Chessmaster 10th Edition

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Chessmaster 10th Edition
Chessmaster 10th Edition cover.jpg
Developer(s) Ubisoft Bucharest [1]
Publisher(s) Ubisoft
Series Chessmaster
Platform(s) Windows, Xbox
ReleaseWindows
  • NA: August 10, 2004 [2]
  • EU: October 21, 2004 [3]
Xbox
  • NA: November 1, 2004 [4]
Genre(s) Computer chess
Mode(s) Single-player, multiplayer

Chessmaster 10th Edition is a 2004 chess video game developed and published by Ubisoft for the Windows and Xbox. It is part of the Chessmaster series. The Xbox version is titled simply Chessmaster. [5] The PC version was announced on June 22, 2004 and the Xbox version on August 2, 2004. [6] [7]

Contents

Gameplay

The game has a new version of the King chess engine. [1] The number of AI "personalities" has been increased to 200 and the game database has been increased by 50,000 matches. [8] The AI doesn't support resigning. [9] Josh Waitzkin and Larry Christiansen provide tutorial and game commentary. The PC version supports stereoscopic 3D and the game box includes 3D glasses. [8] [10] 35 chess sets are included. [8] Some of the sets have to be unlocked by winning a certain number of ranked games. [9] Other new features include an online ranking system, a create-a-tournament mode, and a tutorial mode called Chessmaster Academy. [2] Network multiplayer options are either the internet or LAN. [11] The internet play, Chessmaster Live, is through ubi.com on the Windows and Xbox Live on the Xbox. [12] [13] [5]

Reception

Windows

Chessmaster 10th Edition received generally positive reviews from critics. IGN said "[...] considering that you can still get Chessmaster 9000 for twenty bucks, I don't see much reason to go with this newest 10th edition if you're not a serious student of the game. [8] Chessmaster 10th Edition was IGN's runner-up for game of the month in August 2004. [19] GameSpot concluded: "The latest Chessmaster isn't the perfect program for hardcore chess aficionados. However, if you're looking for a good chess program that's packed with a plethora of features and all the bells and whistles, you'll be very happy with Chessmaster 10th Edition." [6] Jeuxvideo.com said the biggest improvement from 9000 is the interface. [3] PC Gamer summarized: "As complete a chess package as you could want, although it's missing a few friendly touches." [13] Level called Chessmaster 10th Edition a well-designed game that appeals to both veteran and casual players. [11] GameZone noted " If you're an ultra hard-core player, you can stick with a Fritz or Kasparov model, but for those of us that do not eat, breathe and sleep chess, this is an excellent game." [12] PC PowerPlay said "[i]t’s easy to get into, pick up, then put down again for a few months." [18]

Xbox

IGN said "Chessmaster is accessible to all skill levels." [5] GameSpot echoed that "[i]t's perfect for beginners, intermediates, and experts alike". 1UP.com summarized: "Chessmaster offers a plethora of options, online play, and no innovation to a game that doesn't really need innovation [...]". [16] GameZone called it "[a] top quality game that did not short the consumers or insult the seasoned players by dumping a low-end game for the sake of having a chess game for the Xbox." [10]

References

  1. 1 2 Deci, T.J. "Overview - Chessmaster: 10th Edition". AllGame . RhythmOne. Archived from the original on 14 November 2014. Retrieved 2 July 2023.
  2. 1 2 Golze, Benjamin (10 August 2004). "Ubisoft releases Chessmaster 10th Edition". GameSpot . Fandom. Archived from the original on 28 September 2004. Retrieved 2 July 2023.
  3. 1 2 3 Reno (9 November 2004). "Test de Chessmaster 10ème edition". Jeuxvideo.com (in French). Webedia. Archived from the original on 11 November 2004. Retrieved 2 July 2023.
  4. Kohler, Chris (1 November 2004). "Ubisoft ships Chessmaster on Xbox". GameSpot . Fandom . Retrieved 3 July 2023.
  5. 1 2 3 4 Goldstein, Hilary (1 November 2004). "Review - Chessmaster". IGN . Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on 2 November 2004. Retrieved 2 July 2023.
  6. 1 2 "Ubisoft Announces Chessmaster 10th Edition". GameSpot . CNET. 23 June 2004. Archived from the original on 31 January 2005. Retrieved 2 July 2023.
  7. Golze, Benjamin (2 August 2004). "Chessmaster coming to Xbox". GameSpot . Fandom . Retrieved 3 July 2023.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 Butts, Steve (26 August 2004). "Review - Chessmaster 10th Edition". IGN . Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on 28 August 2004. Retrieved 2 July 2023.
  9. 1 2 3 Lackey, Jeff (7 September 2004). "Chessmaster 10th Edition Review". GameSpot . Fandom. Archived from the original on 22 October 2004. Retrieved 2 July 2023.
  10. 1 2 3 Code Cowboy (14 November 2004). "Reviews - Chessmaster". GameZone. GameZone Online. Archived from the original on 17 November 2004. Retrieved 1 July 2023.
  11. 1 2 3 Rzarectha (October 2004). "Review - Chessmaster 10th Edition". Level (in Romanian). No. 85. pp. 32–33.
  12. 1 2 3 Code Cowboy (7 September 2004). "Reviews - Chessmaster 10th Edition". GameZone. GameZone Online. Archived from the original on 10 March 2005. Retrieved 1 July 2023.
  13. 1 2 3 Smith, Rob (October 2004). "Reviews - Chessmaster 10th Edition". PC Gamer . No. 128. Future plc. p. 88.
  14. "Chessmaster 10th Edition for PC Reviews". Metacritic . Fandom. Archived from the original on 31 October 2011. Retrieved 2 July 2023.
  15. "Chessmaster for Xbox Reviews". Metacritic . Fandom. Archived from the original on 31 October 2011. Retrieved 2 July 2023.
  16. 1 2 Liu, Johnny (27 December 2004). "Review - Chessmaster". 1UP.com . IGN Entertainment. Archived from the original on 15 February 2005. Retrieved 3 July 2023.
  17. Provo, Frank (5 November 2004). "Chessmaster Review". GameSpot . Fandom. Archived from the original on 13 April 2013. Retrieved 2 July 2023.
  18. 1 2 Fordham, Anthony (December 2004). "Review - Chessmaster 10th Edition". PC PowerPlay . No. 106. Future plc. p. 86.
  19. "Game of the Month: August 2004". IGN . Ziff Davis. 31 August 2004. Retrieved 3 July 2023.