Combat Chess

Combat Chess reimagines the classic strategy game with a dynamic fantasy twist, featuring two distinct sets of detailed, animated pieces for each player. The game enhances traditional chess with cinematic battle sequences triggered when pieces capture opponents, set against a configurable soundtrack of drums, ambient noises, and atmospheric sounds. Players can adjust the board’s orientation, view real-time move histories, and choose between 2D or 3D perspectives. Supporting local and online multiplayer, Combat Chess blends tactical depth with immersive visual and audio elements, offering both competitive play and a novel entry point for newcomers to the genre.

Combat Chess: A Nostalgic Look at a Bygone Era of Animated Chess

Introduction

‘Combat Chess’, released in 1997 for Windows, stands as a curious artifact in the history of video game adaptations of the classic strategy game. Developed by Minds Eye Productions and published by Empire Interactive, it attempted to breathe new life into the timeless game by adding fantasy elements and engaging combat animations. But did this “Kombat chess for the Mortal Kombat crowd”, as one reviewer put it, truly elevate the experience, or did it simply add superficial glitz that ultimately undermined the core gameplay? This review will delve into the depths of ‘Combat Chess,’ analyzing its development, narrative, gameplay, presentation, reception, and lasting legacy to determine its true place in gaming history. Was it a clever evolution of a timeless game? Or a gimmick relying more on eye-candy than true substance that was destined to be relegated to the ranks of mediocrity?

Development History & Context

‘Combat Chess’ was a product of its time, emerging in the late 1990s when PC gaming was undergoing a rapid transformation, with advancements in processing power and graphics capabilities beginning to make animated visuals far more attainable. Minds Eye Productions, the developer, was a relatively small studio consisting of a team shown in the credits as consisting of 22 members. The game was published by Empire Interactive Europe Ltd. and Strategy First, the latter of which, a Canadian company, was perhaps known for pushing the envelope in the realm of action-strategy games.

The commercial appeal and vision were both rooted in established trends combined with innovative gameplay. The popularity of Interplay’s ‘Battle Chess’ from 1988, which similarly featured animated chess pieces, undoubtedly served as inspiration. ‘Combat Chess’, however, aimed for a more detailed and cinematic presentation of these combat sequences, likely capitalizing on the growing power of PC hardware. It should be noted, however, that the target audience for games like ‘Combat Chess’ was not the professional chess player or the seasoned tournament participant looking to hone their skills; rather the goal here was mass appeal, achieved through graphical and thematic innovation.

By all available accounts, the overall constraints were both technological and budgetary; it was created by a small studio with the objective of delivering solid gameplay, but with a focus on graphical flash for the audience.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Unlike traditional strategy games with rich narratives, ‘Combat Chess’ eschews a formal plot. The “story” is told through the piece design and combat animations. The chess pieces themselves embody a medieval fantasy theme. Pawns might morph into dragons, knights clash with fierce aggression, and the queen might deliver a headbutt to conquer the king.

The setting is defined solely by these visual choices. Instead of an epic tale, it attempts to tell the battle through the battlefield between warrior pieces–an attempt to breathe life into the game via a compelling theme.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

At its heart, ‘Combat Chess’ adheres to the fundamental rules of classic chess. Pieces move according to established patterns, and the objective remains checkmating the opponent’s king. Where it deviates is in the presentation, particularly during captures. Instead of simply disappearing from the board, captured pieces engage in brief animated battle sequences.

Players can configure the computer opponent’s difficulty by adjusting its processing power and thinking time. Moreover, a notable feature is the ability to create custom tutorials, recreate famous chess matches and import PGN files from other chess programs, demonstrating a degree of flexibility aimed at serious chess enthusiasts. The game also offers both 3D and 2D camera views to cater to different preferences.

Several user reviews, however, indicate that the chess engine running below the surface was far from perfect; it was described as woefully weak; reviewers stated the computer player was regularly beaten even after the “computer makes mistakes” option was turned off. By comparison, competitor chess software was deemed superior, with some user accounts indicating that the computer-controlled ‘Combat Chess’ could be defeated with ease, even at high levels.

Multiplayer options included serial, modem, IPX, and TCP/IP, providing various options for connecting with other players. The user interface was also seen as far from intuitive. For instance, one player indicated that rapid clicks were required to undo a computer’s move before it quickly moved back again.

World-Building, Art & Sound

The world-building is inherently limited. The game establishes a fantasy tone through its unit designs, but it lacks the depth and detail of a traditional fantasy setting.

The visual direction aimed for a blend of classical chess and combat/fantasy design. Despite good intentions, critics criticized the game’s graphics; the 3D isometric board was especially problematic in obscuring a clean line of sight on the pieces. The sounds and music were a mixed bag. The configurable soundtrack of “drums, wind sounds, and other ambient noises such as screams and creaky doors” was either entertain or unnerving, depending on the player’s preferences.

Reception & Legacy

‘Combat Chess’ garnered mixed to average reviews upon release. While some critics praised its visuals and innovative animations, others viewed the combat sequences as fleeting novelties that grew tiresome over time. The game was often compared to Interplay’s ‘Battle Chess,’ with some finding it a worthy successor, while others deemed it inferior.

GameSpot’s review argued that the animations lost their appeal quickly, while Pelit criticized the graphics and camera angles, suggesting players opt for a free chess program like GNU Chess. Computer Games Magazine echoed the sentiment on the problematic 3D view. However, PC Action gave the game a generally positive review, giving it a rate of 80% (single-player) and 85% (multiplayer).

‘Combat Chess’ did not leave a significant mark on the gaming industry. Its limited AI and reliance on visual gimmicks relegated it to the realm of niche titles. It did, however, reflect a broader trend of attempting to revitalize established genres through stylistic and technological innovation.

Conclusion

‘Combat Chess’ is a game with a good idea, but short on execution. It’s an engaging experiment in blending a classic game with fantasy elements and detailed combat animations. However, the shallow AI, flawed camera perspective, and cumbersome UI ultimately prevent it from achieving true greatness. While it may offer some fleeting enjoyment for casual players seeking a visual twist on chess, serious enthusiasts and strategy aficionados will likely find it lacking in depth and challenge. ‘Combat Chess’ holds a place in the history as an interesting, but ultimately flawed, attempt to breathe new life into a truly timeless game.