Chessmaster 10th Edition is a 2004 chess video game developed and published by Ubisoft for the Windows and Xbox. It is part of the Chessmaster series. The Xbox version is titled simply Chessmaster.[5] The PC version was announced on June 22, 2004 and the Xbox version on August 2, 2004.[6][7]
The game has a new version of the King chess engine.[4] The number of AI "personalities" has been increased to 200 and the game database has been increased by 50,000 matches.[8] The AI doesn't support resigning.[9]Josh Waitzkin and Larry Christiansen provide tutorial and game commentary. The PC version supports stereoscopic 3D and the game box includes 3D glasses.[8][10] 35 chess sets are included.[8] Some of the sets have to be unlocked by winning a certain number of ranked games.[9] Other new features include an online ranking system, a create-a-tournament mode, and a tutorial mode called Chessmaster Academy.[2] Network multiplayer options are either the internet or LAN.[11] The internet play, Chessmaster Live, is through ubi.com on the Windows and Xbox Live on the Xbox.[12][13][5]
Chessmaster 10th Edition received generally positive reviews from critics. IGN said "[...] considering that you can still get Chessmaster 9000 for twenty bucks, I don't see much reason to go with this newest 10th edition if you're not a serious student of the game.[8]Chessmaster 10th Edition was IGN's runner-up for game of the month in August 2004.[19]GameSpot concluded: "The latest Chessmaster isn't the perfect program for hardcore chess aficionados. However, if you're looking for a good chess program that's packed with a plethora of features and all the bells and whistles, you'll be very happy with Chessmaster 10th Edition."[6]Jeuxvideo.com said the biggest improvement from 9000 is the interface.[1]PC Gamer summarized: "As complete a chess package as you could want, although it's missing a few friendly touches."[13]Level called Chessmaster 10th Edition a well-designed game that appeals to both veteran and casual players.[11]GameZone noted " If you're an ultra hard-core player, you can stick with a Fritz or Kasparov model, but for those of us that do not eat, breathe and sleep chess, this is an excellent game."[12]PC PowerPlay said "[i]t’s easy to get into, pick up, then put down again for a few months."[18]
IGN said "Chessmaster is accessible to all skill levels."[5]GameSpot echoed that "[i]t's perfect for beginners, intermediates, and experts alike". 1UP.com summarized: "Chessmaster offers a plethora of options, online play, and no innovation to a game that doesn't really need innovation [...]".[16]GameZone called it "[a] top quality game that did not short the consumers or insult the seasoned players by dumping a low-end game for the sake of having a chess game for the Xbox."[10]
^ abcCode Cowboy (14 November 2004). "Reviews - Chessmaster". GameZone. GameZone Online. Archived from the original on 17 November 2004. Retrieved 1 July 2023.
