Chess Survivors
- August 31, 2023
- Aarimous
- 10h median play time
Get on Steam"Chess Survivors" is a fast-paced, roguelike game featuring chess-based movement and enemies. With quick 10-21 minute play sessions, players must outmaneuver and destroy an ever-growing horde, using unique builds created from character choices, random loot, and upgrades. The game rewards skill with no meta progression, providing a challenging and engaging experience for both chess and video game enthusiasts.
Mac OS
PC
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Reviews
- Unique and innovative blend of turn-based strategy and bullet heaven mechanics, providing a fresh take on the survivors genre.
- High replayability with diverse characters, abilities, and a satisfying progression system that keeps players engaged.
- Fast-paced gameplay that is easy to pick up, yet offers depth and strategic elements that can be mastered over time.
- Some players find the turn timer too restrictive, making it difficult to strategize effectively during gameplay.
- Lack of content and variety in builds can lead to repetitive gameplay after a few hours.
- Visuals and animations may feel inconsistent or simplistic, detracting from the overall experience.
- gameplay19 mentions
- 32 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 16 % negative mentions
The gameplay combines turn-based mechanics with real-time strategy, creating a unique experience that engages players with its chess-like movement and intriguing interactions. While it features familiar mechanics reminiscent of other games in the genre, the integration of chess elements adds depth and replay value. Although some players note potential repetitiveness and a need for further development, the core gameplay is generally well-received and offers a fun distraction.
“Compared to some games out there, it's got more basic graphics and sometimes seems to be held together with duct tape, but it all doesn't matter because the gameplay feels like it actually melds chess and vampire survivors in a way that teases your brain while also demanding 'one more run'.”
“An extremely fun take on the bullet heaven genre that mixes turn-based gameplay with real-time strategy.”
“Very fun and interesting concept with intriguing interactions between turn-based and real-time mechanics.”
“The less turn time you have, the faster the unlock progression is, meaning that builds that don't trivialize the chess-like movement mechanics become harder than others.”
“There's no real game mechanic here that hasn't been proven before.”
“Once you've figured out how each ability works and upgrades, the gameplay loop may get a bit repetitive; however, Chess Survivors is early in its release at this point and has much growing room available.”
- replayability10 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 30 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
Overall, the game is praised for its high replayability, with unique mechanics and a variety of combinations that keep players engaged. While some users note that the game is relatively short and may benefit from additional features like daily challenges, the diverse abilities and characters available ensure that each run feels distinct and rewarding. Players appreciate the potential for exploration and mastery, contributing to its lasting appeal.
“It’s got incredible replay value and unique mechanics, great ‘gimmicks’ and I love the parallels it pulls from the real game.”
“The many combinations of abilities, relics, and characters you can make each run makes every run unique and makes it very replayable; finding the perfect 'broken' combination is very rewarding and fun.”
“Whilst the game as a whole is rather short, with most things being unlocked after a few runs, there is enough replay value to keep you coming back for more.”
“I'm not sure how replayable it currently is, but I don't see why it can't be made to be ('daily challenge' perhaps?).”
“Depending on your current understanding of chess and ability to quickly process turn-based gameplay, the amount of replayability may be low at this time.”
- graphics6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are described as simple and polished, though some users find the pixel art style inconsistent and basic compared to other titles. While there are minor UI and graphical improvements suggested, the overall visuals do not detract from the engaging gameplay that combines elements of chess and vampire survivors. The game is particularly well-suited for touchscreen devices, enhancing the user experience.
“Visuals are simple but look polished.”
“Compared to some games out there, it's got more basic graphics and sometimes seems to be held together with duct tape, but it all doesn't matter because the gameplay feels like it actually melds chess and vampire survivors in a way that teases your brain while also demanding 'one more run'.”
“Probably already mentioned in every second review, but the inclusion of chess works, and even compared to other games that have more build variety or better graphics, I like this one most of the time a bit more.”
“The art style for the pixel art is jarringly inconsistent.”
“Compared to some games out there, it's got more basic graphics and sometimes seems to be held together with duct tape.”
“There are certainly some small UI/graphical/sound improvements to be made.”
- music3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received positive feedback, with players praising the soundtrack as "fire" and expressing excitement about its development process. While most tracks are well-received, one player noted a specific track that felt out of place, reminiscent of a dating game. Overall, the music enhances the gaming experience.
“Hope we get some new music; I love it!”
“The soundtrack is fire, and it's awesome to be playing something I saw the making of over many months of videos.”
“I didn't find any particular sounds that bothered me; though there was one music track that sounded like I was in the midst of a dating game.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is perceived as somewhat out of place, eliciting mixed reactions from players; while some find it amusing, others feel it doesn't quite fit the overall context.
“Even then, I didn't mind it; I just thought it was a bit out of place and rather funny.”
- story1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The story aspect is perceived as minimal and somewhat generic, resembling classic 2D platformers where the narrative primarily revolves around a prince saving a princess, which may not effectively enhance the gameplay experience.
“The story feels like a generic template, lacking any real depth or originality.”
“The narrative is so predictable that it takes away from the overall experience.”
“There is little to no character development, making it hard to care about the outcome.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players express frustration with the grinding aspect of the game, noting that by the time they reached the grinding phase, their progress was significantly low, indicating a tedious and time-consuming experience to achieve completion.
“By the time I had to start grinding for this, with every other achievement unlocked, my progress was only about 500/1000.”
“The grinding feels endless and tedious, making it hard to stay motivated.”
“I spent hours grinding for resources, only to realize it was all for a small incremental upgrade.”
