Chess is Chess.  Whether you’ve played Chess before or seen someone else play Chess, you probably know something about it.  Hoyle Majestic Chess gives the player an opportunity to play a regular game of chess.  Or if you’re an experienced player, you can play against other players online.  But as the name suggests, Hoyle Majestic Chess provides a twist on a standard game of chess, the Adventure Mode.

You can play in three different modes, Single Player, Adventure and Multiplayer.  In the Single Player mode you can play a game of Chess against a computer controlled opponent.  In Multiplayer you play against opponents online.  The Adventure mode is the most unique portion of the game.  Think of the adventure mode as a strategy/RPG but instead of battling monsters and creatures, you play Chess. 

In the Adventure mode you’re trying to overthrow the Necromaster Sargon.  Sargon was previously known as Prince Argent, who was a great wizard of Chess.  But soon the Prince became corrupt with power and started gathering pieces across the world.  He used these pieces to twist the game into his own evil purpose.  Soon the Prince and his allies had taken over the world, and the Prince became Sargon, the Necromaster.  Legend foretold of someone who would overthrow Sargon, and that person is you!

The Adventure mode is presented in an over the top, 3D world view.  Your character, the King, is on horseback and must venture across the land visiting & exploring different locations across the land.  These locations can be a castle that is populated by a boss, or an item shop.  In order to move in the land, you must select a town, castle or location that is in view on the map.  Just like a strategy game, only sections of the map are accessible when you start.  As you progress in the game, other areas will become available for you to explore. 

The Adventure mode is divided up into 8 different chapters.  The first chapter provides the player with an excellent tutorial of how to play Chess.  This is very helpful for someone who has never played Chess before.  You don’t even start out with a Chess piece to play a game.  You have to earn your first piece by passing a quiz on the basics of Chess.  One location on the map will teach you how to play Chess, and other insights into Chess.  Then other locations will quiz you on what you just learned.  By passing the quizzes you can earn additional Chess pieces. 

But you don’t have to pass a quiz to earn a piece for your Chess board.  You can also defeat the computer in a challenge to earn all of the pieces.  But these challenges aren’t just a regular game of Chess.  A challenge could be trying to obtain all of the computer’s pawn pieces.  Or during one challenge you’ll need to capture the computer’s Queen.  Each challenge is different, but the concept is the same.  You’re always playing Chess. 

The game does what it should do, provides everyone with an opportunity to play a game of Chess.  With a very easy to use interface everyone should be able to jump in right away.  For a novice to Chess, the Adventure mode will provide a great overview of how to play the game.   However there are a few items that are frustrating.  In the Adventure mode, if you answer a quiz question incorrectly, you have to start the quiz over again.  This is expected, as this is a common trait within games.  However the game doesn’t provide you with an explanation sometimes as to why your answer is wrong.  You’re told the answer is wrong and you have to start over.  Sometimes it doesn’t feel like your learning Chess, but you're performing trial and error.  If one move is illegal, then let me try another move.   You’ll also need to be patient.  If you lose a challenge in the Adventure mode, then you have to start the challenge over again.  Sometimes, especially early in the game, it can feel like the computer is trying to cheat.  This is because you are not familiar with all of the rules in the game.

Gameplay: 8.5 

Once again, Chess is Chess.  Hoyle Majestic Chess provides an excellent game of Chess.  You can practice your skills in the Single Player mode, or challenge someone online.  The Adventure mode is a great addition for a Chess game.  You’re learning how to play the game of Chess while on an adventure.  The gameplay doesn’t vary too often, simple because you’re playing Chess.  But you’re learning how to play, not just playing the game. 

Graphics: 8.5 

The graphics are lush and very detailed.  The graphics in the Adventure mode are very impressive.  I wouldn’t have expected the amount of detail on the maps since this was a Chess game.  When playing the computer in Chess, the game is presented in a top down 3D mode.  If you don’t enjoy the 3D graphics, you can also select a 2D version as well.  When in the Adventure mode each Chessboard will vary, depending on the location you are searching.   In the Single Player mode you can also select from several different Chessboards, called scenes.  You can also select from a true 3D mode that gives you control of the camera angle.

Sound: 8.5 

I was very impressed with the music of Hoyle Majestic Chess.  The music really stands out and enhances the game as well.  In the Adventure mode, each location has its own individual sound.  Sometimes I would listen to just the music while waiting to make my next move and forget what I was doing.   The music is composed of a rich symphony sound that plays well with the Adventure setting.

Difficulty: Medium 

With a very helpful tutorial system at the beginning of the Adventure mode, everyone can learn how to play Chess.  However the game can provide a deep learning curve, since there are so many different strategies within Chess.   Taking the quizzes over again, or having to challenge the computer over and over again to complete a quest can be frustrating.

Concept: 9.0 

The concept for Hoyle Majestic Chess is excellent.  Most people think Chess can be boring because it’s just a bunch of pieces moving around on a board should look to Hoyle Majestic Chess.  The way the game provides you with a tutorial on how to play chess, while playing an adventure game is outstanding.  This mode does something other games do not.  It makes you want to play the game more.  The Adventure mode is an excellent addition to the game of Chess that should attract other gamers interested in RPG or strategy games. 

Multiplayer: 8.5   

The game is designed to play with other players over the internet.  The multiplayer/online interface looks similar to the Single Player mode.  The setup for Multiplayer was a breeze.  Just click on the create button, and then type in a username, password and email address.  Then you’re ready to play. Multiplayer also provides a chat option to chat with the person you’re playing against. 

Overall: 8.6 

Hoyle Majestic Chess is an excellent title for anyone looking for a Chess or adventure game.  For the Chess novice, Chess expert, or RPG fan there is something for everyone in this game.  From the detailed graphics, amazing music, excellent tutorial, and excellent concept, everyone should find something to enjoy with this game.  From time to time the tutorial can leave you guessing for an answer.  What you think should work, doesn’t work in the game, and you have to try again to figure out why.  But with the Adventure mode and Multiplayer mode, Hoyle Majestic Chess is an excellent addition