No, you dumbass, the greatest turn-based strategy game of all-time is chess. Konami brings back the granddaddy of all strategy games in Online Chess Kingdoms. It's a graphically buffed version of the classic game, with some new tweaks thrown in. Strategy and conquest collide in an ever-evolving online world in this mythical take on a classic board game! Five warring factions struggle for control of an ancient, mystical realm in Online Chess Kingdoms. Join one of the sides, strategically decide which territory to conquer, and set out to expand your kingdom!
The ponderous game of chess might not seem like an ideal candidate for quick gaming on the go, but Online Chess Kingdoms stirs in a few new twists that make it more than just a glorified travel chess set.The marquee attraction is supposedly the persistent online world that serves as matchmaking service. Instead of a plain vanilla lobby, each server option is a different map embroiled in conflict, ranging in size from 8x8 to 16x16 boards of land. Armies, represented by five distinct sets of animated pieces, expand their territory by attacking bordering squares until one faction rules the map. Each incursion initiates a separate chess match.Attack, and online members of the defending faith may accept your challenge. Idling to rule the gods trainer. If nobody has the cajones to challenge your superior intellect within sixty seconds, you may face off against an AI opponent instead. For every win you garner prestige points that raise your online rank from mere Pawn to glorious King.Though you can play classic matches against a live opponent, spread games out over days worth of alternating turns, or enjoy a speed chess variant that eschews turn-based rumination for fast-paced carnage, the online maps are devoid of any tactical landmarks or meta-game strategy.
All it amounts to is competing swaths of color standing between you and a meaningful match-up. A stale lobby might actually be preferable to this sterile layer of pointless maneuvering and complexity.Strange as it may seem, what saves Online Chess Kingdoms is its offline design. The story mode, with its competing factions, mana-generating cities, landmark objectives, and special powers, is simplistic and hackneyed, but infinitely more engaging. Sneak in a quick battle chess game when you've got a few minutes, take on some relatively sneaky AI opponents, or play hot potato with a nearby pal. The animated sets are cool in their offbeat way, but don't expect the second coming of PC classic Battle Chess from the unimaginative execution animations.
First off, to even consider this game, you have to at least enjoy chess on some level. If you remember the old Battle Chess games of the past where the chess pieces come alive and fight each other after a move is made, Online Chess Kingdoms closely resembles this and does a good job of expanding it. It is still primarily a chess game however so be aware.
Online Chess Kingdoms offers five different unique chess sets and two different modes of play, classic quick match and story mode. The story mode adds some incentive and goals to just playing one game after another as you conquer other kingdoms through chess games and the five chess sets help keep the game fresh. In addition, the AI is well designed to allow novices and experts to both get a good challenge without getting frustrated or blowing out the AI.
Graphically, there isn't much to say except there's enough detail to keep the game interesting. In addition, the audio is rather sparse but it is a chess game so it didn't feel like there should have been more.
Although this type of game would never survive on a console, it fits well on a portable system. If you like the occasional game of chess or idolize Bobby Fischer, Online Chess Kingdoms will probably be welcomed on your PSP.