Chessmaster 8000
Chessmaster 8000 PC CD learn how to play master computer strategy board game!
Game
Windows
Mattel
2000
CD
$14.99
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It comes as no huge surprise that the latest iteration in the long-running Chessmaster series once again seizes the title of computer chess champion - in the past several years, the Chessmaster line has had no serious challengers to its supremacy.
The cornerstone of the Chessmaster series has always been its emphasis on teaching beginners how to play and on showing intermediate and advanced players how they can improve their games - and this tradition continues in the 8000 edition. In the classroom mode, beginners will find that Chessmaster 7000's three broad tutorials have been enhanced with new timed drills such as "move to safety" and "pin the piece," and endgame excercises for both beginners and advanced players. Intermediate players will appreciate the inclusion of solutions to the "rating exam" questions, which help give a pretty good idea of where they'd rank in real-life play. Advanced players also have an option to try to predict the moves of famous players in historic games. The massive game database has been updated and expanded, and, of course, the opening book is as robust as ever.
International Master Josh Waitzkin, who was the host in Chessmaster 7000, is back once again, and he narrates a series of his most memorable games (which were also featured in the 7000 version). The major improvement in the "Josh" section of the classroom mode is a thorough endgame course, in which you can learn strategies for finishing off opponents when both sides have bishops of the same (or opposite) color, rook and pawn endings, bishops against knights, and so on. This can be extremely educational, and Waitzkin's smooth and engaging delivery makes it a real pleasure to use. However, it would have been nice if the "playback" interface for the voice-annotated games were a bit more flexible. Sometimes, Waitzkin talks quite a bit about the strategic possibilities that a given move can yield - but as it stands, you can "rewind" the commentary only back an entire move, rather than to a specific point in the commentary.
Otherwise, the biggest enhancement in Chessmaster 8000 is the switch to a new chess engine, which is touted to play at the Grandmaster level (its rating is allegedly 2825, compared to Garry Kasparov's FIDE rating of 2849). This is great news for expert players, but nothing to get excited about if you don't play at the National Master level. Fans of the series will also be pleased to find that the game is now fully compatible with any publicly available XBoard chess engine, which you can readily import into the game to customize the engine as you see fit. Chessmaster 8000 now also offers support for Swiss tournaments. Furthermore, there are now more opponents to choose from than before, but since the 7000 version already had so many computer personalities, this enhancement isn't particularly noteworthy.
If you're looking to improve your chess game, Chessmaster 8000 is hands-down the best choice out there.
For Windows (32-bit Systems) [*Please review compatibility/platform sections in 'What You Get']
The cornerstone of the Chessmaster series has always been its emphasis on teaching beginners how to play and on showing intermediate and advanced players how they can improve their games - and this tradition continues in the 8000 edition. In the classroom mode, beginners will find that Chessmaster 7000's three broad tutorials have been enhanced with new timed drills such as "move to safety" and "pin the piece," and endgame excercises for both beginners and advanced players. Intermediate players will appreciate the inclusion of solutions to the "rating exam" questions, which help give a pretty good idea of where they'd rank in real-life play. Advanced players also have an option to try to predict the moves of famous players in historic games. The massive game database has been updated and expanded, and, of course, the opening book is as robust as ever.
International Master Josh Waitzkin, who was the host in Chessmaster 7000, is back once again, and he narrates a series of his most memorable games (which were also featured in the 7000 version). The major improvement in the "Josh" section of the classroom mode is a thorough endgame course, in which you can learn strategies for finishing off opponents when both sides have bishops of the same (or opposite) color, rook and pawn endings, bishops against knights, and so on. This can be extremely educational, and Waitzkin's smooth and engaging delivery makes it a real pleasure to use. However, it would have been nice if the "playback" interface for the voice-annotated games were a bit more flexible. Sometimes, Waitzkin talks quite a bit about the strategic possibilities that a given move can yield - but as it stands, you can "rewind" the commentary only back an entire move, rather than to a specific point in the commentary.
Otherwise, the biggest enhancement in Chessmaster 8000 is the switch to a new chess engine, which is touted to play at the Grandmaster level (its rating is allegedly 2825, compared to Garry Kasparov's FIDE rating of 2849). This is great news for expert players, but nothing to get excited about if you don't play at the National Master level. Fans of the series will also be pleased to find that the game is now fully compatible with any publicly available XBoard chess engine, which you can readily import into the game to customize the engine as you see fit. Chessmaster 8000 now also offers support for Swiss tournaments. Furthermore, there are now more opponents to choose from than before, but since the 7000 version already had so many computer personalities, this enhancement isn't particularly noteworthy.
If you're looking to improve your chess game, Chessmaster 8000 is hands-down the best choice out there.
For Windows (32-bit Systems) [*Please review compatibility/platform sections in 'What You Get']
WHAT YOU GET:
This item is for the original media, and includes only the media (ie. CD, floppy ...) UNLESS specifically stated above and/or in the title. If more than just the media is included, it will state which items are (ie. box, manual, etc ). Items that come in a sleeve refer to a generic CD sleeve (typically white) and will be sent with shipping protection to avoid damage during transit. If available, we will also send the front and/or back CD inserts if in stock. If these are important to you, please message us to verify we have them available to send. Please do not assume items are included other than what's stated. Again, ask questions PRIOR to purchasing if you have any concerns.
IMAGES:
All images/pictures are stock photos and are for reference only, mainly to show the type of game you will be getting. Please read "WHAT YOU GET" for what is included with the media. Screenshots may vary based on your own computer system, video card, monitor, etc.
COMPATIBILITY:
Computers are like people, each one is different. Unlike console games, a computer game may install and work flawlessly on one system but may need adjustments on another. This is due to a variety of factors, mainly the OS platform running, video card you have, drivers, protection software installed, etc. Many times manufacturers release updates to games to fix bugs and add enhancements. We would be happy to help get the game going on your computer, but ultimately compatibility issues are the responsibility of the buyer. We suggest going to Google and searching for the name of the game along with the words "system requirements" to determine if your system is suitable. Ultimately, we are not responsible for software compatibility problems or publisher's errors.
PLATFORM:
Stated within the auction is what platform the game will work on (ie. Windows, Mac, Linux...) This is a generic statement and specific platform versions (ie. XP, Vista...) will have to be researched by the buyer. Games that came out PRIOR to XP or higher will not specifically state they will work on that release, but only because they came out before those versions were made. Many, if not most, will work on XP or higher with a few quick adjustments. We provide instructions with all items purchased on how to do this adjustment using the Program Compatibility Wizard. If we find out that an item will definately not work on a specific version, we will state it. For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program if the Program Compatibility Wizard does not work.
64-Bit Windows OS Systems:
For 64-bit Operating Systems, older games most likely will NOT work due to 64-bit systems not being able to run 16-bit programming code (most games prior to 2000). For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program.
Macintosh Systems:
For Macintosh programs, most older games will need to be run in Classic Environment if you have a MAC OS X 10.0 - 10.4 version. Please research Google on how to do this, or send us a message for information prior to purchasing. If your MAC OS system doesn't support Classic Environment (ie. MAC OS X 10.5 or Higher OR Intel Macs), you will have to try running it using the free program called SheepShaver, but compatibility is not ensured. Please research prior to purchasing or ask questions.
MEDIA FORMAT:
Please verify you have the required hardware in order to use the specified media (ie. CD, DVD, floppy drives, etc.) If the item comes as a floppy disc, make sure you have either the needed 3.5" floppy drive or the bigger and older 5.25" floppy drive.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A SMOOTH PURCHASE:
Ask questions PRIOR to purchasing an order to avoid any confusion.
Be patient if there are problems during installation or gameplay. Typically someone else has
already ran into that problem and has listed a solution online. Contact us and we will do our best to help.
Be sure to update your video card drivers and search for updates to the game from the manufacturer.
This item is for the original media, and includes only the media (ie. CD, floppy ...) UNLESS specifically stated above and/or in the title. If more than just the media is included, it will state which items are (ie. box, manual, etc ). Items that come in a sleeve refer to a generic CD sleeve (typically white) and will be sent with shipping protection to avoid damage during transit. If available, we will also send the front and/or back CD inserts if in stock. If these are important to you, please message us to verify we have them available to send. Please do not assume items are included other than what's stated. Again, ask questions PRIOR to purchasing if you have any concerns.
IMAGES:
All images/pictures are stock photos and are for reference only, mainly to show the type of game you will be getting. Please read "WHAT YOU GET" for what is included with the media. Screenshots may vary based on your own computer system, video card, monitor, etc.
COMPATIBILITY:
Computers are like people, each one is different. Unlike console games, a computer game may install and work flawlessly on one system but may need adjustments on another. This is due to a variety of factors, mainly the OS platform running, video card you have, drivers, protection software installed, etc. Many times manufacturers release updates to games to fix bugs and add enhancements. We would be happy to help get the game going on your computer, but ultimately compatibility issues are the responsibility of the buyer. We suggest going to Google and searching for the name of the game along with the words "system requirements" to determine if your system is suitable. Ultimately, we are not responsible for software compatibility problems or publisher's errors.
PLATFORM:
Stated within the auction is what platform the game will work on (ie. Windows, Mac, Linux...) This is a generic statement and specific platform versions (ie. XP, Vista...) will have to be researched by the buyer. Games that came out PRIOR to XP or higher will not specifically state they will work on that release, but only because they came out before those versions were made. Many, if not most, will work on XP or higher with a few quick adjustments. We provide instructions with all items purchased on how to do this adjustment using the Program Compatibility Wizard. If we find out that an item will definately not work on a specific version, we will state it. For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program if the Program Compatibility Wizard does not work.
64-Bit Windows OS Systems:
For 64-bit Operating Systems, older games most likely will NOT work due to 64-bit systems not being able to run 16-bit programming code (most games prior to 2000). For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program.
Macintosh Systems:
For Macintosh programs, most older games will need to be run in Classic Environment if you have a MAC OS X 10.0 - 10.4 version. Please research Google on how to do this, or send us a message for information prior to purchasing. If your MAC OS system doesn't support Classic Environment (ie. MAC OS X 10.5 or Higher OR Intel Macs), you will have to try running it using the free program called SheepShaver, but compatibility is not ensured. Please research prior to purchasing or ask questions.
MEDIA FORMAT:
Please verify you have the required hardware in order to use the specified media (ie. CD, DVD, floppy drives, etc.) If the item comes as a floppy disc, make sure you have either the needed 3.5" floppy drive or the bigger and older 5.25" floppy drive.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A SMOOTH PURCHASE:
SHIPPING:
We typically ship all items out within 1-2 business days after payment is received. In regards to the stated shipping and handling, remember that these costs include more than just postage.
International buyers please email/chat with us to determine if you are eligible for shipping of a specific product. If you are, then international buyers not shipping to an address within the U.S. can expect their orders to take anywhere from 5 days to 4 weeks to be received, depending on how fast/well USPS is moving. Additionally, international orders typically have to go through governmental customs, which can delay the arrival process. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to buying. Customs fees are normally charged by the shipping company or collected when you pick the item up. These fees are not additional shipping charges.
We typically ship all items out within 1-2 business days after payment is received. In regards to the stated shipping and handling, remember that these costs include more than just postage.
International buyers please email/chat with us to determine if you are eligible for shipping of a specific product. If you are, then international buyers not shipping to an address within the U.S. can expect their orders to take anywhere from 5 days to 4 weeks to be received, depending on how fast/well USPS is moving. Additionally, international orders typically have to go through governmental customs, which can delay the arrival process. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to buying. Customs fees are normally charged by the shipping company or collected when you pick the item up. These fees are not additional shipping charges.
