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Chess Survivors

Chess Survivors Game Cover
98%Game Brain Score
gameplay, replayability
graphics, story
98% User Score Based on 82 reviews

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Chess Survivors Game Cover

About

Chess Survivors is a single player casual role playing game. It was developed by Aarimous and was released on August 31, 2023. It received overwhelmingly positive reviews from players.

"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.

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Chess Survivors screenshot
Chess Survivors screenshot
Chess Survivors screenshot
Chess Survivors screenshot
Chess Survivors screenshot
Chess Survivors screenshot
Chess Survivors screenshot
Chess Survivors screenshot
Chess Survivors screenshot
Chess Survivors screenshot
Chess Survivors screenshot
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98%
Audience ScoreBased on 82 reviews
gameplay6 positive mentions
graphics3 negative mentions
  • Chess Survivors offers a unique and addictive blend of turn-based strategy and real-time gameplay, making it a refreshing take on the survivor genre.
  • The game features a variety of characters and abilities, providing significant replayability and opportunities for creative builds.
  • The developer is actively engaged with the community, implementing feedback and updates that enhance the overall experience.
  • Some players find the game lacks depth and content, leading to a repetitive experience after a few hours of play.
  • The graphics and overall polish may feel basic compared to other titles in the genre, which could detract from the experience for some players.
  • The absence of an endless mode and certain achievements can be frustrating for completionists and those seeking long-term engagement.
  • gameplay
    18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay is a unique blend of turn-based and real-time mechanics, reminiscent of chess and the bullet heaven genre, offering an engaging experience that encourages repeated playthroughs. While the graphics may be basic and some mechanics familiar, the innovative integration of chess elements adds depth and replay value. Although the core gameplay is enjoyable, there is potential for further development and expansion to enhance the overall experience.

    • “An extremely interesting mix of turn-based and real-time gameplay.”
    • “Very fun and interesting concept with intriguing interactions between turn-based and real-time mechanics.”
    • “It’s got incredible replay value and unique mechanics, great ‘gimmicks’ and I love the parallels it pulls from the real game.”
    • “There's no real game mechanic here that hasn't been proven before.”
    • “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.”
    • “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.”
  • replayability
    9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, the game offers significant replayability due to its unique mechanics, diverse combinations of abilities, and character unlocks, which keep players engaged despite its relatively short length. While some users express concerns about the current replay value depending on individual skill levels, many appreciate the potential for future enhancements, such as daily challenges, to further boost replayability.

    • “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.”
    • “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.”
    • “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.”
  • graphics
    5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics are described as basic yet polished, with some users noting a DIY feel to the visuals. While they may not compete with more graphically advanced games, the simplicity is often overshadowed by the engaging gameplay that combines chess mechanics with a vampire survivor theme. Overall, there are minor UI and graphical improvements suggested, but the visuals do not detract significantly from the overall experience.

    • “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'.”
    • “There are certainly some small UI/graphical/sound improvements to be made, but other than that I don't really have any serious flaws to point out.”
    • “Compared to some games out there, it has more basic graphics and sometimes seems to be held together with duct tape.”
    • “Visuals are simple but look polished.”
    • “There are certainly some small UI/graphical/sound improvements to be made.”
  • music
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game has received positive feedback, with players praising the soundtrack as "fire" and expressing excitement over 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.

    • “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.”
  • humor
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    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.”
  • story
    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    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 resonate well with players seeking a deeper or more engaging storyline.

    • “The story feels like a generic fill-in, with the typical prince saving the princess trope that doesn't add any depth to the game.”
    • “The narrative is lacking and fails to engage, making it feel more like a 2D game with no real story to tell.”
    • “I would suggest a more developed narrative, but it seems like the game is only trying to mimic classic Mario without any originality.”
  • grinding
    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players note that grinding becomes necessary to achieve full completion, often feeling that significant effort is required to reach milestones, as evidenced by one user who found themselves at only 500 out of 1000 progress after unlocking other achievements.

    • “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 engaged with the game.”
    • “I spent hours grinding for resources, only to realize it was all for a small incremental upgrade.”
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10h Median play time
15h Average play time
5-30h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 3 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Chess Survivors is a casual role playing game.

Chess Survivors is available on PC, Mac OS, Windows and Linux.

On average players spend around 15 hours playing Chess Survivors.

Chess Survivors was released on August 31, 2023.

Chess Survivors was developed by Aarimous.

Chess Survivors has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from players. Most players liked this game for its gameplay but disliked it for its graphics.

Chess Survivors is a single player game.

Similar games include Yet Another Zombie Survivors, Nomad Survival, Rogue: Genesia, Army of Ruin, Boneraiser Minions and others.