This game has sass. When you open Really Bad Chess for the first time it asks, “How are you at chess?” If you let on you don’t know how to play, it replies, “Err...hmm. You should probably at least know the basics.” And then it sends you away: “Come back when you’re ready.”
Well, we’re not sure we were ready, but we gave it a try anyway. Since rule number one of Really Bad Chess is that you must set aside what you know about “normal” chess, this game is super-accessible even if you are utterly hopeless at the original. If you’re a chess master, it presents an exciting new challenge.
Aside from sticking with the standard moves of each piece, Really Bad Chess is irreverent of convention. A board setup can include any mix of pieces (how about three queens for you and seven bishops for your AI opponent?). Random start positions do away with rote opening moves. The only piece you can rely on being in its normal place is the king.
For newbies, the app breaks down learning barriers, and for chess fanatics, it takes away the usual repetition. When you win games, the balance of the board setup tips in favour of the AI. If you lose, you’ll get the better pieces to help you back on track. It's great fun, so go ahead, be unconventional!