Check vs Mate (2012)

Developer: Targem Games
Publisher: Topware Interactive
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Genres: Action, Casual, Strategy
Rating: 3.3 of 5, 122 player ratings
Typical playtime: about 2.4 hours
Where to get it: Steam

The 3D catalog: game boxes on wooden shelves, with the cat sitting at the counter next to its greeting.

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.

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How it feels

A fast-paced, animated chess battle where you command fantasy figurines and launch direct attacks on the board.

action strategyfast-pacedcompetitivefantasticalanimatedlightheartedtactical

What players say

Players warn about invasive DRM that required personal details and locked installations, though later reviews report the DRM was disabled. The game is a chess title with animated pieces and alternate modes like hack and slash, but lacks options such as saving, adjustable chess sets, and functional Steam multiplayer.

Screenshots

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More by Targem Games

This page is from Underplayed Gems, a catalog of older and overlooked games. Not quite it? You can browse by platform and genre, or take this one into the 3D catalog and ask the Catbot for something closer.