British game publisher Ripstone announced during the Summer that TIGA Awards finalist Chess Ultra will be arriving on the Nintendo Switch sometime in 2017. The company - known for previously publishing the likes of Ironcast, Extreme Exorcism and Pure Chess for the Wii U and 3DS - are looking to replicate previous success, after the game garnered a strong fan base with 2.5 million players enjoying the age-old game.
Speaking to Hollie Pattison (Community Manager for Ripstone Games) at EGX, we were told the company is looking at “making Chess sexy”. More of a humourous in-joke by Ripstone, perhaps, but you can see what it means with the game's detailed ornaments and lavish arenas. We go from sophisticated classical lounges to the fiery pits of hell, giving the classic game a big overhaul in terms of look whilst keeping the core strategy untouched. This is one of the key goals for Ripstone and appears to be appreciated by the Chess community itself, if previous statistics are anything to go by.
What will be most interesting is that on the Switch, Chess Ultra will become a great way for players to be introduced into the world whilst giving experienced fans a reason to jump in. Ripstone confirmed to us that basically no issues were experienced porting to the console, and it’s great to hear more developers finding the software much easier to work with when compared to Nintendo’s previous hardware.
We gave it a try; the controls are integral and work well with the Joy-Con (they do work with the Pro-Controller, however we were unable to test) allowing for each player to hold one and still make all the necessary moves. A nice touch is the ability to move the camera angle down to the chess piece level or any 180 degree angle, so nothing is overlooked.
Extra detail has also gone into tutorial mode to try and ensure that even the most seasoned of players will learn a thing or two, along with some enjoyable puzzles to mull over outside of the main game.
We were also reminded of PR details previously release, outlining more of what we can expect when it arrives on Switch.
- Stunning environments and beautiful chess sets, including a ‘Fire and Brimstone’ chess set that literally burns
- 10 Grandmaster approved AI levels
- Comprehensive time controls, including Classical, Blitz and Marathon, all available online
- Intuitive local and online multiplayer with ELO ranking system
- Over 80 chess puzzles
- Re-write the past by winning the biggest historic matches
- In-depth tutorials
Earlier this Summer the game released for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC and VR, with new DLC dropping in the form of the “Patheon Game Pack”; this will also be available to buy on Switch. In this new content a Roman environment set in the Pantheon Temple is available along with an Imperial themed set that uses Roman soldiers as Chess pieces.
Chess Ultra is expected to release for around the £9.99 mark (TBC) as per its Steam counterpart on the sometime in the remainder of 2017. Is it on your wishlist?
Comments 21
$10 or less and this will be mine.
Chess is chess. I've Pure Chess on the Wii U which is essentially the same. It's a great game, I'd recommend picking up either title on Wii U or Switch when it releases. The Wii U version has been as cheap as a few Euro's I think during sales.
The company - known for previously publishing the likes of Ironcast, Extreme Exorcism and Pure Chess
That's probably the broadest lineup one publusher has ever had...and with only 3 example titles!
I'd like to see someone implement motion controls and HD Rumble so it would feel like you were actually reaching out, grasping, and placing the pieces. Now THAT is a chess game I would drop money on!
Hope it's cheap. This sounds interesting!
sounds interesting. love chess. so i'll wait for a review
Is there real-time multiplayer? I hate the "Chess by Mail" style of play.
I just need this and monopoly and I'm set for my board games. Getting my butt handed to me in shogi.
Before purchasing I'd have to ask myself, "You could play chess right now on your phone for free. How much do you currently play chess?" And the answer is why I'll probably pass on this one.
I don't think you need 3d graphics for chess... i always play them in 2d on my phone. I don't see the point of dressing up the chessboard and pieces: it's a mental game.
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I'm gonna grab this. I love chess ^^.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE I, too, enjoyed Pure Chess on the Wii U. I think I will pick it up on the Switch as well as it would be a good fit I feel.
Love Chess, but doubt I’d drop the money to play this.
Definitely on my list, I'm not the greatest chess player but I do like to have it around, and to be honest most portable version of chess are pretty chintzy. This is a very nice, full-featured game with all the chrome chess can get. Looking forward to it.
@thesilverbrick It does have real-time games, and they even have tournaments scheduled. There was a designer video on NL a couple of weeks ago, it looks pretty awesome.
@JasmineDragon Thanks! I might check it out, then.
Image if they add Shogi...
Getting this ASAP when I finally get a Switch.
@Fake-E-Lee It's worth the effort. The game has stood the test of time and is something that can be enjoyed at all skill levels.
I can't wait for this! Chess is a great game and I've been hoping there would be a version for the Switch.
The Switch is perfect for a game like this.
Already had chess on Wii U and also on my Smartphone, so I'll definitely buy it as long as it's not too expensive.
It totally is on my wishlist! I'm always a bit ashamed I don't know how to play chess so I want to use this game to actually teach myself. Being able to play together with friends is even better. Day one buy for me.
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