Masterchess

Copyright : Amsoft | Reviewed by : Ritchardo

Master Chess allows you to choose from 10 levels of play and allows all legal moves, but if you can?t think of one, don?t despair, the computer never fails to come up with a way out. One of the most popular Amstrad games to date. (Taken from the Amsoft Software Catalogue, Autumn 1985)

Graphics

Your traditionally 2D representation of chess, the game allows you to change board and menu colours? and that?s pretty much it.

There?s not much more they could?ve done with a 2D chess game in fairness - the pieces are all easily recognisable and there?s no flicker or anything.

Sound

The computer makes a ping to let you know it?s your turn? and? er? that?s it. But, again, what were you expecting?

Gameplay

Putting it bluntly. If you like chess then you?ll like Master Chess. If you don?t, you won?t. Unlike some programmes, Master Chess has no frills to distract from what is essentially a board game and that is a double-edged sword. On one hand it?s a good thing as it allows you to concentrate on your game but on the other it offers little over using the board game itself (other than the computer opponent of course!)

The computer has ten levels of difficulty, the most complex of which can apparently look up to 20 moves ahead, making a really tough opponent. Even the easiest level is still a challenge and the computer plays a good and fair game.

?Special? moves like castling and enpassant have been implemented correctly and they are easy to perform (as long as you know how in the first place!).

One word of warning though - don?t rely too heavily on the computer recommendations as they can be a little erratic and will sometimes lead to your downfall.