Pure Chess (Nintendo 3DS) Review

First of all, chess is the type of game that isn't for everyone and it's been touted as "geeky" for quite a long time. Although it is indeed a game of logic, learning the legal moves and basic mechanics of chess doesn't actually take too long. This is proven in Pure Chess' incredibly in-depth tutorial, which isn't just walls and walls of text, but teaches the player in a unique way of interacting with the pieces in play and also explaining chess terms in an easy to understand manner.

After the tutorial mode has been tackled, there are a variety of Chess Challenges that can be completed. Under the Chess Challenges menu there are two different options; Bonus Games and Tournaments. The latter is pretty self-explanatory and just sets up a quick tournament against numerous AI players, whilst the Bonus Games contain some interesting checkmate puzzles that are somewhat reminiscent of logic puzzles found in the Professor Layton series - players are tasked with getting a checkmate in either one-to-five moves, with each puzzle having a different setup and there being a total of 100 puzzles altogether.

Aside from the tutorial and Chess Challenges, the other options included are playing against different levels of AI, playing against a friend by passing the 3DS between them after each move has been taken. However, the spotlight feature in Pure Chess is not only being able to play online, but having the ability to play online against people on various different platforms. Yes, that's right! Cross-platform play! Huzzah! Wait a minute, though - although it sounds great in writing, the online play is incredibly clunky and it can take around five minutes to send moves sometimes. During the launch week, the online component was horrendous and even though it has improved a little now, it still isn't nearly as reliable as it should be.

In order to play online, a 'Pure Chess' account must first be created, which is a quick and straightforward process and also serves as the method in which the cross-platform play works. Whilst VooFoo has done a great job in getting this to work - to a certain extent - it still doesn't work quite as well as it should.

Even navigating through the online menus is a chore, with the game throwing a bunch of "Please wait…" screens in-between moves and switching between the ongoing games. It's a nice touch to be able to have up to six online games going at the same time and be able to make moves even if the other player isn't online, but matches played like this could end up lasting weeks, especially when taking into account the time it takes to send moves at times.

Complaints aside, Pure Chess is a faithful representation of the "geeky" tabletop game and is also a great introduction for individuals who are interested in learning how to play, or even avid chess players who just want to brush up on their skills. There are also a few DLC packs, which change the theme of the board and pieces. However, most players will probably opt for the styles already included in the base game.