Chessarama Review
Chessarama takes the classic game and spins it into a variety of challenges.
Chessarama. Minimol Games / SMG Studio
Dating back to the 7th century and popular around the world, chess is a strategic game of wits where nothing is left to chance. Players must think ahead to outmaneuver their opponent in a game purely of skill. The problem is, I’ve never had that skill, nor the patience or interest to develop it. Stiil, the chess piece moveset is deeply ingrained in my mind, and Minimol Games and SMG Studio exploit that familiarity to make the collection of games in Chessarama intuitive.
Chessarama. Minimol Games / SMG Studio
Chessarama is a chess-based puzzle game collection. The puzzles use chess pieces and their movement rules while putting a spin on the goals for the solutions. Eight single-player variations are included, each with its own theme and set of rules. For example, the first set of puzzles has players move a farmer—here a knight, with its L-shaped restrictions—around a board with limited spaces, with the goal of hitting every available square so that crops grow. Some other variations have you slay a dragon with a vulnerable pawn, or play soccer matches using chess pieces.
Chessarama. Minimol Games / SMG Studio
Eight games are included in all, with puzzle campaigns featuring 100+ levels. The puzzles in the game are challenging, and I had to dust off some brain cells to make it through. Sometimes, I had to step away and come back with fresh eyes to tackle puzzles.
Chess puzzles existed before this collection. Still, these fun variations go far beyond the traditional form of those classic puzzles, and the presentation makes them feel bright and exciting. It’s refreshing to see chess, which I consider somewhat dull, take on new life through these reinventions.
Chessarama is available on Steam, PlayStation 5, Xbox One / Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch.
Overall Score: 7/10
Played on PS5
