So, when I was given a review copy of Mindscape’s latest entry in their Chessmaster series, Chessmaster 7000, I was certain that I was in for many long evenings of frustration and humiliation. Therefore, when the computer–controlled opponent that was supposed to mimic the playing skills of a six–year–old repeatedly beat me, I was not surprised. What did surprise me was that I enjoyed EVERY SINGLE MOMENT of being outwitted! If you’re looking for a complete, comprehensive, and – believe it or not – addicting chess sim, look no further than Chessmaster 7000.

One of the first things I noticed about CM7000 was its well designed interface. The program uses a frames–based webpage motif, so even people who have very little computing experience outside of surfing the web should feel right at home. Chess players of all skill levels should also be able to find a challenging AI opponent, as there are over one hundred from which to choose. CM7000 also gives the built–in AI chess players differing strategies as well. Some AI players are extremely defensive while some are more willing to sacrifice pieces than others. Also, if you still can’t find an opponent that you like you can build your own AI opponent, giving it high marks in the skills you wish to practice. You can either play a predetermined, quick–timed game of chess that limits the amount of time in which to perform all your moves, or you can set up a tournament to test your mettle against multiple computer opponents. CM7000 will even give you a chess ranking and can analyze and provide audio commentary on your game.

For those of you are not as skilled in chess, CM7000 offers a wide variety of tutorials that will teach you many aspects of the rules and strategies of the game. These classes cover everything from how each piece moves to tactical tips on how to gain an advantage on your opponents. There are also video clips of International Master and Scholastic Coach Josh Waitzkin (he was the subject of the movie "Searching for Bobby Fischer") that takes you on a move–by–move walkthrough of some of his more interesting real–life championship chess matches. If you’ve finished the built–in tutorials and want to study the strategy of some of chess’ all–time greats (Kasparov, Morphy, etc.), CM7000 includes a database of over 500,000 actual matches for you to analyze. Furthermore, CM7000 hasn’t forgotten about the kids with tutorials included, boards, and pieces tailored directly for the younger set. In other words, if your psyche isn’t ready for you to be whipped in chess by your eight–year–old son, don’t let the little bugger anywhere near this program!

One of the coolest features of CM7000 is that it allows you to hop online and challenge other internet–connected humans to a game. However, if you think that defeating the AI–controlled opponents is difficult wait until you meet up with some of the carbon–based chess sharks that lurk online. These guys will tear you up faster than you can say, "Can I take that move back?" So be prepared to be humbled. Not only can you play one–off matches online, you can also set a tournament up to see who’ll get cyber–bragging rights in the online chess community. As a mater of fact, the only problem I see with CM7000 is that I’m not sure what’s left to include in Mindscape’s NEXT version of Chessmaster — I think they’ve pretty much thought of everything!

If you normally think that the word "addictive" only applies to games like Civilization, Age of Empires, or Quake, think again. CM7000 will keep you up late as well, as you spend hours trying to refine your game. If you’re a chess fan, buy CM 7000 — it’s plain and simple.

Overall Game Rating: A

Mindscape website

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