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Subject: Re: Chessmaster 10th Ed. YAWN!

Author: James T. Walker

Date: 17:30:24 05/14/04

Go up one level in this thread


On May 14, 2004 at 20:01:50, John Merlino wrote:

>On May 14, 2004 at 19:19:18, Alex  wrote:
>
>>On May 14, 2004 at 17:16:03, John Merlino wrote:
>>
>>>On May 14, 2004 at 15:42:13, Terry Giles wrote:
>>>
>>>>On May 14, 2004 at 15:07:54, John Merlino wrote:
>>>>
>>>>>Finally, there's something to see about the next version of Chessmaster
>>>>>(apparently officially called "Chessmaster 10th Edition"):
>>>>>
>>>>>http://www.ubi.com/US/Games/chessmasterx_pc.htm
>>>>>
>>>>>As expected (by me), the interface is entirely new, since the program is being
>>>>>developed by the same team that did the PS2 version.
>>>>>
>>>>>From what I can glean from the info on the website, it sounds like the majority
>>>>>of the work has gone into redesigning the UI and improving the online play. I
>>>>>don't see any new exciting tutorial/analysis features, other than Johan's new
>>>>>version of The King.
>>>>>
>>>>>So it sounds like they're going to sell the program based on the merits of the
>>>>>new interface.
>>>>>
>>>>>I also see a hint that there is an Xbox version in the works as well.
>>>>>
>>>>>As for an official release date, there isn't one mentioned.
>>>>>
>>>>>Enjoy!
>>>>>
>>>>>jm
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>Thanks for the info John, sad to say that all the screenshots shown are of
>>>>'arty-farty' chesspieces and board combinations. I'm currently running CM9k on a
>>>>PII @ 400Mhz, so unless I go for a major upgrade PC wise, the CM10th anniversary
>>>>program will prove too demanding for my computer!
>>>>
>>>>tag
>>>
>>>Yep, the min spec says P3-450, so I don't think this will be for you.
>>>
>>>But I would definitely say it's time to upgrade, especially if you are a fan of
>>>computer chess!
>>>
>>>jm
>> Yah whatever!  Look--don't get me wrong......... I am a fan.  BUT!  let's face
>>it -- the delivery in regard to online features and quality of chessmaster as
>>historically presented and advertised is almost criminal in my opinion!  Yah --
>>3d sets...I am with KURT U. on this one!  I ALWAYS actually play on 2d sets!
>>Annnnnnnnnnnnnd........last but not least let's talk about engine.......is it
>>reworked or is it JUST a new "personality setting"?  Alex
>
>To answer your comments:
>
>-- I almost always use the 2D sets, too. But many of the 3D sets are playable
>(particularly the "flat" ones) and have the advantage that they can be resized
>to any desired amount.
>
>-- The engine is new. It's got a new version number and everything -- just like
>the engine in CM9000, which tests show is anywhere between 100-150 points
>stronger than the previous version. Somehow I don't see that as "JUST a new
>'personality setting'".
>
>jm

Somehow I don't believe the "100-150 points stronger".  In the history of
commercial computer chess I have never seen that big of a jump in rating at one
time.  In fact the improvements in strength lately have been almost
unrecognizable.  I am at the point of giving up on buying more chess programs
and faster computers for a couple of years.  My blitz test show Fritz 8 is about
11 points stronger than Fritz 7.  Big deal.  It seems that improvements in the
opening book make it look stronger for a while untill book learning negates the
new lines.  Then the real improvement shows itself.  Just my opinion of course.
Jim



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