The Queen’s Gambit Chess: More Than Just a Game, It’s a Journey
For fans of the critically acclaimed Netflix series "The Queen’s Gambit," the wait is over. The Queen’s Gambit Chess, developed by Ripstone Games, finally transports players into the captivating world of Beth Harmon, the chess prodigy at the heart of the show. More than just a chess game, it’s a captivating love letter to the series, offering a unique blend of gameplay, stunning visuals, and a storyline interwoven with memorable moments from the show, making it an engaging experience for both seasoned chess players and newcomers to the game.
Navigating the Board and Beth’s Journey
The game gracefully introduces players to the intricacies of chess through the eyes of Beth Harmon. Beginning at the Methuen Home for Girls, the setting where Beth first encounters the game, players are guided through the fundamentals, learning the movement patterns of each piece and basic tactics.
These lessons are not presented through dry tutorials. Instead, they unfold naturally as part of the story. Beth, grown-up and wise, pops in to offer tips and challenges, adding a personal touch to the learning process. Completing these challenges earns stars, and winning games awards coins that can be spent on cosmetic items, customizing the look of your chess sets, avatars, and unlocking locations inspired by the show.
Exploring Beth’s World: A Visual Delight
As players progress, they unlock various settings from the series, each a stunning recreation of the locations that shaped Beth’s journey. From the Kentucky Gym, where Beth hones her skills, to her house, where she faces inner turmoil, to the Mariposa Hotel, where she seeks solace, every location evokes a powerful sense of nostalgia for fans of the show. Even the Moscow Hotel, where Beth confronts Vasily Borgov, the formidable grandmaster, is recreated with meticulous detail.
These visual elements go beyond mere aesthetics. They are integral to the gameplay experience, immersing players in Beth’s world and providing a deeper connection to the show’s narrative.
Embracing the Genius of Beth Harmon: The "Think" Feature
The game cleverly incorporates Beth’s signature "thinking" technique, which is depicted in the show as a method to induce a trance state and focus on the game. Players can trigger a cooldown that allows for an AI-assisted move by staring up at an imaginary chessboard, just like Beth does. This feature not only adds a fun and engaging element to the game but also nods to Beth’s unique genius, allowing players to experience her tactical brilliance firsthand.
Sharpening Skills and Engaging with Others: Online and Offline Play
The Queen’s Gambit Chess offers both offline and online play modes, catering to different preferences. In the offline mode, players can test their skills against the AI at varying difficulty levels, mastering tactics and strategies. The online mode, on the other hand, plunges players into a competitive arena, enabling them to face off against other players in ranked matches, where their skill level is reflected in an Elo rating.
Whether playing offline to refine their technique or online to test their mettle against others, players can continuously improve their chess acumen through gameplay and practice, encompassing the very spirit of the game itself.
A Nod to the Series: The Impact of The Queen’s Gambit Chess
"Getting the opportunity to work on a beloved IP like The Queen’s Gambit is incredibly exciting for all of us here at Ripstone," Phil Gaskell, Creative Director and Co-Founder of Ripstone, shared in a blog post. "We’ve set out to create a ‘love letter to The Queen’s Gambit’ and a new benchmark for chess on mobile by channelling our own love of the show, our years of experience creating successful simulations, and the incredible creativity of our team."
The Queen’s Gambit Chess is not simply a game; it’s an ode to the series that brought chess into the mainstream and sparked a renewed interest in the classic game. By interweaving gameplay with captivating visuals, iconic locations, and a narrative that echoes the essence of the show, Ripstone Games has successfully created a mobile experience that resonates deeply with both fans and chess enthusiasts alike, making it a must-play for anyone seeking an engaging and visually stunning journey into the world of chess.
