“More chaos on the chessboard.” A sequel to the classic Knightmare Chess, Knightmare Chess 2 can be used independently of the original or as an expansion.

Review Originally Published May 21st, 2001

My review of the original Knightmare Chess can be found here. If you are unfamiliar with that game, you should probably check that review out first, as I give a more detailed overview of the mechanics and gameplay therein.

“Move a piece. Play a card. Chess will never be the same…”

This was the tagline of the original Knightmare Chess.

“More Chaos on the Chessboard.”

And this is the tagline of Knightmare Chess 2.

The game found in Knightmare Chess 2 is identical to the first game. In fact, Knightmare Chess 2 is designed to be totally independent of the original – including all of the rules, and requiring none of the cards, from the original. It can also, of course, be played as an expansion set.

Once again, Rogério Vilela is responsible for the haunting, evocative, mesmerizing, and unquestionably gorgeous illustrations to be found in elegant display upon each and every card in the set – granting Knightmare Chess 2, like its predecessor, a unique and memorable visual presence at the game table.

The sole detectable difference between Knightmare Chess and Knightmare Chess 2, in my opinion, is one of degree: In Knightmare Chess 2 you will find cards haunting the extremes. Whereas the majority of the cards in Knightmare Chess were fairly predictable and understandable variations upon the rules of chess, in Knightmare Chess 2 you will find that many cards will have only an extremely subtle effect upon your strategy – while others will have all the tactical delicacy of a jackhammer.

But after playtesting these games extensively – both in isolation and in various combinations with each other – there is no doubt in my mind: Knightmare Chess 2 measures up to the immense quality of its predecessor in every way. Although I’d still recommend picking up Knightmare Chess first, but Knightmare Chess 2 should find its way to your gaming table soon after.

Style: 5
Substance: 5

Designers: Pierre Clequin and Bruno Faidutti
Publisher: Steve Jackson Games
Price: $14.95
ISBN: 1556343485
Production Code: SJG1322

The current edition of Knightmare Chess from Steve Jackson Games includes both the original Knightmare Chess and Knightmare Chess 2.

I quite like the “expansion pack which is also a stand-alone version of the game” model. Steve Jackson Games has used this for a number of different games going all the way back to OGRE and GEV. More recent examples include the various Dominion games. I think it’s a model that could be very profitable and useful for RPGs (albeit not ones with 300 page rulebooks).

For an explanation of where these reviews came from and why you can no longer find them at RPGNet, click here.