1990 · Oxford Softworks · Board game · Chess

Chess Simulator

Chess Simulator is a chess game which offers the standard features: playing chess against the AI which can be set in a number of different levels suited for beginners and advanced players (the maximum ELO rating is 2150); optionally with an advice option which tries to teach chess to the player. Graphical features include a number of different pieces and the option to change the angle and zoom of the 3D playfield. Of course it is also possible to use a top-down perspective. The game also provides a way to calculate the user's ELO score: the program presents 24 situations and the player must provide likely moves within two minutes.

Released: 1990
Platforms: Atari ST Atari ST/STE MS-DOS
Genres: Board game Chess Simulation Strategy
Developers: Oxford Softworks
Publishers: Atari SA
Modes: Multiplayer Single-player
Perspective: Bird view / Isometric
Country: United Kingdom

About

Chess Simulator is a 1990 chess video game developed by Oxfordshire-based Oxford Softworks and published by Infogrames for the Amiga, Atari ST, and MS-DOS. Oxford Softworks' previous chess program, Chess Champion 2175, was released only a few months before Chess Simulator. Chess Simulator is part of Infogrames' Simulator series, which includes Dames Simulator, Bridge Simulator, Billiards Simulator, and an unreleased Pinballs Simulator.

Keywords

chess

Media

The articlegameplay, story, development, reception

Gameplay

The board can be viewed in 2D or 3D perspective. The game includes a mode where the player's Elo rating is determined after solving 24 chess puzzles. Other modes include a supervisor mode, where a two-player match is supervised by the computer. The DOS version features EGA graphics.

Reception

Datormagazin said the game is almost identical to Chess Champion 2175. The only added feature in Chess Simulator was a voice synthesized opponent but the voice was noted as "irritating". Chess Champion 2175 was said to have a better manual and the ability to move pieces more smoothly during play. Aktueller Software Markt said it's "a strong representative of its kind, which is difficult to fool".

Joystick said that if you like chess and don't already have a chess program, Chess Simulator is a game that you should absolutely own. Tilt said the game is identical to Chess Player 2150 except it's in French and the chess pieces have been redesigned beautifully. In summary, it was said to be the best chess program alongside Chess Champion 2175. ST Action said "This Chess game doesn't offer anything that we haven't seen before and even the special features aren't especially different in comparison with others."