The Less Boring Chess GameExtreme Chess Pro is a chess game that plays animation gifs on capture, check, and checkmate. It's also really fun!
Programming Language: Express JS, Date Launched: 2024-09-26
Built with ExpressJS, Extreme Chess Pro makes chess more entertaining with a twist of visual flair. As a chess enthusiast, I recognized the game can sometimes feel dry to casual players. This project challenged me to enhance the classic experience while sharpening my frontend and database skills.
What makes Extreme Chess Pro special is the added psychological element: when you capture an opponent's piece, put them in check, or deliver checkmate, a custom animation plays to celebrate your move. These visual rewards add an extra layer of satisfaction and competitive spirit to each game.
The application features a responsive board design, drag-and-drop piece movement, and real-time validation of legal moves. The animation library includes over 50 different GIFs, randomly selected based on the significance of each move.
For solo players, I've integrated H.E.R.B.I.E as an AI opponent (powered by Stockfish chess engine with a personality layer). While H.E.R.B.I.E presents a serious challenge for most players, the animated reactions make even losing a piece feel like part of the fun.
The development of Extreme Chess Pro involved several technical challenges. I implemented the chess logic using JavaScript with a custom state management system to track piece positions and legal moves. The animation system required careful timing and event handling to ensure smooth gameplay without disrupting the core chess mechanics.
The user interface underwent multiple iterations based on play tester feedback. I focused on creating intuitive controls that work equally well on desktop and mobile devices. The board adapts to different screen sizes while maintaining proper proportions and piece visibility.
Each animation in the collection was carefully selected and optimized for quick loading. Categories include humorous reactions, dramatic effects, and strategic celebrations. Players can unlock special animations by achieving specific in-game milestones or completing challenges against H.E.R.B.I.E.
Planned features include a tournament mode where players can compete in brackets, additional AI difficulty levels, and a custom animation creator where players can upload their own celebration GIFs. The community aspect will be enhanced with friend challenges and performance statistics tracking.
Try it out and rediscover chess with a splash of visual excitement!
That's all, folks!