Chessmaster: The Art of Learning

 DS
  • Publisher: Ubisoft
  • Release Date: Oct 23, 2007
  • Also On: PC
Metascore
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No score yet - based on 3 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
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  1. IGN
    78
    With one exception, this is about as good a handheld chess collection as any DS owner could hope for.
  2. GameZone
    78
    The presentation sucks, but games are ultimately about something more than that. They’re about the entertainment value, and if you’re a fan of chess or don’t yet know how to play, Chessmaster is great game to have on your DS.
  3. PALGN
    70
    A great Chess game for those who want to learn Chess or for those who have been playing for years.

User Reviews

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User Score
6.7

Mixed or average reviews- based on 10 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 10
  3. Negative: 2 out of 10
  1. PatrickCarroll
    Jul 21, 2008
    8
    A fine chess game for the DS. Huge improvement over the chess game included in "Clubhouse Games."

    There's nothing special about the    A fine chess game for the DS. Huge improvement over the chess game included in "Clubhouse Games."

    There's nothing special about the graphics, music, or sound effects, but they're all quite adequate.

    The interface is slightly annoying (for instance, you have to choose a language preference every time you start the game; luckily English is the default).

    I don't know how strong the game engine is, but it poses a challenge to a novice-intermediate player like me. And I find that even the lower-rated AI players usually make humanlike moves rather than the predictably bad computerlike moves you sometimes see.

    This DS version is missing a lot of the features found in PC versions of Chessmaster, but it has all one needs and then some. Also included are a few minigame alternatives to straight chess (various kinds of fun practice exercises).

    On the whole, I'm pleased that Chessmaster DS not only plays a challenging game, but it's also user-friendly. I've always had some version of Chessmaster on my PC, but it's such a brain-straining game that I find it intimidating and usually choose to play something else instead. I feel good about popping the Chessmaster cartridge into my DS, though, because I know I can play an unrated just-for-fun game, fool around with minigames, or whatever I like. I don't feel pressured to be a genius; this game assures me it's OK to be a learner (even if I have been a novice for some forty years).    … Full Review »
  2. DanielM.
    Apr 24, 2008
    9
    Just had to chime in on this one. Chessmaster on the DS is an excellent chess game. Plays much stronger than the Chess in Clubhouse GamesJust had to chime in on this one. Chessmaster on the DS is an excellent chess game. Plays much stronger than the Chess in Clubhouse Games which really stinks. Chessmaster will give you a good game. The personalities and rating system really make the game a lot of fun. The board is 2D and very easy to see. The bonuses are the only negative part. The lessons are really short and too simple. There are no historic games included which would be realy nice to have in a portable format and the puzzles where you fork fruit and stuff is really kind of lame. When you want to play a quick game of chess this thing is great. You can choose color, set time limits, and play in a hurry. The only real negative is the lack of WiFi online play but to me it isn't too bad since the personalities are fun to play against and finding someone online can take 10 to 15 minutes of waiting like in Clubhouse games or Chessmaster on the XBOX. Instead of waiting to play people who quit as soon as they start losing, I'd rather play the computer... I highly recommend this game to anyone who wants to play chess it is stronger than the Clubhouse Games and easier to sue and more fun than the GBA version which'll play in the DS.… Full Review »
  3. GobinderG.
    Jan 27, 2008
    9
    I love it! It works beautifully and is very easy on the eyes. Chess is the best game of all time and the DS is the greatest handheld gaming I love it! It works beautifully and is very easy on the eyes. Chess is the best game of all time and the DS is the greatest handheld gaming machine; what's not to like? It's a match made in heaven. Honestly this might be the best game on the DS (and thats saying something...).… Full Review »
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