Customer Reviews

Excalibur 712 Ivan II The Conqueror

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As soon as I received this, I thought I didn't receive the chess pieces until I opened the storage compartment underneath the unit which I felt was a nice Feature.

Even at it's most basic level, playing is still a challenge. The voice of Ivan is ever present with you and taunts if a big mistake was made as in a premature capture of a Queen. The touch sensitivity of the board is good and it doesn't take more then just a light press to register with the computer.

Movement of the game pieces is easy due to the graphical interface of the board on the supplied LCD. Also the same voice gives both confirmation of origin to destination. On top of this, there is also a coordinate view of each move. Movement of Ivan's pieces are quick and painless. I have played over 20 gaves in the span of two evenings and haven't tired of it. It is definitly a game that will sharpen your playing. The voice of Ivan can be disabled if you prefer, but I actually like it. The battle sound effects work great with the capture of either players pieces. The manual is well written and explains more complex moves such as castling etc.

Now a few very minor negatives:
First, the game's control panel is a bubble type button system and very cheap. I feel that this will wear out over time, but the controls are in a intuitive order.

Second, a supplied AC adapter would have been nice. The unit takes 4 AA batteries. I recommend purchasing the newer type of Rechargable batteries. I am still on my same batteries over 12 hours of play.

My husband always wanted to learn how to play chess and since receiving the Excalibur Electronic Chess Computer, he is learning and loving it! He's on it continuously, determined to learn and it let's him know immediately if he's made a wrong move....he'll be ready for a tournament with his buddies soon. A great way to learn in your own time.

... to a really expensive set. This was economical and fit the needs of the younger kids. I am still hoping to find replacement pieces though. It could use a little more instuctions as well. Some of the features are more complicated than the guide gives instructions for.

I purchased this to take to work with me (yes, I have a lot of down time). Used it for 4 weeks and have yet to replace the batteries. It has many of levels from beginner to advanced and "Ivan" does make an occasional comments during the game - funny. I recommend this product.

What I really like about this is that you actually handle the pieces instead of just working with a screen. Ivan speaks clearly. It is easy to use as well. I bought 3 for presents, 2 for young teenagers and one for my 78 yr old mother. Everyone loved it. I can't speak for durability since the gifts have only been opened in the last couple weeks. The game feels sturdy. It should last with normal use and care.