#CHESSMASTER 10 EDITION DEFEATED SERIES#

The play option in the 'fun' section of Chessmaster 10th Edition provides games against lower-level players that use a whimsical, animated chess set. The puzzles and learn basics features are just what they sound like: puzzles and lessons targeted at kids, with simple interfaces, emphases on fun, and rewards (such as printable chess certificates). Click on the 'fun' icon and you're presented with several options: play, puzzles, and learn basics. There's an entire segment of the program that is directly targeted at kids. Once you get into the learning and gameplay modes, the dual nature of Chessmaster 10th Edition becomes apparent. In addition, free, downloadable chess sets are already available from the makers of the game. These criticisms should not be taken as a condemnation of the overall graphical presentation, because most players will likely pick a good 3D set or two and will stick with them for most of their playing time (many of the fancy 3D sets are more for show than for play against a foe), and the lighting, reflections, and overall graphic depiction of the chess sets are very good. Also, if you have Microsoft ClearType enabled on your computer, the menu bar text will be a blurry purple font. They're OK, but those serious players most likely to use the top-down 2D sets may be disappointed in that none of them are really top-notch. For computer chess purists, a few 2D sets are offered. The effect is fun to look at for a short time, but it's more of a gimmick than a long-term, useful feature. There's also an 'enhanced 3D' feature that involves using old-fashioned, red-and-blue-lens paper glasses, which come enclosed. Some may welcome the incentive to play and win, but many players will be frustrated by the inability to use all of the advertised boards and pieces before winning scores of games. Unlocking a set requires winning a certain number of ranked games (games in which you play a ranked player where the results affect your ranking), and several require a substantial number of wins-we're talking dozens. But while the game boasts 25 3D chess sets, a number of them must be unlocked before being used-a contrivance that may be acceptable in driving games or other genres, but seems somewhat out of place here.

You also get to choose from a selection of animated 3D sets. The 3D pieces and boards look great, and you have the ability to adjust the board size and viewing angle to whatever position you prefer.

#CHESSMASTER 10 EDITION DEFEATED SERIES#

The Chessmaster series has always excelled visually, and the 10th Edition follows this tradition-but not without some caveats. The result is a very good package that will satisfy most any chess enthusiast.Д®very AI opponent has a rating, a biography, and a style.Д¬hess fans look for three key feature areas in their chess programs: graphics, learning and tutorial capabilities, and modes of play. All of the chess engines from the last few years can whip the pants off of any human ranked less than grand master, so how do you entice anyone to buy a new chess program? Chessmaster 10th Edition's approach is to pack the program with a huge bundle of features aimed at everyone from the neophyte who's looking to learn the basics to the advanced wood pusher who may need practice for tournament play.

Chessmaster 10 edition defeated