Samurai Chess
- April 16, 2021
- Minimol Games
The classical game of chess... now with samurai warriors! Play chess against your friends (locally) or versus the computer, unlock new scenarios and chess pieces, and prove yourself to be a real samurai. Features: Play against the computer with 3 different difficult levels; Unlock up to 12 beautiful scenarios for you to play in; Unlock 2 more chess pieces, with more elaborate designs an…
Reviews
- The game features beautiful, immersive art and a relaxing soundtrack that enhances the chess experience.
- It offers a standard chess gameplay with various options for time, difficulty, and piece appearances, making it enjoyable for both casual and dedicated players.
- Players appreciate the swift movement of pieces and the absence of drawn-out animations, allowing for a smooth gaming experience.
- The AI difficulty levels are inconsistent, with many players finding the AI too aggressive even on the easiest settings, making it unwelcoming for beginners.
- The game suffers from technical issues, including bugs that can cause soft-locks after winning, hindering progress and achievement unlocks.
- There are concerns about the game's legitimacy due to its association with asset flipping and unethical practices by the developer, raising doubts about its value.
- music9 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 22 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally praised for its high quality and relaxing nature, enhancing the overall atmosphere. While some users note that the music can be repetitive, it is still considered pleasant and immersive, contributing positively to the gaming experience. Overall, the soundtrack is seen as a strong aspect that complements the game's visuals and mood.
“The music and sound effects are great, really high quality and pleasant to listen to.”
“A beautiful game with a relaxing soundtrack.”
“With wonderful, immersive art and soundtrack in the samurai world, this game has raised the bar for chess games to another level.”
“A score of 6 because it is quite repetitive (as it would be, it's chess). Music is repetitive, and I would really like an easier mode to enjoy with a cup of coffee while I do a quick training session for my brain.”
“Music is repetitive, so chuck on some tunes.”
- graphics8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The graphics are characterized as low-poly yet visually appealing, with a unique art style that enhances the overall atmosphere of the game. While most visuals are well-received, some stages suffer from poor lighting that can obscure gameplay elements. Overall, the graphics contribute positively to the game's aesthetic and immersive experience.
“I love the art style, the artistic direction, the sound, the environment, and everything this game has to offer vibe-wise.”
“The mood of the game is very interesting with high-quality graphics and soundtrack.”
“A simple take on PC chess with a neat aesthetic and competent AI that keeps games moving at a good pace.”
“The graphics are underwhelming and lack detail, making the game feel outdated.”
“The visual effects are minimal and do not enhance the overall experience.”
“The character models are poorly designed and lack the polish expected from modern games.”
- grinding3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players generally find the grinding aspect to be average, as it is not essential for progression but is necessary to unlock more exciting content. While some appreciate the engaging combat mechanics, others feel that the grinding can become tedious and time-consuming.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“Great concept; they actually swoosh you with their sword, fun and tedious at the same time.”
“Average grind level - you don't need it to progress, but you need a little grinding to unlock cooler things.”
- monetization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game has been criticized for being exploitative, with accusations of plagiarism and asset flipping, as well as a lack of proper credit to original creators. Users have noted a pattern of suspicious reviews and accounts that appear to promote these cash grab tactics shortly after the game's release on Steam.
“The developers didn't credit any of the artists and real game developers who created the assets, so this feels like plagiarism and a cash grab.”
“The reviews are all written in either Russian or broken English, appearing almost simultaneously shortly after the game launched on Steam. They all have a direct purchase of the game and are consistently used to write fake reviews for asset flips and other cash grabs.”
- story2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The reviews indicate that the game lacks a narrative component, with players noting that it is fundamentally a chess experience without any story elements.
“There is no story - again, is this what you paid for? It's simply chess.”
“The narrative is non-existent, leaving players feeling disconnected and unengaged.”
“I expected a rich storyline, but instead, I was met with a lack of depth and character development.”
- gameplay1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The gameplay is generally praised for its engaging mechanics and fluid controls, providing a satisfying experience that keeps players invested. However, some users noted occasional pacing issues and repetitive elements that can detract from the overall enjoyment. Overall, the gameplay strikes a balance between challenge and accessibility, appealing to a wide range of players.