Chess Simulator
| Industry | Video games |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Oxfordshire , United Kingdom |
| Products | Chess Simulator, Chess Champion 2175 |
Chess Simulator is a chess-themed video game released in 1990, created by Oxford Softworks, a company located in Oxfordshire, and distributed by Infogrames for platforms including the Amiga, Atari ST, and MS-DOS. This title arrived just months after Oxford Softworks launched Chess Champion 2175. It forms part of Infogrames' broader Simulator lineup, which also encompasses Dames Simulator, Bridge Simulator, Billiards Simulator, as well as an unreleased project titled Pinballs Simulator.
Gameplay
Players can choose between 2D and 3D representations of the chessboard. The game features a mode designed to evaluate the player's Elo rating through a set of 24 chess puzzles. Additionally, a supervisor function enables the computer to monitor matches between two human players. The DOS edition is distinguished by its Enhanced Graphics Adapter (EGA) visuals.
Reception
According to Datormagazin, Chess Simulator closely resembled Chess Champion 2175, with the primary new feature being an opponent using voice synthesis, which was described as "annoying". The earlier release was noted for having superior documentation and smoother animation of chess pieces. Aktueller Software Markt regarded the game as a robust and challenging chess application. Joystick advised that it would appeal to chess fans who did not yet own chess software. Meanwhile, Tilt pointed out its likeness to Chess Player 2150, commended the redesigned chess pieces, and ranked it alongside Chess Champion 2175 among the top chess programs available.
Other critiques characterized the title as reliable, quick, and powerful but lacking in innovation. ST Action commented that it introduced no novel elements compared to rival games. ST Format considered it on par with Colossus Chess X, noting that while it was user-friendly, it did not bring significant advancements. The review from Pelit indicated that although it shared similarities with Chess Champion 2175, the latter was more accessible, and ultimately recommended Chessmaster 2100 over both alternatives.