If you're looking for freeware for your iPAQ or Pocket PC, you really can't be too careful what you download. Chess by Valentin Iliescu is one of the reasons that I still try the occasional freeware PDA game.You would hardly expect to run across a download of this calibre, feature-wise. Surprisingly, it features an online multiplayer mode, among other features.
You can download it here if you're interested.
This might be cost-prohibitive if you're on a wireless GRPS data plan, but it's great if you have that wireless router set up and you're rearing to party. Well, as much as you can party with chess, anyway.
All you need is an MSN messenger account to log in to the chess server and you're off to the Pocket PC chess races.
The Pocket PC chess pieces stand out in stark, clear contrast against the board tiles. It irks me a little bit that the pieces are deep red and white, respectively. And that the game coding itself refers to a move by the 'red' team as a 'black' piece move. You get the idea.
You can change the board's appearance to a less attractive palette with cyan and white squares, as well as black and white pieces.
I would definitely stick with the default format as it seems easier on the eyes. Let's face it, chess games aren't exactly short.
The six difficulty settings allow you to bring your real chess-playing face to the table. Be prepared for an extra long game if you set the notch to the hardest setting. Your PDA computer opponent will ponder a bit longer before it makes its move.
Let me qualify and say that if you're a proficient player, this difficulty setting will turn out to be a much longer game if you're the office chess geek.
It will also be much longer if you play with the hint system. Just wait until you see hint "g6d8" or something like that and you'll see what I mean. The board grid isn't labelled, so good luck counting those squares.
All in all, this doesn't bother me so much. It's still an excellent piece of chess freeware available for your Pocket PC.
The XCPUScalar processor-boosting utility speeds up decision-making time on your opponent's part on the toughest settings. My complete article outlines expected CPU boost levels and PDA game performance.
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