Author: D Ridge
Date: 09:58:03 11/23/99
Well, I have just completed a few hours of testing with the new ChessMaster for Gameboy and I must admit to having mixed feelings about it. It's definitely not something a serious player would be interested in, but then again, I don't think it was intended to be. After all, the Gameboy platform is used predominantly by kids, right? I was pleasantly surprised by the addition of a number of features which you expect on more expensive hardware and appalled by some glaring oversights. To answer the most obvious question first…how strong is it? Not very, I'm afraid. I have a large stable of dedicated chess playing devices and pulled from the shelf one which I thought would be the closest match in strength…The Opal Plus (also known as the Excalibur Escort). The Opal Plus is rated at approx. 1800 at 40/2. Personally I feel it's more like 1500-1600. I played a 4 game match between the Opal Plus and ChessMaster for Gameboy at 10 sec/move. The result was 2 ½ - 1 ½ for the Opal Plus. This result along with my own off-hand games and observations would lead me to conclude that it plays about 1400 - 1500. This isn't surprising considering that the processor blasts along at a break-neck 80 to 100 Nodes per sec. What I liked: - You can play Black from the bottom - You can offer a draw (not likely!) - Thinks on opponents time - You can choose algebraic co-ordinates on screen - Has chess clocks - Instead of levels it has popular time intervals-i.e.; 60/5 etc - Data screen shows analysis lines, move list, captured pieces, etc. What I hated: - There is no easy way to save game, board or piece settings. When you save a game it gives you a complicated password to enter to reload the game or settings - Every time you turn it on you must re-enter the settings you prefer. - Graphics are poor, even though you are given several different presets for piece style and board colours. - One thing that makes the Gameboy unacceptable to me as a serious chess unit is the fact that the screen is not backlit. There are many situations you find yourself in where the screen is a challenge to view clearly. - There is an annoying musical chord which sounds every time you or the Gameboy make a move. This cannot be disabled but the volume can be turned down or off. I would have preferred a choice of sounds. So there you have it. I guess if your not fussy about playing strength and you want an inexpensive LCD style unit, this would do you. I purchased it mainly as a Christmas gift for my 6 year old son. I'm sure he'll love it and it's plenty strong enough for him for quite awhile. David Ridge
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