Chessmaster

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Ubisoft
  • Release Date: May 28, 2003
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
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  1. 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 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.
  2. BillK.
    Jun 2, 2003
    8
    First the bad...same problems as most chess video games I've played: view isn't perfect, with the prettier boards its hard to differentiate the pieces (i.e. a pawn from a bishop)...there's no zoom in/out or "fly-by" feature, although you can rotate the board. Having said that, Chessmaster DOES offer an INFINITE amount of opponent options, online capability, a great Chess First the bad...same problems as most chess video games I've played: view isn't perfect, with the prettier boards its hard to differentiate the pieces (i.e. a pawn from a bishop)...there's no zoom in/out or "fly-by" feature, although you can rotate the board. Having said that, Chessmaster DOES offer an INFINITE amount of opponent options, online capability, a great Chess School mode (that ranges from newbie to deeply advanced strategy training), and a cool Medieval Battle mode. Chessmaster would've been a must-buy at $50, so you can't go wrong for the release price of $20.… Expand
  3. 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.
  4. 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 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.
  5. Keith1F.
    Jun 8, 2003
    10
    Amazing game.
  6. IAmTheRaterOfAllGamesHereMeRoar
    Jul 18, 2003
    2
    Worst ever man. bad game.
  7. JabareeB.
    Jan 29, 2004
    9
    This is an excellent tutorial for chess players. It contains so much information that it will take years to learn all the techniques available.
  8. 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 worth of the game to an actual player was compelling. I personally love this game, so the 9 of 10 is my rating.
  9. 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 in order to defeat any of the players ranked over 2500 ... very challenging - A tactician's dream.
  10. NateC.
    Jun 13, 2003
    8
    Great game for any level of chess player.
  11. 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. Especially loved Josh's commentary. Truly a hidden gem.

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. 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]
  2. 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.
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  3. 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.
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