I've been hanging out over in the Chessmaster forums, looking for info on the new DS Chessmaster game. I'm a fan of this game for the pc and liked the idea of having chess on the DS. Well, seems like it's real stinker: fairly weak engine (about 1850 elo), no wi-fi play, very limited options in general.

Too bad, as I was really hoping that this was going to be a good one. The only other chess that I know of is in 42 All Time Classics but the AI on that is pitiful at best. Oh well, maybe the next version will be better.

I disagree that this is a DS game to avoid. But of course it depends on what you're looking for.

I was disappointed with the chess game in Clubhouse Games ("42 All Time Classics" in the UK); it's very weak, and too slow on the so-called "hard" level. But Chessmaster has a much stronger engine; it plays a pretty good game of chess. If it's "about 1850 elo," well, that's significantly stronger than I am, so I'd expect that to be a pretty good lifelong challenge for me.

The great thing about Chessmaster DS, IMO, is that it's so user-friendly. Like most DS games, it's designed to take the beginner by the hand and walk him through the learning curve. Hence, I'm comfortable popping the Chessmaster cartridge into my DS even though chess is, to me, more of a brain-strainer than just an entertaining game. I have Chessmaster 9000 on my PC, but I rarely play it because, well, frankly it's intimidating. Why tackle a tough game like chess when I can kick back and while away the hours with Civilization or something?

But Chessmaster DS is inviting. If I'm not up for a tough game, there are many novice players to go up against. If I don't care for a full-length game, there are mini-games to fool around with.

So, I guess I agree that serious or advanced players might be disappointed with Chessmaster DS. Especially when there are superb PDA/cell-phone chess games (like HIARCS) around. But for lifelong novices like me, Chessmaster DS is wonderful!