Metascore
61

Mixed or average reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 8
  2. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. Apr 15, 2014
    70
    Beyond the graphical environments and gameplay, Pure Chess is a compelling title, offering plenty of options, as well as tutorials for beginner players. However, its asynchronous online mode harms the experience of playing with an opponent at a distance, which hampers the game’s appeal to those interested in online chess matches.
  2. 70
    A chess champion won't be too challenged, but more casual fans of the game will be...It's just a pity that the online is so inefficient on the Wii U. As I said at the start; Pure Chess is the least version of a very, very fine game indeed.
  3. Official Nintendo Magazine UK
    Jun 2, 2014
    62
    The rendering of the chess pieces is superb. [June 2014, p.89]
  4. Aug 26, 2014
    60
    Pure Chess is both an excellent title for the solo player and a disappointment for those who want to play the game online.
  5. Apr 11, 2014
    60
    The immaculate presentation, a very realistic atmosphere and a good set of are the defining moments of a game of chess, making a more enjoyable experience.
  6. Mar 31, 2014
    60
    Pure Chess is a solid way to play the popular board game offline and features a great presentation, but unfortunately, its online component is very inconsistent.
  7. Mar 27, 2014
    60
    It’s a shame, because Pure Chess is otherwise a well-made title with a lot of visual sheen behind it, and one in which it is fun to learn or practice chess. If your interest only extends to the latter, then Pure Chess is potentially a worthwhile investment, although you may be able to achieve the same goals with cheaper alternatives elsewhere.
  8. Apr 4, 2014
    50
    Pure Chess is in a tough place. When it’s based on a game as ubiquitous as chess, it can’t avoid comparisons to the countless other iterations of the classic game out there. You can find superior, cheaper virtual chess games everywhere.
User Score
7.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 19 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 19
  2. Negative: 3 out of 19
  1. May 7, 2014
    5
    Pure chess is a good for those who enjoy the classic board game. It offers matches against a CPU leveled 1-10. There are options of differentPure chess is a good for those who enjoy the classic board game. It offers matches against a CPU leveled 1-10. There are options of different chess pieces and settings to choose from. The music could use a larger library, but the songs offered are great.

    Pure Chess offers online matches, which offers the bare minimum. It's nice to be able to find people to play against in a matter of minutes; it's an option that may not be available for many people, but for Pure Chess.

    One of the coolest features of Pure Chess is the tutorial. Pure Chess offers a manual to teach gamers the basics of chess as well more advanced techniques and strategies.

    Overall Pure Chess is good, but it doesn't do anything that makes this download beyond average.
    Full Review »
  2. Apr 21, 2014
    9
    It gives you what it promises: chess! There are plenty of options and even an online mode if you want to play against other people. So if youIt gives you what it promises: chess! There are plenty of options and even an online mode if you want to play against other people. So if you like chess you like this game. Full Review »
  3. May 14, 2014
    7
    As a chess game, Pure Chess is one of the best out there. The AI is challenging, cross-platform online play is possible, and extra challengesAs a chess game, Pure Chess is one of the best out there. The AI is challenging, cross-platform online play is possible, and extra challenges are included. The game even offers some basic and advanced tips to help you with some important aspects of chess. While all this is fine and dandy, Pure Chess as a video game leaves a lot to be desired. Small bugs can cause chess boards to load incorrectly at times, and the online is very slow due to it not being a real-time experience. Overall, Pure Chess is great as a chess game, but quite mediocre as a video game. Veterans and beginners alike will appreciate the novelty of Pure Chess, but only the truly passionate will keep returning to the game for more. Full Review »