DSChess v0.4: now with human vs. human playing mode

Brainy DS-toters may want to check out the long-due update to homebrew developer Boris von Loesch‘s DSChess (previous release here). Powered by Fabien Letouzey’s fruity Fruit 2.1 engine, this may be the in-depth, features-filled Chess game for the DS that you’ve been looking for. Check out the features list and changelog in the full article!

Download: DSChess v0.4

It’s been a while since we last heard about Boris von Loesch‘s DSChess. For those who aren’t acquainted with this homebrew game, DSChess is…well, a chess game that uses Fabien Letouzey’s Fruit 2.1 engine, which is tweaked to accommodate Nintendo DS requirements. Here’s the features list of DSChess so far:

• Support all rules like castling, En passant or 50 moves rule
• Play chess against a strong engine (Elo > 2000)
• Play against your friend on one DS (H vs. H mode)
• Touchscreen support, move the pieces with the stylus
• Changeable opening book
• Undo moves
• Different time options (even infinite) or fixed calculation depth
• Eleven levels with increasing strength for beginners
• Force the computer to make a move
• Move suggestion
• Sound
• Resume last game (only with DLDI capable cards)
• Analyze chess positions
• Permanent brain (Ponder)

Also, those who still remember the report on DSChess’ previous release may want to check out the progress since the homebrew game’s last revision.

• 24.03.2008 (version 0.4)
• Human vs. Human playing mode
• Moves record in standard algebraic notation (use Select to switch)
• Infinite thinking time for analyzing positions
• Optimized memory management and hash tables increases AI search speed by more than 50%, so this version plays a lot stronger than the previous ones
• Eleven playing levels with increasing play strength for beginners (under CPU-Settings/Levels)
• Loads of bugs fixed
• 17.08.2007 (version 0.3)
• Sound!
• DLDI support
• Auto save game
• Minor enhancements and some bugs fixed

There’s no readme file included in this release, so if you’re not familiar with installing .nds files, you may want to head on over to the Via link for more information on how to install the latest version of DSChess. Enjoy!

Download: DSChess v0.4