Review: Chess Ultra (PlayStation 4)

Rating: 8.8
Author: Jim Smale

by Jim Smale · June 21, 2017

Chess Ultra features stunning 4K visuals, seamless online multiplayer and Grandmaster-approved AI that offers the ultimate chess experience.

Pros:

Gorgeous graphics.
2.43GB Download size.
Platinum trophy.
4K HDR support.
PlayStation VR support.
Massive in depth tutorial section covering any aspect of chess.
Three modes- Single player, Tournament and challenges.
Six game save slots for single player.
Four locations to play in.
Four piece types- Staunton, Williams, Checkers and Fire and Brimstone. Each piece has a selection of material they are made from. Metal to jade to wood for example.
Five game timers- Off, Blitz, Standard, Fischer and marathon.
Supports online, offline, invite and rematch.
Online Ripstone official tournaments with spectator mode.
Ten AI difficulties from novice to grandmaster.
Tournament- 3 saves. Supports 4, 8, 16 or 32 players.
Challenges- Scenario based games. Example-Play historic games or get mate within x amount of moves. Each scenario has a handful of games in each.
Cross network play option.
Show legal moves option.
Stats with Elo rating which is your overall rating used for gauging which AI difficulty to play and also online matchmaking.
Fast loading times.
Atmospheric locations from ambient noises to the chess pieces moving around the table.
Camera- Right stick to look around and the square button zooms in and does an overhead view.
In game log to show what moves have happened.
Surprisingly fun to play.
Perfect for all player experience.

Cons:

The music is just a bunch of classical tunes and wont be to everyones taste.
AI is difficult.
No list of controller commands.
Only one controls layout.
Online has no search room function.

The Numbers:

9/10

Graphics - 9/10
8/10

Sound - 8/10
9/10

Accessability - 9/10
9/10

Length - 9/10
9/10

Fun Factor - 9/10

8.8/10

Summary

Chess Ultra is the now definitive version of digital chess. What is most surprising here is not the fluid graphics or VR support, Its actually how accessible and fun the game is to play. You can easily lose hours to the game without realising. It all runs so smoothly and quickly that even playing online predominately feels effortless. The addition of official tournaments means you always have something to work towards or watch. I am not the best chess player, Far from it but I still have fun with the game and the idea of having a nice looking simple game on demand is appealing. In short Ripstone have outdone themselves and improved on what was already a solid game.