Chessmaster

 Xbox
  • Publisher: Ubisoft
  • Release Date: Oct 26, 2004
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
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  1. GameZone
    90
    A top quality game that did not short the consumers or insult the seasoned players by dumping a low-end game for the sake of having a chess game for the Xbox. It's a joy to play, and keeps me wanting to come back for more.
  2. Xbox Evolved
    88
    Chessmaster presents an unparalleled chess experience. Though Xbox Live compatible, you will rarely ever find anyone online at all.
  3. IGN
    85
    Chessmaster is accessible to all skill levels. If you've never played, you can run through the tutorials and, with diligence, can become a true chess pro. If you're already an expert, the higher levels of the AI are incredibly challenging.
  5. PGNx Media
    85
    If you were looking for a great game of chess, with hundreds of AI opponents and even more online, Chessmaster is definitely recommended.
  6. GameSpot
    81
    Between getting the fundamentals right and offering up a boatload of extra features, this literally is the only chess video game you'll ever need to buy for the forseeable future.
  7. TeamXbox
    81
    Chessmaster isn't for all Xbox'ers, but it is highly recommended for anybody event remotely interested in learning how to play chess or wanting to become a better player.
  8. Official Xbox Magazine
    81
    The real strength of this game is the bounty of narrated, interactive tutorials that effectively demonstrate strategy, tactics, and psychological analysis of your opponent. [Jan 2005, p.82]
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  9. 1UP
    80
    Offers a plethora of options, online play, and no innovation to a game that doesn't really need innovation (except to my own twisted imagination).
  10. GamerFeed
    80
    If you love chess, Ubisoft's Chessmaster is an essential selection, as it is a genre defining title that features a high level of polish and satisfying gameplay.

Awards & Rankings

51
#51 Best Xbox Game of 2004

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 7 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 1 out of 7
  1. TigranP.
    Feb 22, 2005
    8
    Chessmaster has always been a decent series of games, and this console port upholds the general good quality. This game is pretty good for Chessmaster has always been a decent series of games, and this console port upholds the general good quality. This game is pretty good for somone just to sit down and play, and enjoy, but for anyone who wishes to be serious about chess, this ins't a great chess at all wahtsoever. I'd reccomend a copy of Fritz with Chessbase to vastly improve one's skil by going over games.… Full Review »
  2. FrancsoisF.
    Dec 29, 2004
    9
    A brilliant game. The chess lessons included are vast and helpfull. good online module.
  3. BlueFalcon
    Dec 20, 2004
    9
    This is a dream game for anyone interested in chess. I would have given it a 10 if the ai didn't take unrealistic amounts of time to This is a dream game for anyone interested in chess. I would have given it a 10 if the ai didn't take unrealistic amounts of time to move. Sometimes their moves are instant, and other times they take seriously long times for simple moves. … Full Review »
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