Chess games are always a bit tricky to review. Surely not too much can have changed since the last release? Still, like many sports titles, developers are always looking for added extras to tempt us to put aside a perfectly good version and splash out on an upgrade. To some extent, Ubisoft can justly be accused of wrapping its earlier chess games in a little new gloss, but that doesn't change the fact that Chessmaster 10th Edition is just about untouchable as a simulation of the world's most popular strategy game. Aside from its unquestionably strong AI and remarkable database of games, Chessmaster boasts an improved interface, excellent tutorial options, a great mix of 3D chess sets and a decent online system. It also brings a small number of animated sets to the series for the first time, and an updated version of 'The King' chess engine AI (you'd have to be pretty good to tell the difference though!).

Chessmaster caters for both novice and experienced players through a range of training and puzzle options that allows players to move through progressively more demanding matches. The onscreen interface is a little too cluttered, but it's highly configurable and a simple right click menu makes it easy to navigate. As always, the chance to replay the great matches of history is a terrific bonus (a massive amount has been added since the last edition), and the excellent Tournament Mode allows players to measure their development against some tough AI opponents. Post-match analysis is first-rate, incorporating replays and all key statistics, and skills can be honed at the IM Josh Waitzkin's Academy and the GM Larry Christiansen's Attacking Chess course. The 8th and 9th editions were both terrific, so you may find it difficult to justify the cash, but Chessmaster 10th Edition is one of the greatest chess titles out there.