Chessmaster

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Ubisoft
  • Release Date: May 28, 2003
Chessmaster Image
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 14 Ratings

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  • Summary: Test your chess skills against live opponents online or improve your game immediately at chess school. The game includes a variety of chess modes, such as Quick Game, Rated Play, Handicap, Set-up Position, and Puzzle. Along with the most powerful chess engine available on the console,Test your chess skills against live opponents online or improve your game immediately at chess school. The game includes a variety of chess modes, such as Quick Game, Rated Play, Handicap, Set-up Position, and Puzzle. Along with the most powerful chess engine available on the console, Chessmaster also includes features just for fun. Josh Waitzkin gives advice and easy-to-understand instructions for improving your game. [Ubi Soft]… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Cheat Code Central
    100
    This is the complete package, whether you're a beginner or veteran genius this title has no equal among the consoles. The tutorials are amazing.
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Game Chronicles
    88
    The fact that it is the only PS2 chess game available, has online support, and is only $20 makes this a no-brainer for anyone with the slightest interest in chess and doesn’t already have another recent chess game lying around.
  3. Game Informer
    88
    This is strictly for hardcore chess players..., but I can't think of a game that can deliver the amount of depth of Chessmaster. [Sept 2003, p.109]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. netjak
    74
    If you like to play, you’ll find great teaching utilities to improve your game, as well as a powerful system to challenge you. If you have no interest in chess whatsoever, steer clear.
    All this publication's reviews
  5. GameSpot
    73
    Even given the varied gameplay in the single-player component, Chessmaster's online support is perhaps its most appealing feature, at least in theory.
  6. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    70
    A full-featured chess game... But it's flawed in a lot of little ways, and these little flaws add up. [July 2003, p.93]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. GameSpy
    62
    All the PS2 will get you is some interface problems, a lack of anyone to play with online, and maybe a headache from the abundance of flickering text in the game's many high-resolution screens.

See all 9 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 2 out of 11
  1. Monkena
    Jun 26, 2020
    10
    The greatest chess game of all time. It has all the features you would want from a chess client, and the presentation is on point. EspeciallyThe greatest chess game of all time. It has all the features you would want from a chess client, and the presentation is on point. Especially loved Josh's commentary. Truly a hidden gem.… Expand
  2. Keith1F.
    Jun 8, 2003
    10
    Amazing game.
  4. JamesA.
    Apr 26, 2005
    10
    Only problem - no zoom ... The A.I is near impossible to defeat ... I mean you have to be a very skilled (Tournament or advanced Club) player Only problem - no zoom ... The A.I is near impossible to defeat ... I mean you have to be a very skilled (Tournament or advanced Club) player in order to defeat any of the players ranked over 2500 ... very challenging - A tactician's dream.… Expand
  5. JeffMcCoy
    Jun 6, 2003
    9
    Chessmaster is by far the greastest chess franchise on the face of the earth. With that said, this game continues the great franchise with Chessmaster is by far the greastest chess franchise on the face of the earth. With that said, this game continues the great franchise with varied opponents, chess tutorials, tournements out the wazoo, and online play (read unlimited replay value). The camera an be a bit wierd (NO ZOOM?!!!) But that is my only complaint. For only $20 you can't go wrong with this title.… Expand
  6. HardcoreGamer
    Jun 24, 2003
    9
    Obviously it's not action packed, but for the right type of person (someone interested in chess), this game is perfect.
  7. NateC.
    Jun 13, 2003
    8
    Great game for any level of chess player.
  8. yourmum
    May 15, 2003
    1
    this is the worst game out i've only seen the review but that's all i need to declare this game fucked up This review has made methis is the worst game out i've only seen the review but that's all i need to declare this game fucked up This review has made me dummer just by reading it and trying to imagine what it would be like. you should but all the copies and indiviually snap each of the disks.… Expand

See all 11 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

59
#59 Best PS2 Game of 2003
73
#73 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2003