Many different types of games lend themselves perfectly to be played in virtual reality. Chess is not necessarily a game most people would think of, but RIpstone feels it makes a lot of sense. As a result, PlayStation VR users now have access to Chess Ultra in virtual reality. The game is priced at US$12.99 and can be downloaded from the official PlayStation Store. It is also available on Oculus Rift and HTC Vive for the same price.
Chess Ultra is Relaxing and Competitive at the Same Time
Even people who are not versed in playing chess -including yours truly – will have a fun time with Chess Ultra. The game is open to players of all types, ranging from complete newcomers to wannabe professional players. There are many things to learn about playing chess properly, and this game is a good training environment, to say the least. That is, assuming you don’t mind playing against Death, with a capital D. A neat addition to this game,as it also creates a somewhat creepy setting.
Unfortunately, the PlayStation VR version is the only one featuring the Grim Reaper. Other locations have no visual opponents whatsoever, which is not exactly a deal breaker. Some people would like to see their opponent and read his or her thoughts, but its a bit of a stretch to include that in this game. Future chess games may prove differently, but Ripstone has done a great job regardless. Even without an opponent to stare down, the game feels impressive enough to create a fun environment, all things considered.
Just because you are playing against an AI doesn’t mean you will win the first game automatically, Players can determine the difficulty setting, but you will still need to use your skills accordingly. The detailed tutorial will get novice users on their way, as it is very detailed. All of this is presented in stunning graphics, which make the game look and feel very genuine. Another interesting addition is how every piece has its ‘grid” of locations it can be moved to. Visual representations like these will be appreciated by both novice and advanced players for sure.
There is some criticism of Chess Ultra, though. The audio is good, but nothing memorable whatsoever. The multiplayer feature – or local multiplayer option – is quite convenient, on the other hand. It is also cross-platform in terms of playing against other gamers which is nice. Finding an online opponent can be quite challenging, though, and requires some patience. Overall, a very well-done game, even if you never played chess before. The tutorial and visuals are both top notch. It’s not a game that necessarily requires VR support, but it’s no unnecessary luxury either.
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