Chess 2: The Sequel

 PC
Chess 2: The Sequel Image
Metascore
62

Mixed or average reviews - based on 4 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 4 Ratings

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  • Summary: There are thousands of variants to chess, but only one has claimed the title of sequel. Chess is the timeless classic. Is it even possible to improve on it?

    There are now six armies to choose from., rather than just one. This means that there are twenty-one possible matchups. Long-time    There are thousands of variants to chess, but only one has claimed the title of sequel. Chess is the timeless classic. Is it even possible to improve on it?

    There are now six armies to choose from., rather than just one. This means that there are twenty-one possible matchups. Long-time chess players and beginners alike will rejoice that this makes memorizing an opening book impractical - leaving more time to focus on positional and tactical play.

    There is a new win condition (in addition to checkmates) for crossing the midline with your king. This makes the game very aggressive and practically eliminates draws from the game.

    In Chess 2 there is a double-blind bidding mechanic called dueling that emphasizes adaptation and reading the opponent's tendencies.    … Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. Digitally Downloaded
    Aug 22, 2014
    70
    A brilliant game with new mechanics that purposely attempt to divert away from chess could sell on its own merits, rather the rely on the reputation of the game it is so eager to alter.
  2. Multiplayer.it
    Sep 1, 2014
    68
    Chess 2: The Sequel is an ambitious strategy title inspired by the game of chess, which subverts the ingredients with new rules and, above all, new armies, offering an unprecedented asymmetric game. The high price, the renewed complexity, poor AI, the few options and the balance to be checked thoroughly, may, however, represent a barrier to the brilliant ideas demonstrated by David Stirling.
  3. PC Gamer
    Aug 27, 2014
    62
    A lot of thought put into new chess pieces; not enough put toward PC gaming. Also, kinda pricey.
  4. GameWatcher
    Aug 20, 2014
    50
    Given the price tag, I have to seriously question what this game offers. It seems like the greater part of the work went into designing the rules, which can be downloaded for free. The adjustments are certainly intriguing, but there's absolutely no good reason to recommend Chess 2 as a videogame.

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. scorpion016
    Oct 19, 2014
    9
    After playing chess for years as a family tradition, Chess 2: the Sequel is GODSEND. A perfect mix of strategy and wit, I think this game isAfter playing chess for years as a family tradition, Chess 2: the Sequel is GODSEND. A perfect mix of strategy and wit, I think this game is the perfect replacement for chess. It is quick paced, completely unpredictable, and highly re-playable. If you don't believe me, just buy it and see. You will be pleasantly surprised!… Expand
  2. sirius3100
    Jan 26, 2015
    7
    I will give two different ratings for this game: One for the game of Chess 2 itself and another for the software implementation.

    Game    I will give two different ratings for this game: One for the game of Chess 2 itself and another for the software implementation.

    Game itself: 8/10
    That's the same rating that I would give for classic chess. I really like most of the additions to the standard chess rule-set: The different armies with their different weaknesses and strengths, the asymmetrical gameplay when players opt for different armies and the midline invasion rule. The last has the strongest impact on the style of the game as the traditional endgame of classic chess is very rare in Chess 2 as most games either end by one of the players winning by pushing their king(s) beyond the middle of the board or by being checkmated while trying to do so. While I believe that the game ends too often before the traditional endgame because midline invasions might be a tiny bit too easy, it's still a lot better than the often very long endgames of classic chess. And the different armies in Chess 2 are surprisingly well balanced. It isn't perfect in all possible match-ups, but most of time close enough.
    But there's one new addition to the game I don't really like: The bidding mechanic. This introduced a element of chance to the game. Yes there are times where this mechanic adds something to the game letting you make interesting tactic or strategic decisions and it can lead to interesting mind-games, but the latter isn't something I'd want in a chess variant. It might be a good thing in fighting games, which the author of the game rules is an expert in, but I just believe it doesn't really work well with chess. Without that bidding mechanic - and instead another rule to add some value to pawns - I would give the game 9/10.

    Software implementation: 5/10
    Good things:
    - Good looking graphics
    - 2D and 3D option
    - Really nicely designed figures for the different armies
    - only way to play Chess 2 online
    - correspondence mode
    - correctly implemented rules
    (- matchmaking for live games)
    Bad things:
    - terrible AI, so playing against the computer isn't fun after you understood all the rules; but the sole(!) developer is working on an AI upgrade; if the new AI is good enough to at least challenge players of average skill I will change my rating to 6/10
    - no local multiplayer mode (except for a very limited implementation in a still available older beta version)
    - very limited settings (only the resolution can be changed and the sound can be turned off)
    - rating system needs way too long to accurately show your skill level
    - no ladder
    - no log -> no way to review a match ingame
    - other minor missing things like a last move indicator, statistics or different time controls

    Another big problem of the game is the very low number of concurrent players which limits the matchmaking potential and the general chance to get a live game going. But there are always some correspondence games to be played.    … Expand

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