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.[3] 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]
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.[3]
