Another contestant — João Bastos — sets foot on the Homebrew Idol stage with Xadrez, the 3D rendered homebrew version of Chess.

J. Bastos has quite the update; introduced is multiplayer [head-to-head] support via Ad Hoc, an adjustable camera perspective, as well some bugs have been eradicated.

So here you have it — Xadrez version 1.0.

Download: Xadrez v1.0

MK2k with yet another homebrew hit… This comes in the form of a chess clock simulator, used when playing chess, obviously. So the next time you’re strolling through High Park equipped with your PSP, break that bad boy out, and checkmate that fool.

Features:

• Two connected clocks
• Each clock containing:
  • a big clock pointer
  • a small clock pointer
  • a flag
  • a star-shaped wheel for activity indication
  • 2D physics simulation on the flags
• The pointers are rotating by an estimated angle velocity, so this app does NOT feature the most accurate clocks on the planet (it may vary by some seconds per hour)

Download: Chess Clock aka Game Clock PSP v1.0

- release thread -

Behold! It’s that time of day when ZX-81 crawls out of his virtual cave and shares his plentiful homebrew updates to the masses.

First we’ll take a quick peak at PSPIRC v1.1.1. It’s a minor update correcting a bug in the login menu. No longer should your PSP freeze when pressing the enter key while script menu is selected. And that’s that.

Next is one of my recently developed addictions, PSP GNU Chess v1.0.3. It uses GNU Chess version 5.07 for the Artificial Intelligence, and ZX-81 has crafted a graphical user interface on top of it.

PSP GNU Chess v1.0.3 changes:

• IR Keyboard support
• Add Option to highlight last move
• Display captured and promoted pieces
• Add virtual keyboard to enter PGN filename
• Load and Save PGN game file
• Fix joypad/pad speed issue

Download:
PSPIRC v1.1.1 fw 1.50
PSPIRC v1.1.1 cfw 3.xx
PSPIRC source code

PSP GNU Chess v1.0.3 for fw 1.50
PSP GNU Chess v1.0.3 for cfw 3.xx
PSP GNU Chess source code

- source: ZX-81’s web site

Stealing the spotlight is ZX-81 with yet another homebrew update. Yesterday he shared a new version of his GNU Chess port for the PSP. And somehow I missed it. So if ya don’t know…

GNU Chess is command line Chess program running on many different systems such as UNIX, Windows or Mac OS. It was started in 1986 by Stuart Cracraft, who is continuing to develop it with other coders such as Chua Kong Sian, Lukas Geyer, Simon Waters and David A. Wheeler.

PSP Gnu Chess use the GNU Chess version 5.07 for the Artificial Intelligence, and I’ve added a Graphical User interface.

…ya do now.

PSP GNU Chess v1.0.2 changes:

• Option to specify search depth (i.e: difficulty)
• Add Undo feature
• Add Book feature, move database is stored in file book.dat. The file given with this homebrew is the book.dat provided with gnuchess (but you can replace it by your own)
• Bug fix when you put black on the bottom of the screen, King and Queen weren’t at the right place!
• Bug fix with keys/analog pad (sensitivity was too high)

Download:
PSP GNU Chess v1.0.2 for fw 1.50
PSP GNU Chess v1.0.2 for cfw 3.xx
PSP GNU Chess source code

- source: ZX-81’s web site

Check, and, mate — sucka! ZX-81 has released the first playable version of PSP GNU Chess. There isn’t really much else to say, other than good luck trying to beat its A.I. ZX-81 confesses, “I don’t know if the ‘you win’ message is displayed properly, but the ‘you lose’ is well printed.” And that it is; I can also confirm. So if you have Peter Breschnev skills ($20 PayPal to whomever knows that reference), let us know whether or not “you win” works. ;)

GNU Chess is command line Chess program running on many different systems such as UNIX, windows or MacOS. It was started in 1986 by Stuart Cracraft, who is continuing to develop it with other coders such as Chua Kong Sian, Stuart Cracraft, Lukas Geyer, Simon Waters and David A. Wheeler.

PSP Gnu Chess use the GNU Chess version 5.07 for the Artificial Intelligence, and I’ve added a Graphical User Interface.

Download:
PSP GNU Chess v1.0.1 for fw 1.50
PSP GNU Chess v1.0.1 for cfw 3.xx
PSP GNU Chess source code

- source: ZX-81’s web site

jbastos has released what appears to be, now correct me if I’m wrong, the first 3D chess game for the PSP. It features specular highlights, stencil reflections, and color blend. Very sexy for its initial release.

I’ve been playing Chess since grade 5 — yeah, so what, I’m a geek, wanna fight about it? You’re just lucky this current version only permits 1 player VS. the CPU. Perhaps in future releases we’ll see 2 player support, and if we’re really lucky, WiFi enabled multiplayer!

Keep in mind; jbastos is in the early stages of development with Xadrez. Unforeseen problems may occur.

Nice work jbastos. Thanks for bringing Chess back into my life. :)

Download: Xadrez

- release thread -