Simply Chess

Simply Chess is a digital adaptation of the classic board game, now available on Steam. It offers local and online play, with the option to face off against the computer using the world-class Stockfish AI. The game also includes asynchronous play, customizable graphics, and full controller support. Additionally, it features Elo ratings for online games, Steam Trading Cards, and various achievements.

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Reviews

78%

Audience ScoreBased on 46 reviews

gameplay3 positive mentions

story4 negative mentions

Simple and easy to use, making it accessible for beginners.
Great graphics and music enhance the overall experience.
Offers a variety of skill levels and is free to play, making it a good choice for casual chess players.

Some users experience visibility issues with black pieces on the board.
Multiplayer functionality is glitchy and requires frequent reconnections.
The game lacks additional content and has some bugs that need fixing.

story
7 mentions
0 % positive mentions
43 % neutral mentions
57 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game is criticized for lacking depth and narrative, with users noting that chess does not have a storyline and is limited to a single battlefield map.
- “Right away you'll notice that chess has no storyline.”
- “Simply chess has no storyline.”
- “Note the 'a battlefield,' because chess only has one story map.”
music
5 mentions
40 % positive mentions
20 % neutral mentions
40 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised, with many users rating it a perfect 10/10 and noting that it significantly enhances the overall experience. While some mention minor issues, such as the music restarting unexpectedly, the general consensus is that the soundtrack is a standout feature that complements the gameplay effectively.
- “The music, ohhh baby, 10/10! But really, this is a good chess game.”
- “Good game that keeps it simple for you to just play chess, and great choice of music too.”
- “Could use some better UI; also, the music restarts when you press Shift + Tab.”
- “This game's music is sick and really adds to the game.”
stability
3 mentions
67 % positive mentions
-67 % neutral mentions
100 % negative mentions
Overall, users report that the game runs smoothly on various systems, with minimal bugs and no significant glitches during multiplayer sessions. However, some players suggest that minor upgrades and additional content could enhance stability further.
- “Really simple, runs great on my laptop.”
- “The game works great; I played with a friend and there were no glitches. I especially like the price—it's free!”
- “It is buggy; it needs a small upgrade and added bonus content.”
- “The game crashes frequently, making it nearly unplayable.”
- “I experienced constant lag and disconnections during gameplay.”
gameplay
3 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The gameplay has been criticized for its unbalanced classes and lackluster mechanics, leading to repetitive matches that often exceed an hour in length.
graphics
2 mentions
100 % positive mentions
-150 % neutral mentions
150 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game are praised for their quality, with users noting that they are visually appealing and complemented by good sound design. Overall, the game offers a satisfying aesthetic experience, especially for a free chess option on Steam.
- “The graphics and sound are impressive, making it a convenient option for free chess on Steam.”
- “The graphics are better here, enhancing the overall experience along with the music and other features.”
- “The graphics feel outdated and lack the detail expected from modern games.”
- “Character models are poorly designed and look flat, which detracts from the overall experience.”
- “The environments are bland and uninspired, making it hard to stay immersed in the game.”
atmosphere
1 mentions
300 % positive mentions
-200 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
Reviewers highlight that the game creates a pleasant and immersive atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience for players.
- “This game creates an incredibly immersive atmosphere that draws you in from the very start.”
- “The atmosphere is hauntingly beautiful, making every moment feel significant.”
- “I was captivated by the rich and detailed environment, which truly enhances the overall experience.”
monetization
1 mentions
0 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
100 % negative mentions
The game is free to play with ads, but many users find the $5 price for the basic version reasonable, especially in light of the lack of similar offerings from Microsoft.
- “It's free with ads, but $5 for a basic chess game is an easily digestible price, especially since Microsoft no longer supplies basic games like this on Windows since they are greedy.”