Another chess program - this one is about visual beauty

[Skybird]

I met a new chess program, which actually is not that new at all, since it is around since longer on PS4 and Wii, but now is available for Android tablets and smartphones as well.

This is no maximum playing strength performer. It is a chess "renderer". I cannot compare it neither in playing skill nor in functionality to the Chessbase products, for example, Pure Chess is for the beginner, novice and slightly advanced and occasional player, and it is not about giving you the ultimate armageddon experience of getting mercilessly executed, but offers you a good half or full hour of playing chess: rendered in beautiful locations, offering beautiful boards and pieces, and some unobtrusive background music.

You do not get statistical data and library data and the like you became used to from Fritz interfaces. There is a move-list, and if you wish: a clock. That is all.

Offered are ten playing levels. The lower half of these are only for the totally new beginners, I would say, and even the highest skill level could hardly stand up to me if I spend some time and determination into the match. So, this program really is not for the ambitious analyst and tournament player, but for the beginner, the laid back occasional player who play less for ambition, and more to chill. Which is a sacrileg, btw.

That I nevertheless recommend it, is because I still enjoyed it due to the beautiful visual presentation. If you lack the skill to play to kill, and only want to play some relaxed occasional matches, you should have a look at this. If you want to attract some kids to the game of chess for the first time, this also may be a good opportunity to remember Pure Chess.

On Android, you can test for free a basic pieces set (wooden coins/checker pieces with symbols), and levels 1 and 4 (which made me yawn only). All other sets of pieces must be bought. I recommend to buy the all-in-one deal for 6 Euros something, giving you all options, levels, locations and boards/pieces sets. Its the cheapest way for you to get everything there is.

The visual appearance varies, depending on platform to platform and its techncial specs. Best it looks on the PS4, it seems, obviously, but even on my old Galaxy 2 10.1 it looks decent and easily qualifies as the best looking truly 3D chess surface on Android.

Be advised that online MP only works as kind of correspondence chess, which draws intense criticism by many people, and that on small phones the interface is described to be a bit jerky. On my 10.1 tablet screen I have nothing to complain about, it works precise and flawless, all zooming and rotating inclusive. I would not consider this app for smartphgones, you really should have a tablet at least. Phone users also complain about the battery being eaten in no time. On my tablet, it consumes not more energy than many other apps installed.

PS4:


Again, be advised that this is for the fun player who is not on tournament level. If it is serious playing strength and analysis options you are after, you better chose Shredder for Android, and Droidfish. Nevertheless, I must say I do enjoy Pure Chess. For the audience it aims at, it does a very good job, due to its prettiness.

P.S.
The pieces sets are these: Staunton, Checker, Williams, Roman, Park Animals, Bataillon, Halloween, Isle of Lewis, Easterisland. Most of these come in several materials, such as wood, plastic, stone and metal. mnost offer three locaitons to play in, several musical styles for backgropund can be chosen.

I like the Staunton, Williams, Lewis pieces best. These I would recommend to buy, they are really works of art. Batallion also is okay.

Apple iOS also is available.