Alright, so here’s the thing. Ever think about chess and go like, “Yeah, I get it, but what if it was… you know, not chess?” Somehow, Fragile Shapes Studio did. And here we are — “Beyond the Board.” Yeah, the name’s dramatic, but it fits. It’s like chess got tossed into a blender with a dreamy puzzle adventure. Ever wondered how that goes down? Well, you’re about to find out — I hope I’m not overselling it here.
So, I dug around a bit (like you do when you’re avoiding real work), and found this game. It’s not just about moving a Rook this way and that. Nope. It’s all flip-floppy tiles and a maze that laughs at the word “linear.” Oh, there’s a demo too. I haven’t played it yet because, honestly, I got stuck watching cat videos. But hey, you might have more focus than I do. Check it on Steam or something.
Back to this wild ride with a Rook. You’re in a universe that’s like if Monument Valley and Limbo had a weird chessboard baby. Flip tiles, seek answers, you know, the usual existential crises stuff. You’re out there guiding this lonely Rook searching for its squad or whatever. I don’t know about you, but there’s something strangely compelling about the struggle of a board game piece in a digital world. Or maybe I’m just tired.
Anyway — wait, am I making sense? Where was I? Oh, right. The game was unveiled at some show. OTK Games Expo, I think. Pieces fly off in all directions like they’re rebelling against the grid’s tyranny. I mean, you gotta admire that energy. Puzzles that twist perception? Count me in. You don’t have to be a chess nerd to dive into this madness. Curiosity and the taste for adventure are your tickets here. Weird, I know.
Imagine the scene. You’re just minding your own business as a Rook (very relatable), when BAM! Lightning hits, and you’re in this alternate reality. Now, you’re chasing an enemy king across collapsing kingdoms. Who thought chess could be this intense? Like, I’m sweating just thinking about it.
And if you’re still not convinced this isn’t your typical game, it’s apparently told through vibes. Not words. Weird sounds, visuals, and those quiet gaps where the real magic lives. It’s like a silent movie but interactive, which sounds cooler than I could ever explain — take what you can from that mess of a description.
Look, if this bizarre journey is something your curious self feels drawn to, there’s that demo I keep bringing up. If you can pry yourself away from whatever other distractions you’ve got, it might be worth checking out. Chess fan or not, there’s something here. Or maybe I’m just projecting — who knows?
