Chess Ultra is a premium strategy title developed by Ripstone. It’s a 3D chess game featuring impressive graphics and visuals, rendered in crisp, detailed 4K resolution, as well as a dedicated VR mode for compatible headsets. It boasts various board designs and locations to immerse themselves and multiple modes for both solo and multiplayer gameplay. 

Grandmaster-grade

For its single-player offering, Chess Ultra proposes 10 Grandmaster-approved AI levels to take on, with customizable time modes, including Classic, Blitz, and Marathon. There are also more than 80 chess puzzles to test your wits and solve, which serve as a nice change of pace. If you have a compatible headset, enter VR mode for a more immersive experience.

If you want to battle other players, you can do so via local or online multiplayer, with the aforementioned modes and visual niceties included and an ELO ranking system in place to encourage more competition. You can also participate in or spectate official tournaments and witness others play. All that said, the number of active players has dwindled over the years, making it hard to get an online match going.

Style over substance somewhat

From the moment you open it, Chess Ultra is a visually impressive treat for the eyes, with nice effects, detailed designs, and elaborate backdrops, contributing to enhanced immersion. As a chess game, it offers a good single-player experience, but the multiplayer aspect leaves a lot to be desired, given its declining player base. Keep this in mind as you give the game a try.