Chess Ultra looks rad, I'm not even kidding
Look, I know: it's just chess. It shouldn't be a big deal. And it's not. Sixty-four squares, white pieces line up over here, black pieces line up over there. Same as it ever was since the 15th century. But I have to admit, Chess Ultra looks really good.
I mean, there are two key discussion points you have to have in the meeting room if you're going to make a chess video game. One, can we sell more of a game whose gameplay mechanics have been locked down for 600 years? And two, I don't have a two. But what can one company possibly do to light a fire under the latent video game chess industry?
Well, you go big or you go home. And it looks like Ripstone isn't going home. These are the most detailed environments I've ever seen in any chess game ever, where not only are the pieces detailed like they're ready for a Forza camera mode, but the environmental storytelling (that's a strong term) surrounding the chess board is littered with the trappings of the chess player's lifestyle.
And that's what kicks this one up into a league of its own. Be it realism or high fantasy, Chess Ultra is selling a lifestyle. Yes, those are some mighty fine-looking chess pieces you have there. But did you see the coffee service, the stack of books topped with Bram Stoker's Dracula, and the Moleskine diary adjacent to the board? What about the museum-quality setting with marble busts down the hall, where, by contrast, you're playing on a cheap card table, sitting on folding chairs, and sipping from disposable coffee cups with garish little sugar packets sitting on the side? Oh, and don't miss the part where you're playing against Death, under the light of a dozen candles, with pieces that looked like they were carved from brimstone quarried out of the Ninth Circle of Hell.
But Chess Ultra also makes a statement by coming out on every this-gen platform, barring the Nintendo Switch. Not only did it launch on June 21 on Steam, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, but also on Vive, Oculus, and PlayStation VR. I haven't done the research, but I haven't seen too many games come out with quite that big of a spread this generation yet.
The game features 10 Grandmaster-approved AI levels. Local and online multiplayer with ELO ranking system. Classical, Blitz, and Marathon time controls. Full Twitch integration. And tutorials (they sound like video tutorials, however) meant to improve your game.
Good show, Chess Ultra. I'm not sure if you're going to hit #1 on any Microsoft, Sony, or Steam sales charts, but you've made it onto my wishlist. Sick distortion of Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata," too. Worthy of an Assassin's Creed trailer.
CHESS ULTRA
Out now on PlayStation 4, PlayStation VR, PC, HTC Vive and Oculus, and coming to Xbox One on 23rd June.
Chess Ultra injects the greatest strategy game of all time with a modern twist; offering the ultimate chess experience with stunning 4K visuals, Grandmaster approved AI and full VR compatibility.
With full Oculus Rift and HTC Vive support, play Chess Ultra in VR for the most breathtaking chess experience to date. From the wood grains on the antique mahogany board in the library, to the luxury felt on the bottom of every chess piece; chess has never looked this good. Physically reach out to make your move and focus entirely on the game at hand. VR players can also take on the ultimate chess challenge, and play against the Grim Reaper in the pits of Gomorrah.
Developed internally by the development team here at Ripstone, we have spent a lot of time curating the perfect chess experience and we can’t wait for you to start making your moves in game.
GAME FEATURES
10 Grandmaster-approved AI levels
Intuitive, overhauled local and online multiplayer with ELO ranking system
Comprehensive time controls, including Classical, Blitz and Marathon, available online
Export portable game notation (PGN) for every game, locally and online
Full Twitch integration invites you to play against your community on PC
In-depth tutorials to help improve your game
