The Chessmaster 3-D (1996)

Developer

Mindscape

Platforms

PlayStation

Genres

Strategy, Card & Board Game

More by Mindscape

The catalog in 3D

The same catalog has a room you can walk around in. The cat behind the counter is the AI Catbot, and they pick real games from it when you tell them what you feel like playing. Nothing is for sale, here or in there. Go in from here and this game is already out on the counter, with more like it waiting on the shelf next to it.

More games like this

How it feels

A quiet, thoughtful chess session where you weigh each move carefully against opponents of varying skill, with gentle guidance available if you get stuck.

cerebralmethodicalcalmfocusedstrategiclow-keyinstructionalunhurried

About

Based on the popular computer chess program, The Chessmaster 3-D for the PlayStation allows players to challenge a friend or one of 12 virtual chess opponents. Each computer-controlled opponent is rated according to ability. There are also six unique chess sets (each with animated pieces) from which to choose, including Alphabet, Celestial, Deco, Mechanical, Modern, and Staunton. If you need assistance in deciding which pieces to move in order to secure a checkmate, the ChessMaster is available to lend a helping hand. You can perfect your chess playing skills using various teaching options; you can even view the computer's thought process as it "thinks" through each move. While this is obviously a 3D title, you can switch the camera angle for a more traditional two-dimensional perspective. The camera is adjustable in that you're able to zoom it in and out until you find a view that is to your liking. You can even switch playing sides (from black to white pieces or vise versa) or simply have a quick look at the other side of the board.

Screenshots

More games like this

• Chessmaster (2003)
• Chessmaster II (1999)
• The Chessmaster (1992)
• Pure Chess (2012)
• Chess Multiple Boards (2018)
• Chess (2020)
• Saikyo Ginsei Chess (2002)
• Virtual Chess 64 (1998)
• More like this game, on a shelf you can walk up to.It's the lit case on the top shelf.

More by Mindscape

• Adiboo: Magical Playland (1996)
• Goblins Quest 3 (1993)
• Warhammer: Dark Omen (Classic) (2026)
• LEGO Island (1997)
• Chessmaster 7000 (1999)
• Adiboo And The Energy Thieves (2004)
• Adiboo & Paziral’s Secret (2004)
• Life & Death II: The Brain (1990)