Software:Chess Ultra
| Chess Ultra | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | Ripstone |
| Publisher(s) | Ripstone |
| Engine | Unreal Engine 4[1] |
| Platform(s) | PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox One, Switch |
| Release | June 21, 2017[2] November 2, 2017 (Switch)[3] |
| Genre(s) | Computer chess |
| Mode(s) | 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
The game features four different graphical locations (fireplace room, living room, museum, dark cave) and four chess piece sets.[1] 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
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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.[1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Hahn, Nicola (3 November 2017). "Kurztest: Chess Ultra" (in German). 4Players. http://www.planetswitch.de/test/107-kurztest-chess-ultra.html.
- ↑ Thomas, Lucas M. (19 June 2017). "Out This Week: Ever Oasis, Dead by Daylight, Cave Story+". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/06/19/out-this-week-cave-story-dead-by-daylight-ever-oasis.
- ↑ Whitehead, Thomas (2 November 2017). "Nintendo Download: 2nd November (Europe)". Hookshot Media. https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/11/nintendo_download_2nd_november_europe.
- ↑ Whitehead, Thomas (3 November 2017). "Feature: Ripstone On Making the Right Moves With Chess Ultra on Nintendo Switch". Hookshot Media. https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/11/feature_ripstone_on_making_the_right_moves_with_chess_ultra_on_nintendo_switch.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Whitehead, Thomas (3 November 2017). "Chess Ultra Review (Switch eShop)". Hookshot Media. https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/chess_ultra.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 S., Matt (8 November 2017). "Review: Chess Ultra (Nintendo Switch)". http://www.digitallydownloaded.net/2017/11/review-chess-ultra-nintendo-switch.html.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 S., Matt (4 July 2017). "Review: Chess Ultra (Sony PlayStation 4)". http://www.digitallydownloaded.net/2017/07/review-chess-ultra-sony-playstation-4.html.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Gibson, Casey (8 November 2017). "Chess Ultra (Switch) Review". NINWR, LLC.. http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/45808/chess-ultra-switch-review.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 Acevedo, Paul (29 June 2017). "Chess Ultra for Xbox One review: A deep chess game with cross-platform multiplayer". Future plc. https://www.windowscentral.com/chess-ultra-review.
External links
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