Worms Classic
Super Nintendo · Strategy
The Chessmaster
| System | Super Nintendo |
|---|---|
| Released | 1991 |
| Genre | Strategy |
| Developer | The Software Toolworks |
| Publisher | Mindscape |
| Players | 1–2 players |
| Commitment | Weekend project (Roughly 6–20 hours) |
| Legacy | Deep cut |
The Chessmaster is a strategy game released in 1991 for the Super Nintendo, developed by The Software Toolworks and published by Mindscape.
It belongs to the SNES's earliest wave of games. Other notable SNES releases from 1991 include Final Fantasy IV, Lemmings and SimEarth.
The Software Toolworks also made Miracle Piano Teaching System and NCAA Football for the SNES.
The Chessmaster supports up to 2 players, whether that means taking turns or going head-to-head.
Pick it if…
- you want to think and plan
- you have time for a weekend project (roughly 6–20 hours)
- you have a friend to play against
- you've played the SNES hits and want something less obvious
Maybe skip it if…
- you want quick action without planning ahead
What playing The Chessmaster is like
Strategy games reward planning over reflexes: command armies, manage resources and outthink opponents on turn-based or real-time battlefields.
Tip for newcomers: Read the manual or tutorial if one exists: retro strategy games often assume you know their rules. Save between missions.
The Chessmaster cheats & codes
12 codes on file (Game Genie, Other codes). Here are a few Game Genie codes to start with:
| White Player's Timer Is Stopped | C9C7-D76F |
|---|---|
| Black Player's Timer Is Stopped | C9C9-DFDF |
| Timers Count 2X As Slow | 56C4-D46F |
| Timers Count 3X Times As Slow | 80C4-D46F |
| Timers Count 2X As Fast | F3C4-D46F |
| Timers Count 3X Times As Fast | F0C4-D46F |
If you like The Chessmaster, the Matrix also picks…
Liberty or Death Deep cut
Rampart Deep cut
Romance of the Three Kingdoms II Deep cut
Super Conflict Deep cut
Clue Deep cut
Gemfire Deep cut
Playing SNES games today
The SNES library has aged exceptionally well, especially its RPGs, platformers and puzzle games. A large selection is available on Nintendo Switch Online, and if you own the cartridges you can play your backups in an emulator such as Rec0m88, including online with friends.
The Chessmaster FAQ
When did The Chessmaster come out on the SNES?
The Chessmaster was released for the Super Nintendo in 1991.
Who made The Chessmaster?
It was developed by The Software Toolworks and published by Mindscape.
Is The Chessmaster multiplayer?
Yes. The Chessmaster supports up to 2 players.
How long does The Chessmaster take to play?
As a strategy game, The Chessmaster typically falls into the "Weekend project" category: roughly 6–20 hours. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.
Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.