Virtual Kasparov
Score: 75% ESRB: Everyone Publisher: Titus Software Developer: Titus Interactive Studio Media: Cart/1 Players: 1 - 2 Genre: Strategy
Graphics & Sound: Chess as a video game has often struggled to meet the standards of the graphics-hungry world. While some attempts have been made to merge high-detail motion and images with the historically compelling strategy game, most incarnations have stuck with a conservative, yet realistic display method. Virtual Kasparov builds on tried and true methods, including a number of different options and configurations that can be customized to your preferred viewing style. Ten different 2D configurations are available. Each differentiates the board's color and texture and changes the appearance of pieces. Two 3D modes, which duplicate the more popular configurations, also exist. Menu screens contain well-drawn abstracted chess pieces, while text in menus and in mid-game is a little difficult to read, as their colors are too similar to their backgrounds. The texts that appear mid-game also run alongside the bottom end of the screen, which takes your eyes away from the actual position of the board. A variety of music was inserted into the menu screens. The main theme is reminiscent of a strategy-like game. There are definite hints that this title requires wit and determination. Submenus have their own music scheme, and in the Story Mode, the music changes according to geographical location of opponent. While actually playing the game, however, there is no music, but only the sound effect of moving your locator and piece to new squares. Since traditional Chess is associated with silence, experienced players will probably respect the lack of music, however it would have been nice to include the option to include music if desired.
Gameplay: Historically known as the first strategy game, supposedly, every puzzle game or strategy game ever made has elements that derive from Chess. In modern days, Gary Kasparov is considered the most able Chess-athlete in the world. Many athletes in other more physical sports have games named after them. It should only be right that Kasparov have his name smacked onto his own video game package. Surprisingly, Virtual Kasparov holds true to its master providing a very thick and intense experience against a strong series of Artificial Intelligent creations that were co-developed by Kasparov himself. The main idea that the creators of Virtual Kasparov try to present is that Chess is at heart a 'battle' game. The signature Story mode takes you through multiple opponents throughout the world. Each opponent has its own strategy and strategies get stronger the farther into play you reach. Eventually you will play against the mind of Kasparov, a very ironic concept indeed (think Deep Blue). Kasparov helped in developing this title by providing information and tips on strategy for each of the characters in the game. Doing so has created one of the most realistic and competitive AI engines I have ever seen from a chess game. For those not yet prepared for a full out battle, Quick Start will let you choose from any character to practice your own strategy against. Two versions of Multiplayer ability are also given. The first is a single pak/single console game where you can pass the GBA from player to player. The other alternative is via link cable. Using the link cable only requires that one player has the Virtual Kasparov cartridge in his GBA. Virtual Kasparov also presents a rather extensive Tutorial mode. These tutorials could be comparable to a class or book that focuses on basic rules, strategy, and history of Chess. Rolled up into a very tight package, if the computer is getting you down, these tutorials could teach you everything you need to beat the real Kasparov.
Difficulty: Coming from someone who at one time belonged to the high-school chess team, this game is tough. With the game supplying you with two different levels of play, I had trouble defeating even one opponent in the Beginner's range of difficulty. The level of intelligence that the computer opponents possess is far greater than their biographies proclaim. Thankfully, the game saves your progress as you defeat each opponent.
Game Mechanics: The 2D modes are definitely easier to navigate. Moving a cursor from square to square until you select a piece or designate a new position is easy and takes no time to work out. The 3D models use the same basic system of selection, but because of the offset camera angle, direction of the cursor is tough to figure out. Moving the arrows in one direction may take the cursor to an altogether different location than expected. I found myself always opting for the standard 2D look simply because it was easier and quicker to navigate during timed battles. Selections in the menus do not loop around options. In the tutorials, this is especially annoying since if you want to go from the last tutorial to the first tutorial you must scroll through the entire listing again in reverse direction. Gary Kasparov has the strategic intelligence to slaughter any competitor in the world at the game. Virtual Kasparov has AI nearly equivalent to his masterful tactics. Hardcore Chessers may find the Story mode more compelling and playable than beginners. However, given the large amount of information covered in the Tutorial, people who understand the basic concept of chess but want instruction and/or guidance for improvement should also find this title useful. If it is amazing graphics and deep driving stories you seek, look elsewhere. Virtual Kasparov is Chess. Simply Chess at it's best.
-==Boy, GameVortex Communications AKA Kyle Prestenback
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