Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jul 4, 2026

Chess Ultra

Chess Ultra is a chess video game developed and published by Ripstone for the PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One in June 2017. A Switch port was released a few months later. It is the second chess game by Ripstone after Pure Chess (2012). Chess Ultra is the first in-house developed game by Ripstone.

Last revised
Jul 4, 2026
Read time
≈ 3 min
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588 w
Citations
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Source
Wikipedia ↗
Chess Ultra
DeveloperRipstone
PublisherRipstone
EngineUnreal Engine 43
PlatformsPlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox One, Switch
Release21 June 20171
2 November 2017 (Switch)2
GenreComputer chess
ModesSingle-player, multiplayer

Chess Ultra is a chess video game developed and published by Ripstone for the PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One in June 2017. A Switch port was released a few months later. It is the second chess game by Ripstone after Pure Chess (2012). Chess Ultra is the first in-house developed game by Ripstone.4

Gameplay

The game features four different graphical locations (fireplace room, living room, museum, dark cave) and four chess piece sets.3 In the tutorial mode, there are basic lessons for beginners, 80 checkmate challenges for advanced players, and for the most experienced players there is a mode where the player has to recreate historic games by playing the closing moves. The multiplayer supports either local or online play.5 The online multiplayer supports cross-platform play (except the PS4 version).6 In the portable mode in the Switch version, local multiplayer can be played by placing the console flat on the table to simulate a chessboard. The computer AI has ten difficulty settings. The game calculates the player's Elo rating when playing against the AI or other players online.5 The PlayStation 4 version has a PlayStation VR mode.7

Reception

Chess Ultra received generally positive reviews from critics. Windows Central liked the tutorials and cross-platform multiplayer but disliked the matchmaking system.9 Digitally Downloaded thought the game is an improvement from Pure Chess in every way.7 They also liked the table mode in the Switch version.6 Nintendo Life said the game is "[...] a polished and well constructed title. It falls short of true excellence due to controller quirks in local multiplayer and a few missing conveniences in online play, such as a notification system or means by which to communicate more directly."5 Nintendo World Report liked how accessible the game is and called it "outstanding".8 PlanetSwitch.de said that despite a few technical inconsistencies, it's a great chess for on the go.3

References

References

  1. Thomas, Lucas M. (19 June 2017). "Out This Week: Ever Oasis, Dead by Daylight, Cave Story+". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on 18 March 2023. Retrieved 5 August 2023.
  2. Whitehead, Thomas (2 November 2017). "Nintendo Download: 2nd November (Europe)". Nintendo Life. Hookshot Media. Retrieved 5 August 2023.
  3. Hahn, Nicola (3 November 2017). "Kurztest: Chess Ultra". PlanetSwitch.de (in German). 4Players. Archived from the original on 7 November 2017. Retrieved 5 August 2023.
  4. Whitehead, Thomas (3 November 2017). "Feature: Ripstone On Making the Right Moves With Chess Ultra on Nintendo Switch". Nintendo Life. Hookshot Media. Archived from the original on 5 August 2023. Retrieved 5 August 2023.
  5. Whitehead, Thomas (3 November 2017). "Chess Ultra Review (Switch eShop)". Nintendo Life. Hookshot Media. Archived from the original on 18 March 2023. Retrieved 5 August 2023.
  6. S., Matt (8 November 2017). "Review: Chess Ultra (Nintendo Switch)". Digitally Downloaded. Archived from the original on 5 August 2023. Retrieved 5 August 2023.
  7. S., Matt (4 July 2017). "Review: Chess Ultra (Sony PlayStation 4)". Digitally Downloaded. Archived from the original on 5 August 2023. Retrieved 5 August 2023.
  8. Gibson, Casey (8 November 2017). "Chess Ultra (Switch) Review". Nintendo World Report. NINWR, LLC. Archived from the original on 18 March 2023. Retrieved 5 August 2023.
  9. Acevedo, Paul (29 June 2017). "Chess Ultra for Xbox One review: A deep chess game with cross-platform multiplayer". Windows Central. Future plc. Archived from the original on 29 June 2017. Retrieved 5 August 2023.
External links