Chess Ultra

Last updated

Chess Ultra
Chess Ultra cover.jpg
Developer(s) Ripstone
Publisher(s) Ripstone
Engine Unreal Engine 4 [1]
Platform(s) PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox One, Switch
ReleaseJune 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]

Contents

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

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]

Related Research Articles

Chessmaster is a chess-playing video game series, which is owned and developed by Ubisoft. It is the best-selling chess franchise, with more than five million units sold as of 2002. The same cover art image featuring Will Hare was used from Chessmaster 2000 to Chessmaster 9000.

<i>Marble Blast Ultra</i> 2006 video game

Marble Blast Ultra is a 3D puzzle action game involving a marble developed by GarageGames. It was released on January 25, 2006 for the Xbox 360 via Xbox Live Arcade. It is the sequel to Marble Blast Gold. It features 60 levels, enhanced graphics, 2 new power-ups and a multiplayer mode. A PC port of the game under the title Marble Blast Online was available at InstantAction until the website was shut down. As of year-end 2010, Marble Blast Ultra has sold over 756,000 copies.

<i>Castle Crashers</i> 2008 2D hack-and-slash video game developed by The Behemoth

Castle Crashers is a 2D side-scrolling hack-and-slash video game developed by The Behemoth. The Xbox 360 version was released on August 27, 2008, via Xbox Live Arcade as part of the Xbox Live Summer of Arcade. The PlayStation 3 version was released in North America on August 31, 2010, and November 3, 2010, in Europe via the PlayStation Network. A Microsoft Windows version, exclusive to Steam, was released on September 26, 2012. The game is set in a fictional medieval universe in which a dark wizard steals a mystical crystal and captures four princesses. Four knights are charged by the king to rescue the princesses, recover the crystal, and bring the wizard to justice. The game includes music created by members of Newgrounds.

<i>Uno</i> (video game) Video game adaptation of the card game

Uno is a video game based on the card game of the same name. It has been released for a number of platforms. The Xbox 360 version by Carbonated Games and Microsoft Game Studios was released on May 9, 2006, as a digital download via Xbox Live Arcade. A version for iPhone OS and iPod devices was released in 2008 by Gameloft. Gameloft released the PlayStation 3 version on October 1, 2009, and also released a version for WiiWare, Nintendo DSi via DSiWare, and PlayStation Portable. An updated version developed by Ubisoft Chengdu and published by Ubisoft was released for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in August 2016, Microsoft Windows in December 2016 and for the Nintendo Switch in November 2017.

<i>Race Driver: Grid</i> 2008 racing video game

Race Driver: Grid is a 2008 racing video game developed and published by Codemasters for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo DS, arcade, Java ME and OS X. It is the first game in the Grid series.

<i>Rayman Legends</i> 2013 video game

Rayman Legends is a platform video game developed by Ubisoft Montpellier and published by Ubisoft. It is the fifth main title in the Rayman series and the direct sequel to the 2011 game Rayman Origins. The game was released for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii U, and PlayStation Vita platforms in August and September 2013. PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions were released in February 2014, with a Stadia version released in November 2021. A Nintendo Switch port, titled Rayman Legends Definitive Edition, was released in North America, Europe and Australia on September 12, 2017.

<i>Pure Chess</i> 2012 video game

Pure Chess is a chess video game by British developer VooFoo Studios.

<i>TowerFall</i> 2013 action video game

TowerFall is an action indie video game created by Maddy Thorson through her company Maddy Makes Games. In the game, players control up to four archers in a multiplayer platform fighter. It was released on the Ouya microconsole in June 2013 and was later ported to PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Linux, OS X, and Windows as TowerFall Ascension and to the Nintendo Switch under its original title of TowerFall.

<i>The Escapists</i> Strategy video game

The Escapists is a strategy game played from a top-down perspective. The game was developed by Mouldy Toof Studios and following a Steam Early Access release in 2014, was released in 2015 for Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Xbox 360, Xbox One and PlayStation 4. It was released on iOS and Android in 2017. A Nintendo Switch version of the game containing all downloadable content was released in 2018. The game was launched on the Epic Games Store on 23 September 2021, with the weekly free game campaign of Epic Games. Players assume the role of an inmate and must escape from prisons of increasing difficulty.

Super Mega Baseball is a baseball video game series developed by the independent studio Metalhead Software in Victoria, BC, Canada and published by EA Sports.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cross-platform play</span> Ability of players using different video game systems to play with each other simultaneously

In video games with online gaming functionality, also called cross-compatible play, cross-platform play, crossplay, or cross-play describes the ability of players using different video game hardware to play with each other simultaneously. It is commonly applied to the ability for players using a game on a specific video game console to play alongside a player on a different hardware platform such as another console or a computer. A related concept is cross-save, where the player's progress in a game is stored in separate servers, and can be continued in the game but on a different hardware platform.

<i>FIFA 18</i> FIFA series football simulation video game

FIFA 18 is a football simulation video game developed and published by Electronic Arts and released worldwide on 29 September 2017 for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch. It is the 25th installment in the FIFA series. Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, at the time contracted to Real Madrid, appears as the cover athlete of the regular edition, as well as the alternate covers of the Icon and 2018 FIFA World Cup editions of the game.

<i>Overcooked</i> 2016 video game

Overcooked is a 2016 cooking simulation game developed by Ghost Town Games and published by Team17. In a local cooperative experience, players control a number of chefs in kitchens filled with various obstacles and hazards to rapidly prepare meals to specific orders under a time limit. The game was released for PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One in August 2016. A Nintendo Switch version was released in July 2017.

<i>Super Bomberman R</i> 2017 video game

Super Bomberman R is an action-maze game developed by Konami and HexaDrive and published by Konami. The game was first released worldwide as a launch title for the Nintendo Switch in March 2017, and later for PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One in June 2018. Part of the Bomberman franchise, it is the sixth installment of the Super Bomberman series and the first game in the series to be released in twenty years. It is also the first Bomberman entry in the franchise to be developed for consoles following the dissolution of original series owner Hudson Soft in 2012.

<i>NBA Playgrounds</i> 2017 video game

NBA Playgrounds is a 2017 sports video game developed by Saber Interactive and published by Mad Dog Games for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and for Microsoft Windows, and is a spin-off title of the NBA 2K series published by 2K and a part of the Playground Sports series. Bearing similarities to previous related titles such as NBA Jam and NBA Street, NBA Playgrounds is an arcade-style basketball game officially licensed by the National Basketball Association.

<i>Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection</i> 2018 video game

Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection is a compilation of fighting games from the Street Fighter series developed by Digital Eclipse and published by Capcom in celebration of the series' 30th anniversary. The collection was released for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One in May 2018.

<i>Gear.Club Unlimited</i> 2017 racing video game for Nintendo Switch

Gear.Club Unlimited is a racing video game developed by Eden Games and published by Microïds for the Nintendo Switch. It was released on November 21, 2017 in North America, in Europe on December 1, 2017, and in Japan on December 14, 2017. It is an expanded version of the iOS/Android mobile game Gear.Club.

<i>Ancestors Legacy</i> 2018 video game

Ancestors Legacy is a real-time strategy video game developed by Polish studio Destructive Creations and published by 1C Company. It was released on Microsoft Windows on May 22, 2018, Xbox One and PlayStation 4 on August 13, 2019, and Nintendo Switch on June 11, 2020.

<i>Xeno Crisis</i> 2019 video game

Xeno Crisis is a 2019 multidirectional shooter homebrew video game developed and published by Bitmap Bureau for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, Linux, macOS, Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. It was later ported to Dreamcast, PlayStation Vita, Neo Geo, Neo Geo CD, Nintendo 64, GameCube, Super Nintendo Entertainment System and Evercade. The premise takes place in Outpost 88, a scientific research facility overrun by aliens. The facility sent a distress signal, leading Commander Darius dispatching space marines John Marsh and Sarah Ridley to confront the aliens. Gameplay revolves around players defeating enemies, rescuing survivors, collecting in-game currency for upgrades, and facing against bosses.

<i>Lets Sing</i> Karaoke video game series

Let's Sing is a music video game series developed by Voxler and published by Deep Silver. In 2020, Koch Media acquired developer Voxler.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Hahn, Nicola (3 November 2017). "Kurztest: Chess Ultra". PlanetSwitch.de (in German). 4Players. Archived from the original on 7 November 2017. Retrieved 5 August 2023.
  2. Thomas, Lucas M. (19 June 2017). "Out This Week: Ever Oasis, Dead by Daylight, Cave Story+". IGN . Ziff Davis . Retrieved 5 August 2023.
  3. Whitehead, Thomas (2 November 2017). "Nintendo Download: 2nd November (Europe)". Nintendo Life . Hookshot Media . Retrieved 5 August 2023.
  4. Whitehead, Thomas (3 November 2017). "Feature: Ripstone On Making the Right Moves With Chess Ultra on Nintendo Switch". Nintendo Life . Hookshot Media . Retrieved 5 August 2023.
  5. 1 2 3 4 Whitehead, Thomas (3 November 2017). "Chess Ultra Review (Switch eShop)". Nintendo Life . Hookshot Media . Retrieved 5 August 2023.
  6. 1 2 3 S., Matt (8 November 2017). "Review: Chess Ultra (Nintendo Switch)". Digitally Downloaded. Retrieved 5 August 2023.
  7. 1 2 3 S., Matt (4 July 2017). "Review: Chess Ultra (Sony PlayStation 4)". Digitally Downloaded. Retrieved 5 August 2023.
  8. 1 2 Gibson, Casey (8 November 2017). "Chess Ultra (Switch) Review". Nintendo World Report. NINWR, LLC. Retrieved 5 August 2023.
  9. 1 2 Acevedo, Paul (29 June 2017). "Chess Ultra for Xbox One review: A deep chess game with cross-platform multiplayer". Windows Central. Future plc. Archived from the original on 29 June 2017. Retrieved 5 August 2023.