Bloody Checkers (XBLIG): "A Bloody Good Time"

When I first caught a glimpse of this game I had no idea what to expect. I did watch the game trailer which definitely sparked my curiosity. After brief consideration I sought the developers approval to do the review. He accepted my request and granted me a code. After acquiring the code from him I immeditely turned on my Xbox 360 to redeem it. I was so anxious to see what this game was all about. During my childhood I used to pass my time by playing checkers with friends, and family. I was looking forward to the nostalgic gaming experience even if it was in video game form. Needless to say I was extremely excited to play a version of checkers that payed tribute to the RPG genre, and the bloody video game carnage I've grown to love.


Bloody Checkers target audience is anyone who's new to the checkers game, or even those who think they're pros. This game will put you in your place with a 24 stage playbook. When I first saw the playbook feature I thought to myself "I know all about checkers ...", but I found myself to be seriously mistaken. The Bloody Checkers playbook is divided into instructional sections that gradually increase in difficulty in order to prepare the player for the more intense matches they will encounter in both single player, and multiplayer modes. After I completed the 24 parts of the playbook I realized that checkers was a more strategic game than I had once thought. The developer must have been a professional checkers player, because going through each playbook tutorial is like being schooled by a chessmaster. You'll find that the playbook is a necessary part of the game. If you hope to win at all I definitely suggest playing through all 24 tutorial sessions.

From the opening title screen of Bloody Checkers I could immediately tell the developer had payed great attention to detail, and effects. The medieval banners wave in a realistic manner, and the two renaissance portraits that grace the title screen were a brilliant addition.  I absolutely love the renaissance period, and every detail of this game brings that to life in a vivid way. As you progress through single player you will find that the 3D adventure you embark on is no less as stunning than any other part of the game. In fact I'd say the entire game is a work of art from start to finish. The single player journey alone will amaze your senses with top notch special effects, symphonic music and a story that is told in a way that sparks the imagination. You will challenge the dead denizens of the abandon castle in bloody checker duels, and if you're good enough to make it all the way you'll be rewarded with an ending worthy of an RPG title.

Like any first person RPG Bloody Checkers offers a detailed inventory, and leveling/ranking system. As you travel throughout the castle you will find that your enemies are actually the dead inhabitants that once roamed it's halls. Their portraits line the castle hallways with inscribed with details of their demise. On your adventure you will also run into a ghostly wind that's purpose is to extinguish your only source of light, a candle. If your candle is to go out you must find a wall torch that is lit in order to ignite it again. You'll find that lighting the torches is very necessary, and that it is the only way to save your progress throughout the single player game. The developer informed me that he is currently working on a bug fix that involves the in-game saving. In order to properly save your game for now you must light the torch (press 'A' to save, and exit the game via the game menu) and not exit the game in the castle via the dashboard. Advancing through the castle of Bloody Checkers mainly requires you to defeat the opponents in the mounted portraits. Other areas are accessed by special items, keys, or spells that are available throughout the castle. Shops, and traps are also accessed by clicking on portraits in the castle. You'll find that the use of traps in both single player, and multiplayer modes is extremely useful in gaining gold, and silver coins for future purchases. Learning the basics of the game including navigating the castle halls, and interacting with the enviroments (which is explained in a controller diagram/in-game tutorial) is a must. Once you know that you'll be set for this unique RPG adventure.

The main theme behind Bloody Checkers is the checkers game itsself. The special effects, and details applied to this checkers game were produced in a professional fashion worthy of a retail game title. The in-game board can be manipulated in various ways to provide a vantage point. You can zoom in on the board, as well as rotate it in any direction. Not only does this feature help with gameplay strategy, but it also allows you to freeze and view the bloody bits as they happen. The developer gave me a couple of hints about admiring the bloody effects, matrix-style. He told me that when a trap first hits an opposing player's checker you can quickly press the 'Right Bumper' to freeze the effects, and click the 'R-Stick' to change the camera. I thought this was a neat addition for all those blood/gore video game fans out there. The developer also gave me two more tips that apply to the board/checkers. You'll find that if you press 'X' it will show where you placed your traps, and if you press 'Y' on a bloody checker it will shake the blood off of it. When it comes to pwning a checkers opponent this game does it in style!

After completing the single player mode, and enjoying every aspect of the game I became an instant fan. The developer not only redefined the way checkers can be played, but he did so in a away that will appeal to gamers of today. I believe Bloody Checkers will not only hold the gamer's attention, but that it will also inspire future checkers champions. I could even see people pulling out their old checkers boards for practice. It's definitely nice to see a game that breaths life back into the board games of old like this one does. The fact that the developer also chose to include the Nyan Cat in a personal message to the gamer is a sweet bonus. I thoroughly enjoyed my venture into this visual masterpiece called 'Bloody Checkers', and I believe you will too. This game is a perfect '10' in my book, and for the cheap 80 msp ($1) price it's definitely a steal!