This one is a lot of fun. A really innovative (I've certainly not seen this) mechanic that incorporates the theme really well! I really like the justification for choosing the AP values for each piece too. Seems really thoughtfully designed (although I'm the first to admit I'm not a chess expert). The graphics are great, invoking a wicked retro vibe. Only thing I would say about them (and a problem I had too) is that some resources didn't scale well (for example, the 'restart' button didn't scale properly on my screen and looked blurry). More levels will certainly bring me back! I had a lot of fun playing this and hope you had fun making it! I bet multiplayer would be fun in a future iteration! Thanks for your submission!
Thanks you guys for all the amazing feedback. *Good news! New levels are here!* And we've decided to make a full-fledged mobile/web version of the game. Expect some news soon!
Pretty cool idea. If you take this further, make sure to change the small font. Also the pieces can be a bit hard to distinguish, the king should stand out more. Hilighting which areas each piece is threathening would make it more interesting also for chess novices I think.
Added game over screen when checked (as you cannot move your king nor your pieces, you cannot protect your king!) and a font easier to read. More levels coming soon! (And UI redesign and some neat surprises!)
Interesting use of the theme within the constraints of chess. Liked the way you had to think through the pieces you had available and the action points you had. Also nice graphics.
Also in this level: http://imgur.com/saRNdY5 I try to transform a right bottom bishop to rook, and the game says I'm exhausted! I'm pretty sure I must be the winner in this situation! :D
@scorched: Thanks for playing! No, It's not checkmate. If you transform the bottom bishop into a rook, AI could move his bishop to h2. Nonetheless, we'll improve transitions in the game, a pause before popping up a game status and some visual feedback :)
Very well done indeed. I love Chess and this was an excellent twist! I would defiantly play a full game of it on my phone. You may already be considering this, but I'd suggest adding in not just levels but Daily Challenges. Maybe even allow your player base to submit challenges.
Somewhat hilarious take on the chess, one of the best uses of theme in the entire Jam, really interesting puzzle.
One thing I found annoying is that sometimes I don't feel like I can determine mechanics. As in, in level 2 I was doing some random moves which didn't lead to checking the enemy king, which would make an easy win for AI, but instead it randomly decided to beat the top-left rook instead (even though usually it made its checkmate right). I think it'd work better if it was clearly stated, that if you don't check the enemy king, be prepared for the opponent making checkmate on you instead.
Also, sometimes I couldn't quite see what move did the enemy make, nor could I tell how I've won or lost, because the final window completely covered the board. I think that requires fixing.
But that aside, it was very fine and interesting puzzle (of course, not too much fun with only one level). Certainly one of this LD's highlights.
I feel like I should go back over all my previous ratings and knock a star off "innovation", because this is kinda blowing my mind... It's a shame you didn't get more levels done for the jam version (I can relate!), but you definitely made a good start.
Like the concept of the game, thought it might have potencial. It would have been awesome if the jam version featured more content.
M
Marius10 May 2016, 11:11
Hi, nice game and congratulations ! We're realizing a video with several winners of the Ludum Dare #35. Can you add your game on indiexpo.net ? (it's free) So we can include also your game in the video ;) p.s. write #LDJAM in the game's description
I want more levels right noooow!! :D