Pico Checkmate
A simple, cute retro version of classic Chess made in Pico-8. Full implementation of the Chess rules(*) with a juicy interface and some basic AI to play against. Created as part of the Chess Jam 2018. Lexaloffle thread is here.
* Note: Game will not recognize draw by Threefold repetition
Instructions
- You might need to click the window to gain focus
- Use the cursor keys to move the cursor
- Use the X, M or V key to select
- Use the Z, M or C key to cancel
Video
Development log
- Making Chess in Pico-8 - #4: Chess Engine TuningAug 17, 2018
- Making Chess in Pico-8 - #3: Chess Engine BasicsAug 12, 2018
- Making Chess for Pico-8 - #2: JuicynessAug 04, 2018
- Making Chess in Pico-8 - #1: DesignJul 27, 2018
- Version 6Jul 09, 2018
- Version 5Jul 05, 2018
- Version 4May 07, 2018
- Version 3May 02, 2018
Comments
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Just wanted to say I love the presentation of this and that you have done a wonderful job.
I can't click on the play button because my mouse just fanish when i hover over the screen? Is there a nother way to play it or is it a bug?
This game is not controlled with the mouse
Looks really good, but there's a bug where I can't do certain moves for some reason, like the dot showing where you can move isn't there and you can't move there :/
If you find a position like this post a screenshot. I am pretty sure it is because you overlooked something - like a discovered check or something
Nice game!
Check my game when you have some time!
Tower Tactics by ElementR (itch.io)
When I launch the game, it's stuck on this screen?
Thank you for letting me know. Should work now
there should be a difficulty option for the computer.
Also in computer vs computer, they get stuck in a loop
I noticed the same problem. I got to watch the exact same check happen a dozen times with the exact same delays in movement cycling between a rook and a king. Otherwise, this looks great.
and I still have no idea why it happens. like White should keep the bishop there. as it blocks a king move.
Please make a downloadable version...
(For pico 8 (.p8))
strong ass bot
chess 2 bro
holy hell, it even supports en passant!
3 repetition position !
PIPI
It was pretty easy beating the bot, but it held a losing position for longer than i expected it to be able to, overall pretty nice
Amazing game! It would be nice to play with mouse.
Fun game. The bot is way beyond my normal level but I managed to barely beat it by going for an ultra closed position.
is it possible to have a download version?
You can download it using the itch.io app. I will release a dedicated downloadable version in the future!
i see, thanks, i hope the dedicated downloadable version is with pico version too
I wish it had a download
Cool chess game! as a Chess beginner, I like that it tells you where you can move!
Awesome art style. Would have loved to play that on my GB back in the days
I dont think of myself as a strong player but I was able to beat it first try lol
Congratulations!
I loved the style but it was quite hard to win against the computer and i feel like having a system to select your level of play for lower ranked players would help get more people to play :)
Really nice game. The user interface is cool and fun. However, the engine is far too precise. I'm definitely not a GM but I'm not bad either and it's just too hard to win.
Nice game
The games great but you didn't add in repetition draws.
Is chess, but a really good one. I SUCK so i lost but i really have to say that u acttualy work is this game.
The art is very nice, the AI is good and doesn't take to long to respond.
Very nice game.
Can you add a download pls
You can download any game in Itch using the Itch app.
can you stop people from downloading your games and reuploading them
i love doing computer vs computer and watching them battle lol
Awesome! Hugely polished, amazing AI, great art. Awesome!! :D
Very good!
this is really good!!! I love the art!
Great Chess game, love the retro style
Wow what an amazing game.
can you make it downloadable
Would you please port this to iOS?
The ability to flip the board would be really nice. Good game!
Yep. Pico-8 Chess. What's not to love?
This looks like another solid Pico-8 game. I'm definitely playing this.
Sometimes the AI plays really stupid. Especially when there are no queens on the board.
Look at this game which I played against it. Here's a PGN:
1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Qxd5 3. Nc3 Qe6+ 4. Qe2 Nc6 5. Qxe6 Bxe6 6. Bb5 Nf6 7. Bxc6+
bxc6 8. d3 Kd7 9. Be3 Rb8 10. b3 Rb7 11. Na4 Kd6 12. Bc5+ Kd5 13. c4+ Ke5 14.
d4+ Ke4 15. Nc3+ Kd3 16. O-O-O+ Kxc3 17. Ne2# 1-0
I decided to watch the computers play against eachother and was kinda disappointed when they were just making the same moves over and over, I don't know if this game will still even get attention but I'd like to see either smarter AI or I'd like to know why threefold repitition isn't implemented
Thanks for the feedback, The reason why there is no Threefold Repetition is that the game engine I used is very restrictive. It's a small wonder I got the AI to work as it is. But I'm considering a port to a different engine and I might get the Treefold Repetition going there.
Okay, I know very little about creating games and the engines they are created with, I just play them