I love when something familiar gets flipped on its head, you know? Like, when a game takes something we all kinda get, like Chess, and shakes it up in a blender. Enter “Beyond the Board.” I bet you’re thinking, “How different can it be, really?” Oh, it’s something else, trust me.
So here’s the deal. Fragile Shapes Studio is the brain behind this wild ride, and they’re all set to toss it on Steam soon. But guess what? There’s a demo out there already. I mean, yeah, go grab it if you’re curious like I was. Side note: I literally sat there, staring at the screen, wondering why I noticed the way the sunlight hit the tiles just right in one of the screenshots… Anyway — nope, there’s more — let’s dive into it.
Picture this: you’re a lone Rook cruising through a world that kinda feels like a dream (or a nightmare, depending on your mood). The tiles move, the world’s shifted, and honestly, you’re just looking for answers and your lost buddies. If you’ve ever played Monument Valley or Limbo, you’ll get an idea, sort of. Or maybe you won’t, who knows?
I saw a sneak peek at the OTK Games Expo (big fan, by the way) and oh boy, this thing breaks the mold. Whatever you think chess is… just forget it. It’s got these puzzles that mess with your head, and the path? Not linear at all. Like my life. You don’t need to be into chess for this one, just show up ready to get lost in the chaos. Come with curiosity, embrace the unknown. You’ll thank me later.
What’s wild is, well, you’re this Rook because, plot twist, some lightning zapped the chessboard (no, really) and now you’re chasing kings and engaging in boss battles. You didn’t sign up for a vacation here — the challenges are real.
This game’s not about talking through dialogues. It’s about feeling your way through its visuals and sounds. And I swear, there was this moment where the sound kinda felt like… wet cardboard? If that makes any sense. Somehow, it pulls you in, making sense of things in that odd beautiful way.
So, fancy joining the madness? Beyond the Board isn’t miles away on the horizon. That demo on Steam is just waiting for you to click play. Even if chess isn’t usually your scene, maybe give it a whirl. I mean, why not?
