Virtual Kasparov

"If you like chess, you'll like this....."

First off, I have to give major props to Titus for taking the chance on releasing a chess game on the GBA. While a chess game is not going to appeal to a wide variety of gamers, I think that the advent of more ''mature'' entertainment on the GBA shows that this is not a piece of hardware that only little kids are using. I have seen more and more ''adults'' using GBAs, especially on business trips. Virtual Kasparov is going to fill a nice niche that has been left sorely empty in the past.

The Game
Well, quite simply, the game here is chess. But this is clearly chess done well. Although there is technically only one game, there are quite a few variations that will keep players coming back. You can player a ''story'' mode where you move from continent to continent challengers different (and progressively more difficult) chess masters; you can play a ''quick game'' where you can pick which chess master to play, the time limit (from 5 min speed chess up to no time limit), or you can link up with a friend for a virtual game of chess (this only requires 1 cart).

I have to admit that while I enjoy the game of chess, I'm not very good at it. As such, I have difficulty even winning the beginners level matches, and I have come nowhere close to even beating the mid-level players. I'm sure that chess experts could comment on the strength of the chess algorithms, all I can say is that they are good enough to beat me almost everytime.

The Graphics
Well, the graphics are crisp and they certainly get the job done, but if you are looking for a game that shows off the power of the GBA, this is not what you are looking for. There are a number of different chessboards/pieces to choose from, and the pieces are large enough to easily identify. My one problem with the graphics has to do with the 3D chessboard options. There are only two options to choose from, and I found it very difficult to navigate the 3D chessboard due to the fact that the way you navigate the chessboard is very counterintuitive. I'll stick to the 2D version which looks just fine (and there are about 12 different styles of 2D design to choose from).

The Sound
The music and sound effects add to the game experience, but they are not stellar. The music is appropriately tense and adds a nice sense of anxiety to the game. Once again, if you are looking for a great chess game, this is a great choice. If you are looking for a sound and graphics fest, you probably want to look elsewhere.

Overall
If you are looking for a good chess game, you don't have to look any further. If you are just learning how to play chess (or if you would like to learn) VK has a great tutorial program as well as a ''beginner's mode'' where you can visually see how/where your selected piece can move. This will slowly ease you into the game while letting develop your skills. The only downsides to VK are the fact that there is no battery or password save. Also, while the 2D chessboards look good, the 3D chessboards (while looking good) are are impossible to navigate. It would have been nice to include an option to let you ''take back'' a move, but I can also understand why that is not included. All in all, this is a solid game that some gamers will find very appealing.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 03/02/02, Updated 03/02/02