Chessmaster 5500

• Platform: IBM PC Compatible
• Release Date: 1998
• Genre: Traditional
• Style: Board Game
• Similar Games: Grandmaster Chess CD-ROM Edition (IBM PC Compatible), The Chessmaster 4000 Turbo (IBM PC Compatible), Chessmaster 5000 (IBM PC Compatible), Power Chess (IBM PC Compatible), Battle Chess [DOS] (IBM PC Compatible), Chessmaster 3000 (IBM PC Compatible), The Chessmaster 2100 (IBM PC Compatible)

Game Description

This follow-up title to Mindscape's Chessmaster 5000 offers fans of the series several enhancements and improvements. The most significant new feature is the inclusion of commentary from International Master Josh Waitzkin, whose early life and chess career were showcased in the movie The Search for Bobby Fischer. Waitzkin provides advice and instruction through voice-over commentary as the computer replays five of his most representative games. In all, the game's many tutorials feature more than 12 hours of voiceover commentary.

Another new feature in Chessmaster 5500 is the "Illustrated Voice Analysis." In conjunction with the game's "Natural Language Advice" and "Auto-Annotator" options, this allows smoothly synchronized auditory and visual feedback. Chessmaster 5500 offers a great deal of customization options and settings. The player can compete against the computer at a wide range of difficulty levels, create a customized opponent, or play against another human competitor on the Internet.

The game includes verbal 'tips of the day,' thematic sound sets, classical music, commentary featuring the soothing "InfoVoice" option, and literally hundreds of board and piece style combinations from which to choose. There are several new chess sets available in this edition, including Staunton New Age Marble, Brushed Metal, Ebony, and Boxwood.

Roots & Influences

The history of the Chessmaster series dates back to 1988 when The Software Toolworks developed and released the original Chessmaster game. Since then, updates in 1991 (2100), 1993 (3000) and 1996 (4000 Turbo) have set the stage for the current titles, 5000 and the enhanced 5500.

Review: Overall

While it is the complex strategies and dynamic gameplay that have made chess one of the world's most popular pastimes for several centuries, the evolution of the home computer has allowed the experience to offer even more. Professional commentary, specific in-game hints, suitable opponents, and even attractive game pieces and soothing background music can all enhance enjoyment of the basic game of chess.

Mindscape provides all of these enhancements in Chessmaster 5500, the 1998 addition to their esteemed series of Chessmaster games. This edition is built on the latest version of the proven Chessmaster engine and completes the computer chess experience with the skillful implementation of excellent graphics and digital sound.

The player is offered a choice of opponents from a vast selection of past and present players, as well as the capability to create a new rival with a specific style and skill level. Play against another human opponent over the Internet is also possible with this version of the game. The dedicated web site at www.chessmaster.com includes an FAQ and instructions regarding online play with the Chessmaster series.

Chessmaster 5500 offers hundreds of combinations of chess pieces and boards from which to choose. Each of the many boards has a list of compatible piece styles, ranging from Chinese to cherry wood and marble to mechanical nuts and bolts. There is even a surreal landscape set, which is particularly interesting. Overall, the graphics are smooth and colorful and they help make it a pleasure to play the game.

The sound choice and quality deserve special mention. If classical music is one of your pleasures, the mix of Beethoven, Mozart, Chopin, Scalatti and Vivaldi selections should delight you. As for the less aesthetically intentioned audio, the "InfoVoice" commentary and advice feature is particularly welcome and offers enough well directed tips to keep anyone up to par with their game.

What about the game itself? Do you need to be told how well designed and chock full of tactical surprises and strategic content it is? Of course you don't. The Chessmaster series is a perennial bestseller with solid gameplay and a rich historical past, in line with the venerable game of chess itself.

Review: Enjoyment

Always accessible and fun

Review: Graphics

Great 3D graphics and choices of board & pieces

Review: Sound

Wide choice of classical background music and verbal tutorials really make the game interesting, even when you're losing!

Review: Replay Value

Innumerable combinations of board, pieces, sound effects, music, and game skill levels mean that everyone will return to the game.

Review: Documentation

Manual describes the game and its history; on-line help readily available during the game.

Production Credits