|
|
ChessMaster
|
|
|
|
|
|
Graphics & Sound:
The graphics aren't bad at all... you can choose from five different piece color settings, five different board color settings, and four different piece sets. And, as far as the sound, the sound effects are okay, but the cool thing is the digitized voice used at key times. When you first turn ChessMaster on, the intro screen pops up and you hear "Welcome to ChessMaster," while the Game Boy vibrates in sync. That's when you know Mindscape has done it again.
|
|
|
Gameplay:
If you're like me, your first assumption is that you couldn't possibly be beaten in chess by a small plastic box. That would be your first mistake. ChessMaster for the Game Boy (and Game Boy Color) plays a pretty decent game of chess. And with 16 difficulty levels, you should be able to find a level that you can handle. With the two player mode, you could just beat up on a friend. Also, there's a takeback/replay option that comes in handy when you're trying to learn from your mistakes. ChessMaster also has a Teaching Mode (for the basics), Blindfold Games, Timed Chess, and an Opening Book Library. You can even set up any chess problems, and then analyze and solve them. As usual, Mindscape gets the most out of a system with ChessMaster.
|
|
|
Difficulty:
If you are a beginner, or if you've played a little chess in your time, you will find that the ChessMaster game has a challenge level to match your skill. There are 16 difficulty levels to choose from, and if you're a complete beginner at chess, ChessMaster's teaching system is just the trick to explain the basics.
|
|
|
Game Mechanics:
ChessMaster is a fairly deep chess game for a small, portable gaming system. The game seems to be ready for simple, straight forward opening moves, but is much less prepared for more strategic, involved openings. A well designed, well executed title.
|
|
|
-Geck0, GameVortex Communications AKA Robert Perkins |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
