Advancing Chess stands out as a strategy indie game that blends classic chess with roguelike elements in an online multiplayer format for PC players. In this title, you start with a basic setup and gradually build a customized board through tactical acquisitions, facing off against others in matches that test your strategic depth. It reimagines chess by limiting initial piece abilities and allowing you to unlock both traditional and innovative tactics as you progress through runs.
Gameplay
The core of Advancing Chess revolves around assembling and refining your chessboard across multiple sessions. You begin each run with just a king and a pawn, where standard chess rules like pawns advancing extra on the first move, en passant, promotion, and castling are not available at the outset. Instead, you acquire these as special tactics during gameplay, along with entirely new ones that change how pieces move or interact. For example, tactics can introduce improved variants that add layers to existing abilities, encouraging experimentation with unique strategies.
Each run starts by selecting a Fate, which imposes twists like advantages or disadvantages that shape your approach. This roguelike structure means every session feels fresh, as you expand your board's possibilities by collecting old and new tactics. Matches pit your evolving setup against opponents, where the goal is to outmaneuver them using your customized ruleset. The gameplay loop emphasizes progression over games, making it a test of adaptation and long-term planning rather than rote chess knowledge.
Game Modes
Advancing Chess focuses on online multiplayer experiences, with options for matchmaking against random players or direct challenges with friends. These modes center on competitive matches where you demonstrate your board's superiority. The roguelike run format integrates into all play, as you build your board progressively and choose Fates to influence each session.
There are no single-player campaigns mentioned, keeping the emphasis on player-versus-player interactions. Matchmaking ensures quick entry into games, while friend matches allow for personalized rivalries, all within the framework of acquiring tactics and adapting to Fates.
Special Tactics and Fates
Special tactics form the backbone of customization in Advancing Chess. As you advance, you unlock abilities that start limited but grow through acquisitions, including enhanced versions that introduce new strategic dimensions. This system rewards repeated play, as tactics persist and evolve across runs.
Fates add another layer, offering one choice per run that can enable novel strategies or impose challenging constraints. They encourage diverse playstyles, from aggressive setups to defensive builds, all while altering piece interactions in unexpected ways.
Is It Worth Playing?
For strategy enthusiasts who enjoy chess but crave innovation, Advancing Chess offers a compelling twist on the formula. Its roguelike progression and multiplayer focus suit players interested in building unique setups and competing online. If you prefer games that evolve with each session and emphasize tactical experimentation, this title provides solid replay value through its board-building mechanics.
However, those seeking traditional chess without modifications might find the initial limitations and added complexities off-putting. With its indie roots and PC exclusivity, it appeals to a niche audience looking for fresh takes on familiar genres. If multiplayer strategy with roguelike elements aligns with your interests, it's a worthwhile addition to your library.
