A Digital Chessboard for Every Player
One of the very first video games I remember playing at home was Chess.
I don’t remember which system it was on, but it provided a ‘chess’ experience, allowing the player to move pieces around on a little board, lighting up with the computer moves. I used to cheat. A lot.
But then there was the brilliant Battle Chess which delivered a fantasy take, the pieces becoming animated, destroying each other when taken.
Since those early times, chess has become available to play on pretty much any and every system, from the most powerful of computers and smartphones, right down to your watch.
It is with Chess Infinity in which curiosity hit, as I wondered how a console version of the most iconic game could play in 2025.
A Game of Strategy for All Levels
The game of chess is one of slow strategy and thoughtful tactics. The longest chess game between Masters happened back in 1989 and took just over 20 hours to finish. Some people play chess online for days and weeks with a move every day. However, in Chess Infinity you have a series of different options and various ways to play.
Even if you know the game inside-out, you’ll want to start with the tutorial mode first, which can give the basics of how the game works and the pieces move. If you are a beginner to your chess and always wanted to learn then this could be the game for you.
Global Encounters
From there, you can go deep with further options. I started with ‘Tour’ Mode which pits you against AI opponents, taking you across the world, with Greek, Japanese, and Norse themes available to play. When you start a game you can move the camera around the board and zoom in and zoom out to your heart’s content. I did find the first board I encountered a little bit confusing, especially in regards the actual pieces, but things get better as progress is made and you get to unlock new boards and pieces.
As you play the game and you select a piece, you get a choice of movement options. It indicates where you can go to, as well as which piece you can take. When you make a move, a smattering of text comes up telling you if you made a good move or an excellent one, something that feels a good way of learning deeper moves and a better way of playing chess.
You also have the option of using an assist in Chess Infinity. Here you have two options, in the form of an ‘undo’ (it does what you expect it to do) as well as ‘Best Move’, allowing Chess Infinity to make an important move for you if you are stuck. In the beginning, you’ll have five chances to use these.
Progression and Practice
When you finish a game, experience points flood in, unlocking rewards like chess sets or pieces. But from there come further options, working as lessons for beginners to the more advanced. There is a puzzle mode that gives you some interesting brain teasers to solve with each piece too, all accompanied by the online mode where you can play with people and test your skills across the world.
Visually, I like what Chess Infinity does, delivering different environments as you tour the globe. Each setting is well crafted, full of suitable backdrops and settings. The pieces in these places have great designs too, and if you see yourself as a bit of a collector, may wish to spend time picking up all that is available to you. Further, in Chess Infinity there are some nifty animations to enjoy as well, all as you go taking pieces and pulling off checkmates.
You shouldn’t expect too much in terms of audio, but the soundtrack is complete with some calming ambient tracks.
A Solid Chess Experience for Beginners and Masters Alike
It probably goes without saying, but if you don’t like chess, you won’t like Chess Infinity. But if you fancy learning the game, or think of yourself as something of a Grandmaster already, then you’ll get a lot out of what it offers.
The real question though is in regards to whether it offers something different, living up to the Chess Infinity name. I’m not so sure, but there’s no denying it manages to do a good job at delivering a decent chess experience.
If anything, this is one you’ll keep in your library, ready to pull out whenever you feel the need to take down a king.
Your Links
Chess Infinity: The Ultimate Chess Experience Arrives on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC – https://www.thexboxhub.com/chess-infinity-the-ultimate-chess-experience-arrives-on-xbox-playstation-and-pc/
Buy Chess Infinity on Xbox – https://www.xbox.com/en-gb/games/store/chess-infinity/9p9796kxg61x
