The eyes of the enemy tell the cold hard fact that they will not let their guard down and that they intend on dominating the opposing side until every last man is defeated. Blow after crushing blow, each side comes up with their own strategy and put them in effect with lethal consequences. Each side knows that taking out the King will assure them victory and that will take careful thinking and a few sacrifices. This isn’t a battlefield or a historical battle, I’m describing. I’m talking about chess, a game that requires a player to use their wits to defeat their opponent. Online Chess Kingdoms for the PSP is here to give us a neat twist to the old game and now you can take your game on the go. 

I won’t bore you with an explanation of the basics and rules of the game nor will I explain how a knight or pawn moves on the chessboard because if you’re reading this you are most likely a chess enthusiast who has been waiting for a portable chess game or one that has been looking to take on opponents online or offline. Then again, Online Chess Kingdoms has something else to offer gamers and that’s the game’s Story mode. Sure you can play a regular game of chess using the same old pieces and the same check board but why settle for the familiar when you can try something new? 

The game’s story, however, isn’t deep nor does it weave an incredible tale that follows the exploits of one character. Rather, the game finds a universe torn in a conflict between Five Kingdoms. This is a cosmic struggle that has sides battling for control and to restore the glory lost by the God-like Phrenos. The Five Kingdoms consist of the Order, Chaos, Magic, Spirit and Reason and you can pick one to battle against the opposition. The game will place you on a Risk-styled strategic map where you will be able to position your unit, rethink every move and attempt to dominate enemy territory whether you’re attempting to take a city or the capitol. Run into the opposing team’s army results in a game of chess where the outcome determines life or death. 

As I mentioned above, running into an enemy on the map results in “combat” where you will find yourself going up against your enemy’s army on a “battlefield” that resembles a chess board. You’ll be playing a game of chess with the same chess rules only when you take out your opponent’s chess piece you’ll watch as your piece smashes, slices or casts a lethal spell that will kill said piece. It’s nothing too violent, mind you. There are also special abilities you can use at any time during your turn. Combined, all of these things make for a very interesting take on the game of chess. While the story is told in chapters, don’t expect a deep and involving tale. 

Like the title suggests, you can also take your game online via the PSP’s Infrastructure Mode that allows you to play with others online. The game runs at a very steady framerate online and you can play a Classic, Battle or Remote mode. Both Battle and Classic mode play much like the single-player chess battles only there’s no timer pushing you to make a move. Battle Mode is a fast-paced game of chess where both players don’t have to wait for the other to take their turn but you do have to keep the Powerbar in mind mainly because if it drops you won’t be able to move until it recharges. Remote plays by some stricter rules much like the single-player mode. It’s great stuff to say the least but I found it hard to find players online to challenge. 

This is also a decent-looking game that won’t astound you with amazing visual effects or incredibly detailed pieces. Each Kingdom does have unusual characters that make up each race. For example, the Magic race are composed of wizards and sorceresses while the Spirit race is composed of earthy characters that look like plant or tree people come to life. While there are some clipping problems, it’s still neat watching them defeat each another and watching the King surrender to checkmate will put a smile on your face. The various backgrounds are also pretty nice whether you’re playing in an outdoors board or a futuristic backdrop. As for the game’s sound, the sound effects are nice and you’ll hear the enemy cry out in pain when they’re defeated. 

Online Chess Kingdoms for the PSP tries to bring us a fresh look to an otherwise ordinary chess game and it succeeds in doing just that. The game’s story isn’t riveting or engrossing but at least it isn’t bad either and, while there aren’t many players online, the multiplayer mode runs smoothly. If you’re a sucker for chess, would love a portable version of it or want to experience a new chess experience then give this one a try.  

Gameplay: 7.0
All the usual chess rules apply and the controls are simplistic and easy to jump into if you’ve never played a portable chess game. The game’s Story mode isn’t engrossing but it’s different and that’s what counts. This is a different kind of chess game where the chess pieces destroy each other. 

Graphics: 6.8
Visually, Online Chess Kingdoms is not an eyesore but then again we’re talking about a chess game here. The chess pieces have their own distinct look and that’s pretty neat and watching them destroy each other is just plain cool. 

Sound: 6.0
There’s no running soundtrack for obvious reasons but there’s some sound effects you’ll hear when chess pieces take each other out. 

Difficulty: Medium/Hard
The computer-controlled opponent will make short work of you in the game's Intermediate difficulty setting if you let your guard down just a little. You’ll really have to come up with some good strategies in order to beat the computer so if you were looking for a challenge you will certainly not be disappointed. 

Concept: 7.0
Whether you choose the side of Chaos or those enlightened denizens of Reason, the story won’t captivate you but it’s great to see a game offer something so different and unique to the game of chess. The different pieces and backgrounds are great but if you’re looking for a great variety you will be disappointed. There’s also online multiplayer but good luck finding gamers to challenge. Forget searching for Bobby Fischer, I’ll settle for anyone. 

Multiplayer: 7.5
You can play against a friend sitting across from you or you can play against gamers from another part of the country and the game still runs smoothly either way. There aren’t many options except for different themed chess pieces or different backgrounds and that’s fine … what isn’t fine is the fact that you will find it hard to find an opponent to challenge online. 

Overall: 7.0
If you’ve been dreaming of an interesting chess game to take on the go, Online Chess Kingdoms for the PSP might be right up your alley. Its Story mode and chess pieces at least give chessboard strategists something unique to look at and you can even play against others online. Chess fans will also find something of a challenge here so you will definitely want to play this game.