Close search results
SEARCH
DATABASE Search
Video Game Really Bad Chess Review
Really Bad Chess (2016) is like chess, but with random pieces selected for each player. Try 8 Knights, 4 Bishops, and 3 pawns. Starting positions are also non-standard. It sounds like a bad idea (hence the name) but actually opens the imposing chess challenge to newcomers.

Our examiner, Andy Robertson, first checked Really Bad Chess 2 years ago. It was re-examined by Jo Robertson and updated 16 months ago.

×
Play YouTube video
More Like This
We used our Game Finder tool to hand pick these similar games:
Mix your perfect combo with Game Mixer:
Game Mixer

Play OverviewPlay Overview

Really Bad Chess is like chess, but with random pieces selected for each player. Try 8 Knights, 4 Bishops, and 3 pawns. Starting positions are also non-standard. It sounds like a bad idea (hence the name) but actually opens the imposing chess challenge to newcomers.

Play involves taking on different scenarios using the standard chess moves. The pieces start in different places each time, and you have a different collection to work with. The result is a surprisingly engaging puzzle game.

You will take on a range of weaker opponents and this will be much easier than trying to play the proper game. But as the opponents and scenarios get harder, real joy in chess emerges. It's an approach that levels the playing field for newcomers and experts and is an excellent first step for children.

There's a daily challenge that lets you take on higher-ranked board setups. There are also leader boards that you can climb as you complete different levels.

Really Bad Chess makes highly unconventional choices about reinventing the game of chess. In doing so, it not only makes it accessible but does away with the stuffiness, memorisation and openings that can put so many people off the classic game. It's a bit bonkers, and because of that it clearly isn't a replacement for the real thing -- but it is a lot of fun.

Play StylePlay Style

This is a Brain Game and Sequencing game with Puzzle elements. This is a single-player game.

 
You can play this game in the following styles:

DurationDuration

Play Time: It takes between 1 minute and 5 minutes to play a round of this game.

Age RatingsAge Ratings

Content Rating

This game has been rated PEGI 3.

Skill Level

6+ year-olds usually have the required skill to enjoy this game. Still, it’s important for parents and guardians to ensure they understand in-game purchases and have spending limits set-up. The simple rule-flip approach to chess opens it to very young children, who can (if they want) graduate into the traditional more static game of chess.

CostsCosts

There are the following additional costs associated with this game:
  • In-Game Purchases: Additional in-game purchases are offered for items that enhance the experience.
 
As well as playing via Apple Arcade, you can play a free version of the game and then pay to unlock the full version. You can also purchase undo tokens to help your play. 
 
It's important to set up your accounts and devices appropriately. More information is on our Financial Resources page.
 

DetailsGame Details

Release Date: 13/10/2016, updated in 2017

Out Now: Android, iOS and iPhone, iPad

Content Rating: PEGI 3

Skill Rating: 6+ year-olds

Players: 1

Genres: Brain Game, Sequencing and Puzzle

Accessibility: 0 features Documented (Tweet Developer)

Components: 2D Overhead, Grid and Text

Developer: Helvetica (@Helvetica)


Content devider

Hand-Picked Games Like Really Bad Chess

Here are our hand-picked short list of similar games; the perfect thing to play next if you enjoyed Really Bad Chess. We also have a long list of games similar to Really Bad Chess.

Hand-Picked Board Games Like Really Bad Chess

Our experts have hand-picked the following board games that offer a similar experience or theme to Really Bad Chess.

Content devider
Taming Gaming Book Written by parents for parents, the database complements the in-depth discussion about video game addiction, violence, spending and online safety in the Taming Gaming book. We are an editorially independent, free resource without adverts that is supported by partnerships.

Subscribe to our free newsletter

Subscribe
Carina Initiatives
PlayStation
HSBC
GameOpedia
Xbox
YouTube
Facebook
Twitter
Discord
Contact Us
About