Chessmaster

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

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
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  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.
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  2. 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]
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  3. 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.
  5. IGN
    85
    Anyone with even a slight interest in chess owes it to themselves to check out Chessmaster. There really is no better teacher, mentor, or opponent (that's not a human, of course) out there.
  6. 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
  7. 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.
  8. 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]
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  9. PSX Nation
    70
    Ubi Soft should be commended for not only being the first developer/publisher to appeal to a niche audience like console chess players, but to do it with a affordable quality product that can be enjoyed online just as much as offline with friends and family.
  10. 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.

Awards & Rankings

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

User Reviews

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User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 14
  3. Negative: 3 out of 14
  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.… Full Review »
  2. 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.… Full Review »
  3. SlaidgeA.
    Apr 26, 2005
    9
    Speaking as a tournament player - I expected to breeze through this game ... not only was I surprised by the challenge - but the overall Speaking as a tournament player - I expected to breeze through this game ... not only was I surprised by the challenge - but the overall worth of the game to an actual player was compelling. I personally love this game, so the 9 of 10 is my rating.… Full Review »
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