Chessmaster: The Art of Learning

Chessmaster: The Art of Learning (alternatively Chessmaster XI and known on the PC as Chessmaster: Grandmaster Edition[6][7]) is a 2007 chess video game developed and published by Ubisoft for the Windows, Nintendo DS, and PlayStation Portable. It is part of the Chessmaster series. The game was announced on August 10, 2007.[6]

Chessmaster: The Art of Learning
Developer(s)
Publisher(s)Ubisoft
SeriesChessmaster
Platform(s)Windows, Nintendo DS, PlayStation Portable
Release
  • October 23, 2007 (DS)[2][4]
  • October 30, 2007 (Win)[1][5]
  • February 15, 2008 (PSP)[3]
Genre(s)Computer chess
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Gameplay

The game is narrated and instructed by Josh Waitzkin, and using principles from his book, The Art of Learning.[6][8] The game uses an updated version of the King chess engine.[9] The game database includes 600,000 matches.[1] The Art of Learning includes six minigames: "fork my fruit" where the goal is to fork two fruits using any of the given pieces, "masterpiece" where the objective is to paint a picture by making as few moves as possible, "breaking the lines" where the aim is to capture pawns using only knights and "chain reaction" where the target is to link three or more pieces by placing them within opponent's attack range, "pawn charge" where the goal is to reach the eighth rank without being captured, and "minefield" where the objective is to defeat an invisible enemy.[10] Multiplayer modes include "progressive chess", where opponents gain moves each turn, "dark chess" in which opponent's pieces are invisible unless under attack, "losing chess" where the objective is to lose pieces, and "extinction chess" which replaces checkmate with the win condition of capturing all of opponent's pieces.[11][12] The PSP version supports Wi-Fi multiplayer.[12] The DS version supports multi-card wireless play but doesn't support Wi-Fi.[13][14] The PC network multiplayer is either via the internet or LAN.[6]

Reception

Windows

Jeuxvideo.com concluded that "Chessmaster undoubtedly remains the reference title for the general public. [...] A completely dispensable purchase, however, if one already has the tenth edition.[17] PC Gamer and Jeuxvideo.com said that the online lounges were deserted.[18][17] Strana Igr said the game is not too different from the previous one.[22] GamesRadar+ summarized: "Even though most gameplay and options tend to be predictably consistent, The Art of Learning is a great tool for skill building and is put together in a simple easy to use package with something to offer everyone."[15]

Nintendo DS and PSP

IGN reviewed the DS version and said: "The only thing missing is Wi-Fi multiplayer. [...] for anyone who remotely enjoys chess, this is the definitive handheld release."[14] Later they reviewed the PSP version and concluded: "There are a lot of modes and games to get into [...]. However, the presentation is completely phoned-in and will make you wonder why the hell this budget-looking title is priced at $30.[16] GameZone said "the presentation sucks" in the DS version but still called it a great game for chess fans.[10] Pocket Gamer criticized the tuition tools in the PSP version as inadequate for intermediate players. They summarized the game as a "perfect place to start" for new players.[12] Game said the DS version is "a title suitable for everyone, young and old".[19]

References
  1. Marriott, Scott Alan. "Overview - Chessmaster: The Art of Learning -- Grandmaster Edition". AllGame. RhythmOne. Archived from the original on 14 November 2014. Retrieved 2 July 2023.
  2. Marriott, Scott Alan. "Overview - Chessmaster: The Art of Learning [DS]". AllGame. RhythmOne. Archived from the original on 14 November 2014. Retrieved 2 July 2023.
  3. Marriott, Scott Alan. "Overview - Chessmaster: The Art of Learning [PSP]". AllGame. RhythmOne. Archived from the original on 14 November 2014. Retrieved 2 July 2023.
  4. "Shippin' Out October 22–26: Ratchet & Clank, Jericho, Conan, Phoenix Wright". GameSpot. Fandom. 22 October 2007. Retrieved 4 July 2023.
  5. "Chessmaster XI Available Now!". Chessmaster: The Art of Learning. Ubisoft. 30 October 2007. Archived from the original on 13 December 2007. Retrieved 3 July 2023.
  6. "Chessmaster XI Coming in October". Chessmaster: The Art of Learning. Archived from the original on 14 October 2007. Retrieved 3 July 2023.
  7. Wittenborn, Rich (28 February 2008). "Review - Chessmaster: The Art of Learning [original review score]". GamesRadar+. Future plc. Archived from the original on 11 October 2008. Retrieved 3 July 2023.
  8. "Sah de la Ubisoft". Level (in Romanian). No. 120. September 2007. p. 10. [...] cu ajutorul cursurilor şi al tutorialelor ce se găsesc în cartea sa The Art of Learning (Free Press).
  9. "Chessmaster XI: The Art of Learning". chessmaster.us.ubi.com. Ubisoft. Archived from the original on 1 April 2009. Retrieved 4 July 2023.
  10. "Chessmaster: The Art of Learning Review". GameZone. GameZone Online. 23 October 2007. Archived from the original on 12 December 2007. Retrieved 3 July 2023.
  11. Wittenborn, Rich (27 February 2008). "Review - Chessmaster: The Art of Learning [PSP]". GamesRadar+. Future plc. Archived from the original on 12 October 2008. Retrieved 3 July 2023.
  12. Walbank, Mark (8 May 2008). "Game Reviews - Chessmaster: The Art of Learning". Pocket Gamer. Steel Media. Archived from the original on 8 May 2008. Retrieved 3 July 2023.
  13. Van Leuveren, Luke (24 November 2007). "Chessmaster: The Art of Learning Review". PALGN. Archived from the original on 27 December 2007. Retrieved 3 July 2023.
  14. Adams, Chris (4 December 2007). "Chessmaster: The Art of Learning Review [DS]". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on 7 December 2007. Retrieved 3 July 2023.
  15. Wittenborn, Rich (28 February 2008). "Chessmaster: The Art of Learning review [PC]". GamesRadar+. Future plc. Archived from the original on 22 July 2016. Retrieved 3 July 2023.
  16. Miller, Greg (28 February 2008). "Chessmaster: The Art of Learning Review [PSP]". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on 4 March 2008. Retrieved 3 July 2023.
  17. Dharn (17 January 2008). "Test - Chessmaster : Edition Grand Maitre". Jeuxvideo.com (in French). Webedia. Archived from the original on 20 January 2008. Retrieved 4 July 2023.
  18. Smith, Rob (April 2008). "Reviews - Chessmaster: Grandmaster Edition". PC Gamer. No. 173. Future plc. p. 64.
  19. "Console Portatili - Chessmaster: The Art of Learning". Game (in Italian). No. 24. Edizioni Player. December 2007. p. 14.
  20. Kenny (January 2008). "Teszt - Chessmaster: The Art of Learning [DS]". 576 Konzol (in Hungarian). Comgame. p. 76.
  21. Miki, V. (March 2008). "Teszt - Chessmaster: The Art of Learning [PSP]". 576 Konzol (in Hungarian). Comgame. p. 69.
  22. Hakhverdyan, Ashot (February 2008). "Review - Chessmaster: Grandmaster Edition". Strana Igr (in Russian). No. 253. Gameland. pp. 112–113.
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