Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 6-10 of 12
 Don't waste your time June 26, 2005
Steven Byrd
4 out of 8 found this review helpful
If you want to play chess, go grab a real chess board.
1. The two player mode isn't really two players. You have to share the same controller. Yes, you literally have to pass the controller back and forth for every move.
2. No one plays this game on Xbox Live.
3. The AI cheats after a set number of victories.
 CHESSMASTER-PIECE December 20, 2004
Brian Dorton (Lou. KY)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
I haven't played chess in years. That is until I purchased "Chessmaster" on XBOX. I was a lil' rusty at first, but like riding a bike I picked it back up. Even my roommate whom has never played chess in his life has learned how to play. The game teaches you how to play. If you are not familiar with the piece movements, just move a piece. If you make a mistake the announcer will quickly tell you what is not allowed. For example: if you try moving a bishop in a straight line, the announcer will say "Bishop's are not allowed to move along ranks and files, only in diagonals." I'm hooked, I've played something like 30-50 games in a role. If you have XBOX LIVE sorry I can't comment, I'm not fortunate enough to have online play. If you're a chessmaster or a beginner.. CHESSMASTER is right up your alley. If you're considering picking this title up, consider no more. Besides, you're on this page for a reason.. take the next step and buy it. You will get your moneys worth and more.
 1 controller for 2 players gets OLD real fast! February 2, 2005
Gary L. Fox (Ok United States)
3 out of 4 found this review helpful
*CHESS MASTER - XBOX*
Let me start by saying my family and I love chess. I've been patiently waiting for a chess game on the XBOX since the consoles release. Surely, Chess"Master" will be great, I mean you can't go wrong with chess right? WRONG! I suppose this game is fun if you're really into playing chess online or by yourself at home. However, I don't have an online account and if you want to play with a friend, at home on the same console, you'll be passing the controller back and forth. So much so, you'll wonder what the designers were thinking. Trust me, that gets old very quickly.
I specifically purchased this game to sit down and play chess with my wife and kids. Can you imagine how upset we all were when we found out we had to pass the controller back and forth to each other for each move? Why not a 2 player/2 controller system? To me it just ruins the game! I don't have online play and playing the computer gets old...fast.
IN FINAL: I'd like to say I love this game, I mean the graphics are good, the different chess sets are neat, the sound if fine, it's just no fun to have to reach over after every move and hand the controller to my opponent! WHAT WERE THEY THINKING?
 Excellent game for aspiring players January 15, 2006
john27 (Oswego, NY USA)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
First, it's important to outline a context for my positive review of this game. I run a chess club in an elementary school and have been doing so for nearly five years. I have taught students how to play and given them basic strategy. However, I am only an average player myself.
This title was tremendously suited to my purpose. For one, it has allowed me to sharpen my game. The academy and tutorials are not only helpful, but provide me with information that I can bring back to my chess club. It also has enhanced my understanding of tournament play. Given the Live feature, students who wish to play each other who have this can do so as well (parents likely will not object given its low cost and nonviolent gameplay.)
Most of the criticism stems from the two play and having to pass the controller back and forth. Indeed I have also found this frustrating. I have also found frustrating that the computer takes no time off their clock or that the computer will take forever (when playing on an advanced mode.) Clearly those who excel at chess might not find this best suited to their needs. However, the graphics, loyalty to tournament style, and tutorials (including blunder alerts) make this an excellent game for those whose rankings might not be as high.
The biographies of the characters you play with is an added bonus. You feel as though you're playing a real person. This is a highly recommended game if your purpose in any way mirrors the context as I have outlined.
 Not for XBox live subscribers December 14, 2004
D. Crawford (Hoover, AL United States)
2 out of 4 found this review helpful
The game in itself is pretty good. The best part of the game is the tutorials. If you really want to learn how to play chess like a pro get this game. However if you are looking for a game that you can use on Xbox live DONT WASTE YOUR TIME. I went on Xbox live to play this game and no one else was playing. The Xbox population has not caught on to this game enough to spend money on it.
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