Once the basics are done, you're taught Castling, En Passant, Pins, Forks, defense, opening moves, specific piece strategies, and so on. Much of the information is provided by Josh Waitzkin, Bruce Pandolfini, and other chess notables. This is invaluable information, even for those that consider themselves decent players. The wealth of training and explanation contained within is unmatched, and the presentation is well done. The entire thing is narrated by a docile voice that encourages you along the way.
It's not the most cheerful voice, but it's not a droning monotone, either. Once you feel you're ready for a real game, there are multiple options to use. The most obvious is "Quickstart," which pits you against a computer opponent at your skill level. This game has over 1,! While playing, there are perhaps too many windows opened by default. While anything can be moved, closed, resized, etc.
You're shown captured pieces, the computer thinking, two versions of the board a small top-down and the chess set you selected , a game history in algebraic notation which can be changed , a mentor window, shortcuts, and more.
It's a lot to look at. Once you're comfortable with "Quickstart," the game's options really open up. You can place yourself in various scenarios: those you set up yourself, or famous and not-so-famous scenarios from the annals of chess history.
Things like "Checkmate in 5 moves" and "Pinning to Win Material" are definite challenges, and without knowing it, you'll probably learn a thing or two about chess strategy. Additionally, there's a scalable Mentor system, which can offer you varying degrees of hints for your next move. If that weren't enough, a "Blunder Alert" can be turned on to keep you from making a really stupid move. Usually, the game will tell you why it's a bad move as well, explaining that such a move places your King in check, puts you in a Pin, will force lost material pieces , and so on.
It's a wonderful learning tool. To make the game more appealing, the graphics are about as interesting as they can get for a chess game. There are tons of boards to choose from, complete with different piece sets and true 3D rendering with shadows.
I suppose that when you're capable of thinking moves ahead, juggling an infinite amount of moves in your head and struggling with deeply paranoid thoughts about communists and whether your opponent's playing footsie with you under the table, coding a few buttons and a front-end of the game that are intuitive to human beings is a bizarre concept.
Aside from new spinny-rotatey boards the additions to Chessmaster consist of a course on the Psychology of Competition by International Master Josh Waitzkin as boring as it sounds , a new Endgame Quiz from five times chess champ and Grand Master Larry Evans, and a new blunder alert feature that tells you when you've made a complete arse of yourself. Online and LAN options are still here, and, well that's about it. It's chess. It's not worth buying if you've got although it's probably worth a punt if you're still playing the original from but a bargain if you want to improve your game or play people across the Internet while wearing lady's underwear.
Speaking of weird gimmicks, the game also has a 3D feature-complete with glasses that are enclosed in the game case. This offers a 3D rendered setting that is interesting in the short term but will become obnoxious and tiresome pretty quick.
These are fantastic as a whole and really give a phenomenally realistic chess setting to hone your skills. The game offers a variety of modes for every type of player.
The opponents are also low levelled, use fun and animated chess sets and players receive certificates for completing sections. Then for the adult players, there is an Academy.
This features commentary and annotations that analyse the psychology of chess. Allowing beginners and intermediate players to develop their skills and knowledge of the game. This also features a section of puzzles and drills much like the fun section too. Then for more experienced players. Asking players to truly master the game in this interesting but criminally short section.
The AI opponents in this title are the true shining aspect for the franchise. The variety of options is staggering considering the very simple premise that the game is built upon. The player can alter difficulty as expected from pure beginner to grand champion. Though players can also read player bios to see what their playstyle is, if speed chess is their preference and so on.
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