Chessmaster LIVE

 Xbox 360
  • Publisher: Ubisoft
  • Release Date: Jan 30, 2008
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Official Xbox Magazine
    85
    The beating heart of chess is laid bare with such care that aspiring Kasparovs might yet be lured from the PC dungeon.
  2. TeamXbox
    80
    Whether you’re new to the game or a member of the old high-school chess club, you’ll find the Chessmaster series still holds the crown as “King” of the sixty-four-squared board.
  3. GamesRadar+
    80
    Chessmaster Live doesn’t look like much. But it delivers exactly what it promises, and there’s not really much to complain about because of it.
  5. 1UP
    80
    While Chessmaster Live isn't going to suddenly fatten up the ranks of wannabe grandmasters, it does offer nearly everything you'd want in a competitive simulator while including all the necessary tools for engrossing offline and online matches. It's also a great chess educator.
  6. Eurogamer
    80
    In addition to the core Chess games there's a huge range of different and enjoyable challenges to play through, as well as timed matches and online play.
  7. X-ONE Magazine UK
    80
    A practically endless set of challenges has also been included. [Issue#30, p.118]
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  8. Xbox World 360 Magazine UK
    80
    Tough competition will improve your game, but won't convert anyone not already chess crazy. [Mar 2008, p.94]
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  9. Console Monster
    80
    A complete and detailed chess package.
  10. Official Xbox Magazine UK
    70
    It's a graphically functional, perfectly playable plug-in for those who want a quick game of chess. Nothing more, nothing less. Just chess.
  11. Totally360
    70
    Overall a pleasing little game even for a complete novice such as myself, but there are a couple of jarring annoyances here and there dropping the score a notch.
  12. IGN
    64
    Chessmaster Live is a functional board game, but in this day and age we need a bit more to give it the stamp of approval.

Awards & Rankings

66
#66 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2008
69
#69 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2008

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.9

Mixed or average reviews- based on 12 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 12
  3. Negative: 4 out of 12
  1. MatC.
    Feb 12, 2008
    4
    I couldn't agree more with Kevin. Why should I have to wait for the CPU to make a move with a rating of 600? I don't mind having I couldn't agree more with Kevin. Why should I have to wait for the CPU to make a move with a rating of 600? I don't mind having the clock run, but if the CPU runs out of time, let me finish! A "force move" would have been not only appropriate, but it was necessary. The "lobby" for finding players is a joke. The 3-d boards are shockingly unreadable in full HD; I'm playing with just the 2-d boards. And finally, there are no un-timed games. Huh? Wouldn't it be nice to walk away, and come back to it after life interrupts for an hour? Nope. Not here. There are some redeeming points, particularly in the persona/ratings. The puzzles are fun for a warmup, but they really are simplistic. Overall, look at this as a 1-player game. If you want that, go for it. Don't look at this as a Live-competitive area. It's just not properly built.… Full Review »
  2. AlesK.
    Feb 5, 2008
    7
    I miss lessons, more 2D boards and more detailed stats. AI thinks too slowly, even at the beginning or the end of game when there are only a I miss lessons, more 2D boards and more detailed stats. AI thinks too slowly, even at the beginning or the end of game when there are only a few options what to do.… Full Review »
  3. StevenH.
    Feb 2, 2008
    8
    Not the "perfect" chess game, but certainly sufficient. I'd rate it as an 8.
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