Lazy Chess
- March 12, 2021
- Cinq-Mars Media
"Lazy Chess" is a casual, non-profit chess puzzle game that uses the Stockfish engine to suggest the best 2, 3, or 4 moves for each turn. The engine doesn't reveal which move is the best until after you've made your choice, adding an element of surprise. The game reduces the intimidation factor for new players while still offering a challenging and engaging experience. With limited move options that can always win the match, it's up to you to make strong decisions and progress in the game.
Reviews
- The concept of Lazy Chess, which restricts players to choosing from the best available moves, offers a unique and casual chess experience that can be enjoyable for short sessions.
- The game includes various modes and challenges, providing extra content that can enhance the gameplay experience.
- Despite its limitations, Lazy Chess is considered a good way for beginners to learn chess without the pressure of memorizing openings or making rookie mistakes.
- The game can be unreliable in suggesting the best moves, as it may not align with other chess engines like Stockfish, leading to frustration for players seeking accurate guidance.
- There is no option to play traditional chess or customize positions, which limits the gameplay experience and can be a significant drawback for some players.
- The user interface and overall polish of the game are lacking, with issues such as being a mobile port and a confusing menu that detracts from the overall experience.
- gameplay6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Players note that the gameplay mechanics are immediately introduced without much explanation, leading to a somewhat abrupt immersion into the game. This design choice may leave some feeling disoriented, as it lacks a gradual onboarding process.
“The gameplay jumps right in without much explanation or mechanical interaction, making it an engaging experience from the start.”
“You can't turn off this mechanic, which adds a unique layer to the gameplay.”
“The gameplay cleverly makes you realize that it's a game like any other, drawing parallels to familiar mechanics.”
“You open the game and it jumps right in without much explanation or mechanical interaction.”
“The first one is that you can’t turn off this mechanic.”
“Remember that Penny Arcade strip where the main characters, by thinking of football in terms of video game mechanics, finally realize that it's actually a game like any other?”
- optimization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's optimization is notable for its adaptive AI, which adjusts the difficulty based on the player's performance, providing a tailored experience. However, this dynamic can complicate the overall balance and simplicity of gameplay.
- stability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game has been criticized for its significant stability issues, with multiple users reporting frequent bugs that detract from an otherwise enjoyable concept.
“Really buggy; it's a shame because it has a really fun idea.”
“Really buggy; it's a shame because it has a really fun idea.”