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For
those not already familiar with the first title in the series (Learn to
Play Chess with Fritz and Chesster), this game stars a
chess-loving Cheshire rat (Chesster), King White's son Fritz, and his
cousin Bianca. Their adventures involve a fiendish King Black who
will stop at nothing to be the best chess player in the world.
This educational
software game is fun, featuring 21 arcade-style mini games that
reinforce chess concepts introduced in the story line. Kids need
to rescue Chesster from King Black's Castle. Players learn chess
concepts—from basic to advanced—through the game's intelligible
and engaging format. Such chess concepts as pinning, delivering
check, piece values, protecting, openings, chess notations, and more, are introduced and
reinforced through tutorials, exercises, and mini-games.
The
adventure begins with the kidnapping of Chesster by King
Black. King White's son, Fritz, and his feisty cousin,
Bianca, set out to rescue the rat, who happens to be a chess
whiz. They set out in a horse and buggy, reviewing some
chess basics along the way. Luckily, Bianca had stored a
number of important chess rules in her organizer. The duo
arrive in Pleasantville quite by accident, and take part in
the village Olympics for the fun of it. Arcade-style games
that use a checkerboard base (deliberately resembling a
chess board) are featured at this point in the adventure.
After taking part in the games, the townspeople offer Fritz
and Bianca a map (guess what? it's checkered off as well) to
get to King Black's castle.
King
Black's castle is filled with interesting things, such as a
collection of rat traps (King Black is just a little obsessed with
the fact that Chesster the rat beat him in a chess tournament) and
chess machines. After finding the rat, it's time to find a way out
of the castle. Along the way, kids take part in a number of
tutorials and exercises. One of the King's chess machines, for
example, is a "Set-check-o-matic" machine (pictured
above). Players need to click on all the pieces that can put the
opponent in check on their next move. Other machines incorporate
such concepts as piece values and double-check, and address such
questions as, "Which piece to start with?"
Chesster
claims that anyone can win a chess game against King Black,
as long as they have the right coach. Learn to Play Chess
with Fritz & Chesster 2 aims to be that coach. Paired
with the first title, the game does a good job. This sequel
is not for absolute beginners. It is probably best to start
with the first title in the series, unless children already
have a handle on chess basics. The game features some truly
cute interludes and charming humor. However, despite the
fact that the graphics and dialogue are charming, the
tutorials are just that...tutorials. If children are not
already keen about playing chess, they are likely to find
the game challenging to follow.
Kids also
learn chess notation, and a bonus one-year free subscription to www.playchess.com
is included.
Note:
Now that the second title in the series has been released,
the original Learn to Play Chess with Fritz and Chesster
is selling at sale prices.
Our Bottom
Line As charming and clever as it is, this game requires
some dedication to learning the game of chess. For
those eager to learn, this program offers unique challenges
and tutorials.
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