Review: SokoChess – Movies Games and Tech


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Good lord, this game was challenging for me. I’ve played some chess in my time. Hell, I’ve even beaten a couple of people. However, I was never really what you’d call “good” at chess. So when I laid my eyes on SokoChess, and all it represented, A little part of me lit up. 

My Second Chance

What I saw was a chance for redemption, even if it wasn’t exactly the same chess I’ve tried my hand at over the years. Here was a new start and an opportunity to be more than simply adequate. Maybe I’d even catch that elusive and esoteric “good” title. But Alas, SokoChess withheld my redemption arc. I struggled, I swore, I apologised, I begged, and I actually considered cheating. I even Skipped a level here and there, telling myself that I’d definitely go back and beat it. Yet, some of them remain unbeaten to this day. The mere presence of these levels were mocking symbols of my mediocrity. I went to sleep some nights furious, But other times with a sense of dignified resignation. After all, we can’t be good at everything.

This was the lesson the SokoChess ended up teaching me. I may not excel at the title or traditional chess. But I can appreciate the game, the strategies, tactics and history surrounding it. And in doing so, I could actually enjoy myself instead of beating myself up. Once I got to that point, this game opened up for me, and I saw it for what it was. A challenging and impressive title that lovers of chess and puzzles can dive right into for some satisfying problem-solving.

We’re Still Playing Chess Right?

Much like the chess we all know, you have control over a number of troops. Pawns, rooks, bishops, etc. They each move as they should, and share the same strengths/weakness as their traditional counterparts. But there are a few key differences in SokoChess. The primary being that your goal is not taking your opponent’s pieces, but rather getting them into designated slots on the board.

 Instead of the enemy piece being removed from the field, it is rather pushed around by your piece. This is one of the main methods of getting pieces into their spots. However, when your piece is in danger, it won’t simply be pushed around. It’ll be taken out of play completely. It makes forethought and utilising space just as important as a normal game of chess. Once each piece is in its place, you win. Sounds simple enough, but as I’m sure you’ve guessed, actually getting the pieces where they’re needed is often easier said than done.

The playing field is not the 64-tile space you may be familiar with. Instead, each puzzle has a different layout. The placement of enemy pieces as well as your own change as well. Each of the 60 puzzles are completely unique and meticulously planned out. I’ve got to give credit to the developers in that regard. They really took the time to craft some great scenarios, and managed to keep things interesting all the way through.

Forethought Wins

At its core Sokochess wants you to manipulate your enemies and use the playing field to your advantage. You can even trick pieces into going where you need them. Sometimes by baiting them with expendable pieces. Knowing that them taking a single pawn, plays right into your hand. 

Things start off simple, but inevitably become more complex with each puzzle. Requiring you to carefully consider who to target next, whether or not you sacrifice your own pieces, and to always stay ahead of the curve. Depth to the puzzles are also brought into play with each level. Such as tiles that are destroyed as soon as you move over them. Locks that only open once you’ve moved into the position of the key. Or shields which you can use to block an enemy piece’s attack, giving you the freedom to move about. This kept things fresh in a great way.

It’s an extremely satisfying game at times. But can be equally frustrating when you fall short of wrapping your head around the solution. Although, that sweet moment when you do is often worth the pain. There’s nothing like a good “AHA!” moment when uncovering the path to success. 

It also helps quite a bit that you can undo and restart as much as you need to in order to figure things out. It allows for experimentation and taking some risks. I swear if there wasn’t an undo button, I’d have been in tears.

Music to Soothe the Bruised Ego

To go along with the challenge and strategy, SokoChess employs the use of some great classical songs, such as the great Gymnopédie, which I listened to more times than I could count during my studies or writing. It’s honestly the perfect genre of music for a game of this kind. It’s soothing for frustrating moments, and conducive to thinking. My only wish was that there were more songs in the playlist. 

So you’ve heard me complain about my lack of chess skills, and some of my struggles with this title. But I’ve got to say: Even through all of that, through the challenge and misery, I could hardly call SokoChess a bad game, just because I’m bad at it. 

It’s a well-thought-out reimagining of the ancient pastime of kings, generals and geniuses. So, for lovers of challenging puzzles, for lovers of chess, and for lovers of some light masochism; There is SokoChess.



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