Chess Ultra
| Chess Ultra | |
|---|---|
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| Developer | Ripstone |
| Publisher | Ripstone |
| Engine | Unreal Engine 4[3] |
| Platforms | PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox One, Switch |
| Release | 21 June 2017[1] 2 November 2017 (Switch)[2] |
| Genre | Computer chess |
| Modes | Single-player, multiplayer |
Chess Ultra is a chess video game developed and published by Ripstone for the PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One in June 2017. A Switch port was released a few months later. It is the second chess game by Ripstone after Pure Chess (2012). Chess Ultra is the first in-house developed game by Ripstone.[4]
Gameplay
[edit | edit source]The game features four different graphical locations (fireplace room, living room, museum, dark cave) and four chess piece sets.[3] In the tutorial mode, there are basic lessons for beginners, 80 checkmate challenges for advanced players, and for the most experienced players there is a mode where the player has to recreate historic games by playing the closing moves. The multiplayer supports either local or online play.[5] The online multiplayer supports cross-platform play (except the PS4 version).[6] In the portable mode in the Switch version, local multiplayer can be played by placing the console flat on the table to simulate a chessboard. The computer AI has ten difficulty settings. The game calculates the player's Elo rating when playing against the AI or other players online.[5] The PlayStation 4 version has a PlayStation VR mode.[7]
Reception
[edit | edit source]| Publication | Score |
|---|---|
| Nintendo Life | 8/10 (Switch)[5] |
| Nintendo World Report | 8.5/10 (Switch)[8] |
| Digitally Downloaded | 4.5/5 (PS4, Switch)[7][6] |
| PlanetSwitch.de | 4/5 (Switch)[3] |
| Windows Central | 4/5 (Xbox One)[9] |
Chess Ultra received generally positive reviews from critics. Windows Central liked the tutorials and cross-platform multiplayer but disliked the matchmaking system.[9] Digitally Downloaded thought the game is an improvement from Pure Chess in every way.[7] They also liked the table mode in the Switch version.[6] Nintendo Life said the game is "[...] a polished and well constructed title. It falls short of true excellence due to controller quirks in local multiplayer and a few missing conveniences in online play, such as a notification system or means by which to communicate more directly."[5] Nintendo World Report liked how accessible the game is and called it "outstanding".[8] PlanetSwitch.de said that despite a few technical inconsistencies, it's a great chess for on the go.[3]
References
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