Hoyle Majestic Chess
Developer(s)Fluent Entertainment[1]
Publisher(s)Vivendi Universal Games
Sierra Entertainment[1][2]
SeriesHoyle
Platform(s)Windows
ReleaseSeptember 8, 2003[1]
Genre(s)Computer chess
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Hoyle Majestic Chess is a 2003 chess video game developed by Fluent Entertainment and published by Vivendi Universal Games and their subsidiary Sierra Entertainment for the Windows. It is part of the Hoyle series. An Xbox version was announced in April 2003 alongside the Windows version but it was canceled.[3][4]

Gameplay

The game features three view modes: 2D, fixed perspective faux 3D, and fully 3D. There are eight different chess piece sets per board style. The playing strength of the AI is represented by 32 "personalities". Custom personalities can be added by a creation module. Online multiplayer is included. The tutorial is depicted as a narrative fantasy game. The player travels across a map and completes chess lessons that are portrayed as quests.[5] The mode was compared to the Heroes of Might and Magic series.[6][7]

Reception

Hoyle Majestic Chess received generally positive reviews from critics. GameSpot recommended Fritz 8 or Chessmaster 9000 for experienced players but said the fantasy tutorial is the best way to introduce a person to chess.[5] IGN said the real draw of the game is the adventure mode and called the chess engine "robust".[7] GameZone concluded: "From the detailed graphics, amazing music, excellent tutorial, and excellent concept, everyone should find something to enjoy with this game."[10] Computer Gaming World summarized: "While it ultimately fails to be an easily accessible, helpful tool to teach the true novice how to play chess well, Majestic Chess is a well-made product that provides good competition for amateur players who aren't too serious about their game."[2] PC Gamer called the game "An admirable chess experience, with enough lessons to keep you occupied for ages."[11] The Washington Post said that "This chess game's varying styles of play, traditional and inventive learning mechanisms and robust Internet play provide enough of a challenge to make you work on your game -- and enough fun to make that effort worthwhile."[13]

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Hoyle's Majestic Chess makes first move". GameSpot. Fandom. 8 September 2003. Archived from the original on 9 October 2003. Retrieved 3 August 2023.
  2. 1 2 3 Luo, Di (December 2003). "Reviews - Hoyle's Majestic Chess". Computer Gaming World. No. 233. Ziff Davis. p. 142.
  3. ↑ "Vivendi Announcements". IGN. Ziff Davis. 24 April 2003. Retrieved 4 August 2023.
  4. ↑ "Hoyle Majestic Chess (Xbox)". GameSpy. IGN Entertainment. Archived from the original on 9 June 2007. Retrieved 4 August 2023.
  5. 1 2 3 Lackey, Jeff (10 September 2003). "Hoyle Majestic Chess Review". GameSpot. Fandom. Archived from the original on 20 September 2003. Retrieved 3 August 2023.
  6. ↑ Beers, Craig (25 April 2003). "Hoyle Majestic Chess impressions". GameSpot. Fandom. Retrieved 3 August 2023.
  7. 1 2 3 Butts, Steve (8 September 2003). "Reviews - Hoyle Majestic Chess". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on 14 April 2009. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
  8. ↑ "Hoyle Majestic Chess for PC". GameRankings. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on 16 April 2009. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
  9. ↑ Rice, Kevin (23 October 2003). "Reviews - Majestic Chess (PC)". GameSpy. IGN Entertainment. Archived from the original on 12 June 2004. Retrieved 30 July 2023.
  10. 1 2 Aceinet (30 August 2003). "Reviews - Hoyle Majestic Chess". GameZone. GameZone Online, LLC. Archived from the original on 31 August 2003. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
  11. 1 2 Smith, Rob. "Reviews - Hoyle Majestic Chess". PC Gamer. Future plc. Archived from the original on 15 March 2006. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
  12. ↑ "Test - Majestic Chess". PC Games (in German). Computec Media GmbH. 21 January 2005. Archived from the original on 7 January 2018. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
  13. ↑ Singer, Skip (30 November 2003). "Reviews - Hoyle Majestic Chess". The Washington Post. Fred Ryan. Retrieved 4 August 2023.
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