Chess Ultra

 Switch
Chess Ultra Image
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
6.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 26 Ratings

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  • Summary: Introducing the most breathtaking chess game ever made.

    Chess Ultra features stunning visuals, seamless online multiplayer and Grandmaster-approved AI to offer the ultimate chess experience. Explore an array of intricately crafted environments and choose from a selection of iconic chess    Introducing the most breathtaking chess game ever made.

    Chess Ultra features stunning visuals, seamless online multiplayer and Grandmaster-approved AI to offer the ultimate chess experience.

    Explore an array of intricately crafted environments and choose from a selection of iconic chess sets designed with both the modern and traditional chess player in mind.

    Whether you're a beginner or a veteran of the great game, Chess Ultra has something to offer for players of all ages and ability.    … Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. Digitally Downloaded
    Nov 8, 2017
    90
    Obviously the Switch loses the neat, but ultimately gimmicky PlayStation VR mode with Chess Ultra. What it replaces it with is a far superior featureset, though; cross platform play with anything but Sony’s console, as well as that really neat local multiplayer mode that turns the Switch into an impromptu board. That is so much more convenient than lugging a chess board down to your local café, park, or pub for a lazy afternoon of chess with friends.
  2. NintendoWorldReport
    Nov 9, 2017
    85
    Chess Ultra makes a terrific first impression with its strong visual presentation and continues to dazzle throughout. What resonated with me the most was just how accessible it is to players of all skill levels. For newcomers, tutorials and novice level computers help to ease you into the game. And for veterans, challenge modes and difficulty up to Grandmaster will certainly be a test of your skill. While I found some set pieces to be unusable and wish there was an online option for a continuous game, these were merely minor complaints in an otherwise outstanding offering from developer Ripstone.
  3. Worth Playing
    Jan 3, 2018
    85
    Chess Ultra is a great chess game and a welcome addition to the Switch's digital library of titles. Its in-depth tutorial offers a useful starting point for those new to the sport, while challenges, AI difficulties, and customizable matches ensure that established players have the tools needed to improve their game in a variety of formats. While the lack of a real-time filter for matchmaking is a bummer, Chess Ultra more than justifies its budget price tag of $12.50. Whether you are a grandmaster or a complete novice, Chess Ultra is a worthy entry into the world of virtual chess.
  4. Nintendo Life
    Nov 3, 2017
    80
    Chess Ultra is a welcome arrival on the Nintendo Switch; it's a visual treat, while also soothing you with pleasant music as you engage in a tough match. There are plenty of options and variety for online and offline matches, with the former being particularly enjoyable if you're able to get into a real-time contest. With Tournament play and some well constructed Challenges on board, along with Tutorials for newcomers, it ticks most boxes. It's another checkmate for the Switch eShop.
  5. Nintendo Enthusiast
    Nov 14, 2017
    70
    Chess Ultra is a nice little game to own. When Nintendo first began marketing the Switch, they really hammered home the idea of taking it where you go, and playing it to pass the time. I feel that this title is a perfect example of that. If a player has a few hours to kill, it’s probably best to play a big game like Super Mario Odyssey or The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. On the other hand, if someone has a mere few minutes to spare, turning on the Switch and playing a match of Chess would surely suffice.
  6. Impulsegamer
    Nov 16, 2017
    70
    In the end, Chess Ultra is chess that has been flawlessly ported onto the Nintendo Switch and offers a variety of different ways to immerse the Switch gamer into the world’s oldest game.
  7. Switch Player
    Nov 16, 2017
    70
    It would be hard to make a bad chess game, but it's not easy to make a beautiful one and that's what Ripstone have achieved with Ultra Chess. It's priced reasonably, plays and looks fantastic and if you are a strategy or chess-afficiando then it's a no-brainer. Unlike some of the matches you might play...

See all 8 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 8
  3. Negative: 5 out of 8
  1. Kakadu
    Apr 30, 2023
    9
    Solidly made and nicely looking chess game, with several difficulty levels and modes and relaxing background music.
  2. Obsid1anWolf
    Dec 7, 2020
    6
    Great game, but I wish the DLC store (eshop) was not such a big f**king button. I scroll over on accident all the time and hit that button onGreat game, but I wish the DLC store (eshop) was not such a big f**king button. I scroll over on accident all the time and hit that button on accident. It makes me mad and I just want to bash my switch into the wall.… Expand
  4. Phaidros
    Nov 17, 2017
    6
    I really like the Idea to have a portable tabletop Chess with me, that has only the size of the Switch. Plus, the graphics are nice too, youI really like the Idea to have a portable tabletop Chess with me, that has only the size of the Switch. Plus, the graphics are nice too, you can adjust viewing angles and whatnot. But you also HAVE to, because by default, they almost never show the board sufficiently (for my taste).
    The controls are not adjustable, that means you have to tip the control stick or the button EVERY time you want to move the cursor. It gets annoying if you want to cross the whole board.
    At the moment, there is no dlc available, but it looks like there will be in the future (option available in menue). However i would prefer to see more configuration options, rather than more design choices for the pieces and the board. I always use the standard board an pieces, because I sometimes have a hard time figuring out which piece is what, and that annoys me a lot.
    So, some more options, some dlc, and Chess Ultra could make it to a 8....    … Expand
  5. lgndsgn
    Jun 7, 2019
    2
    Cons: 1-online multiplayer sucks. Takes FOREVER to find an opponent (and they’re usually VERY new at chess). Online is basically useless.Cons: 1-online multiplayer sucks. Takes FOREVER to find an opponent (and they’re usually VERY new at chess). Online is basically useless. 2-lag is ridiculous, for even minor things like moving menu. 3-very little viewpoint management for 3D. 4-starting a new game is really bad ux. Pros: nice music/atmosphere, some puzzles are good
    Seriously, ALL they had to do was imitate every other online chess app and then just slap the pretty graphics/music onto it. And make sure it runs respectably. I love chess but I wasted money on this app    … Expand
  6. Civiliza
    Mar 5, 2023
    1
    Visually this game is pretty good - indeed the screen shots were a major factor in buying it. The major downside is that it persistently triesVisually this game is pretty good - indeed the screen shots were a major factor in buying it. The major downside is that it persistently tries to force you into a Nintendo Online subscription.

    I wasn't interested in online play, but every "achievement" be it completing any of the numerous tutorials, solving any puzzle, let alone winning a game brings up the Nintendo Online dialogue.

    Strictly for those willing to subscribe because without the simple addition of a "Don't ask again" option the offline only experience is horrendous due to the endless nagging.    … Expand
  7. JeremyReveiws
    Feb 4, 2023
    0
    I think the could make the game more balanced may be state with the horse I think it moves to well
  8. PetarSvacic
    Jul 14, 2023
    0
    It's everything but beginner friendly. You can't take back moves, the controls are weird and not intuitive. Often you make the wrong move byIt's everything but beginner friendly. You can't take back moves, the controls are weird and not intuitive. Often you make the wrong move by accident and you can't take it back and so you have to restart the entire game. Just annoying… Expand

See all 8 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

48
#48 Best Switch Game of 2017