Chess for Android App Review
AndroidAppReviewer | Feb 01, 2009 | Comments 10
The Chess for Android App just had an update and it is much better than the first time I reviewed it. Here are a list of improvements:
- Graphics
- Controls
- Bigger pieces and spaces
Overall, the Chess for Android App is now a great Chess game for the Android and it’s still free. Thumbs Up.
***Original Review***
The Chess for Android App by Aart Blk is a chess game for the Android. The graphics are not very good and the controls are kind of awkward. Basically when you select a piece a green highlighted area will appear showing you where you can choose to move your piece. 
You can use the track ball like a mouse to select the pieces if you do not have small fingers because the pieces are fairly small. If you press the Menu button you have the options of Free Play, Random, Beginner, Novice or Expert. Overall, this is not a very impressive game.
Popularity: 11% [?]
Comments (10)
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I am sorry to read you did not like the game. I developed three simple game applications for the G1 Android phone (chess, checkers, and reversi) in the hope people would enjoy playing the games, at least until better commercial choices come along. So far, reactions vary from very enthusiastic to very negative. Hey, I am trying my best, attempt to address user feedback, and give the games away for free. Doesn’t that count for something?
See http://aartbik.blogspot.com/ for news on updates of my Android applications.
Thanks for the suggestions. Using the space more wisely is something I would like to do indeed (although I doubt I will go 3D). I don’t think the engine makes illegal pawn moves, however, since I use rather elaborate verification methods to test move generation in the engine (but not all users are aware of e.g. the en-passant rule). Looking forward to your other reviews (I hope
….)
Thanks for reading. I will check out your other games and review them as well. And to answer your question, yes it does count for something.
My feedback, if I may…make the board fill up the empty space you have which will give you an opportunity to make the pieces slightly bigger. The graphics could use a bit of improvement for example, make them look 3D. The pawns have a lot of illegal moves. There should be a game play mode where you can play a friend instead of the computer.
Drop a comment here if you decide to make improvements and I will update the review.
[...] option to use the touch screen, track ball or keyboard to input your moves. Like Aart Bik’s Chess for Android App you can use the track ball which in this app works great for controls if you have big fingers and [...]
I want to say – thank you for this!
Hi Aart Bik,
I think one thing a chess software should have is that it can play a pgn file.
Thanks.
HI Aart Bik,
Can u share GUI source(board) used for this game.
I wanted to refers board game maaze’s GUI design and implementation.
If you can’t share please suggest me some of reference examples for the same.
Necoos
Hi Aart Bik
I Was just wondering if there is anywhere on the web where i could download this to my computer? I have an Archos 5 with android but sadly it doesnt have access to the android market. Thank you.
Thanks Aart for the effort!
A note – the pawns do not make illegal moves, as far as I’ve noticed in about 30 games. I’ve noticed that a few people have mentioned this, but I believe that they merely do not know about the en passant rule.
Thanks for the app!
Is there a way the app can be displayed using full screen on Droid instead of just half the screen as it is now.