Chessmaster: The Art of Learning

Chessmaster: The Art of Learning is a console edition of one of the most popular PC game series about chess. Just as in the PC versions, The Art of Learning can be equally interesting to both advanced chess players, as well as complete novices. For the latter, a lot of aids were included. Additionally, The Art of Learning features extra attractions to get the youngest users interested in chess. The video game was created and released by Ubisoft, first on Nintendo DS.

The title of the new Chessmaster may seem familiar to chess lovers, as The Art of Learning is a well-known book about rules and secrets of chess written by Josh Waitzkin, one of the world’s best chess players. Josh makes an appearance in the video game, helping players get to know the basics, as well as more advanced tactics throughout the training sessions. Such hints usually come in the form of a text appearing on both screens of the handheld console, although there are some lines he actually speaks out.

The proper gameplay includes single player mode, in which you can start a new game, or replay one of about 900 most famous chess duels. Nothing comes in the way of inviting another player to the game and having a chat with them. Here, you can choose from a couple of interesting game modes, not always strictly based on real rules of chess, e.g. in Dark Chess you cannot see the opponent’s pieces.

The Art of Learning also offers six appealing mini-games created mostly for the youngest players. Each one of these consists of 20 levels. The list of mini-games includes e.g. Minefield, in which you sweep for hidden mines, or Breaking the Lines, where playing as a knight you have to capture all the opponent’s pieces. Chessmaster: The Art of Learning features 3D environment, so you can observe the board from different angles. The producer also remembered about soft music. The controls are based on the DS console’s touchscreen.

Last updated on 13 April 2015