, users have noted issues with complex menus, inconsistent AI difficulty, and occasional bugs that disrupt the experience. While the app offers a solid platform for learning and improving chess skills, improvements in online gameplay speed and user interface are desired.
“The gameplay is easily customizable to your skill level.”
“Gameplay is challenging, and you can even record and review your games to study later.”
“Great gameplay and graphics.”
“To make this app playable online, there needs to be either a timer or another mechanic to prevent this.”
“The online multiplayer is extremely slow and makes the gameplay extremely boring.”
“It was good until I started getting kicked out all the time of matches because of the server, and the people who harass you with messages during gameplay; there's no way to report them.”
- stability60 mentions
- 8 % positive mentions
- 15 % neutral mentions
- 77 % negative mentions
The stability of the app is a mixed bag, with many users reporting frequent freezes, crashes, and glitches, particularly during ads and multiplayer sessions. While some players experience a smooth interface with minimal issues, a significant number express frustration over the app's instability, especially after recent updates. Overall, the app's performance is inconsistent, with a notable divide between those who encounter severe bugs and those who report a bug-free experience.
“Wonderful for a free app, with minimally disruptive ads, a silky smooth interface with no glitches and an AI that is progressively aggressive, which doesn't leave me in the mud too early as I learn.”
“Best chess out there: clear looks, bug-free, and all the options available easily.”
“App runs smoothly and quickly, no glitches.”
“Even after uninstalling and reinstalling, I can't get through a game without multiple freezes, stutters, and crashes.”
“Hopefully it gets fixed because I love this chess app, but I'm not going to play when I can't focus on the board because of a buggy background that won't stop flashing.”
“The game arbitrarily freezes certain pieces sometimes.”
- music36 mentions
- 11 % positive mentions
- 81 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The music experience in the game is heavily disrupted by intrusive ads that not only mute or stop any background music players but also play their own sounds, making it frustrating for players who wish to enjoy music while gaming. Many users express a desire for the option to toggle relaxing background music within the game itself, as the current ad interruptions significantly detract from the overall experience. Overall, the integration of ads is seen as a major drawback, overshadowing the potential for a more enjoyable musical atmosphere during gameplay.
“I would love some thinking music 🎶 though.”
“Some music might be nice, but that's just my opinion.”
“Osm music concept and great controls; I am flat on this game.”
“It is impossible to see where to mute the music and where to skip the ad as the tiny buttons are deliberately disguised against the background, and you quite often click on the wrong area by mistake, opening the ad.”
“Unacceptable full screen ads with sound; I am totally fine with banner ads and non-intrusive advertising, but full screen advertisements with sound that interrupt my music are unacceptable.”
“Game that turns off my music when it runs an ad gets an instant zero rating.”
- optimization31 mentions
- 52 % positive mentions
- 35 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
Overall, the optimization of the game has received mixed reviews. While many users report smooth gameplay and excellent performance on various devices, some have experienced issues such as stuttering, slow speeds, and performance drops, particularly with limited RAM. Additionally, concerns about ads impacting performance have been noted, but the interface and options available are generally praised.
“This app runs smoothly with no bugs on the Galaxy S20.”
“The interface is great, the sounds are great, ads are rare, overall a really solid performance!”
“Great board, flawless design, seamless performance.”
“I had tried this game 3 times in the past 4 years but always disappointed by the engine's slow performance.”
“Great game, but it has some 'stuttering' glitches where the pieces move back and forth rapidly by themselves and then the game freezes.”
“Application is designed well but performance is the worst.”
- emotional8 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users express frustration with intrusive ads that disrupt gameplay and lead to accidental mistakes, which can diminish the emotional enjoyment of the game. However, some players appreciate the overall experience, finding it challenging yet wholesome, evoking feelings of peace and satisfaction. The need for improvements, such as an undo feature, is highlighted to enhance emotional engagement and reduce frustration.
“Thank you for enjoyable wholesome and fun challenging entertainment!”
“A good experience made me think and made me feel good and peaceful ❤️😘😘”
- humor8 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is generally well-received, with players finding it both entertaining and amusing, particularly noting the comedic delivery of certain phrases like "checkmate." Many reviews highlight the game's fun factor and its ability to provide laughter while engaging in gameplay, making it enjoyable across various difficulty levels and modes. Overall, the humor adds a lighthearted touch that enhances the gaming experience.
“It is fun and the way the voice says 'checkmate' is hilarious.”
“Very nice game, funny and has multiple difficulties that can be chosen by the player with multiple modes, I like it.”
“It's funny, I like learning from being well... beaten.”
- story6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game is described as lacking depth and engagement, with players finding it repetitive and occasionally frustrating due to server issues in online multiplayer. While the graphics and missions are appreciated, the overall narrative experience is considered underwhelming and sometimes boring.
“The story takes unexpected turns during online multiplayer, keeping players engaged despite server issues.”
“The graphics are impressive, and the missions are well-crafted, enhancing the overall narrative experience.”
“The narrative is compelling, making each mission feel significant and immersive.”
“I suppose that means mission accomplished, but it sure made things not so great.”
“I must be missing something; I play as a quest and it gives me about one in five games, which is a bit annoying.”
“But the story turns around during online multiplayer; server issues will kill your patience.”
- grinding4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Users find the grinding aspect of the game tedious, particularly due to the lengthy and repetitive ads that interrupt gameplay. Many express frustration with the need to reset frequently, which adds to the overall monotony.
“The commercials are tedious, and that's how I found other chess programs.”
“It's a reset status, but it gets very tedious to reset over and over again.”
“Since the last update, the ads are longer and make playing tedious.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The atmosphere is characterized by a minimal yet diverse selection of boards and pieces, contributing to an intricate and detailed environment. Players find it relaxing and easy-paced, fostering a peaceful ambiance throughout the experience.
“Very minimal yet a bit diverse options of boards and pieces, which creates an intricate and detailed atmosphere.”
“Relaxing and easy-paced, peaceful atmosphere.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Users note that the game's design enhances replayability by allowing players to progress more easily, preventing them from getting stuck on levels. This feature encourages continued engagement and exploration of the game.
“The variety of choices and paths you can take makes each playthrough feel fresh and exciting.”
“With multiple endings and character builds, I find myself coming back to explore every possibility.”
“The dynamic events and random encounters ensure that no two runs are ever the same.”
“The lack of meaningful choices makes replaying the game feel pointless.”
“Once you've completed the game, there's little incentive to go back and play it again.”
“The game offers no new content or variations in gameplay on subsequent playthroughs.”