Партнерский магазин
Retro chess fans can now face off online with Shatranj: Online Chess—bringing classic chess battles to the ZX Spectrum and PC with surprising depth.
Shatranj: Online Chess delivers online chess for ZX Spectrum and PC, offering classic strategy with modern multiplayer features and robust customization.
A Classic Game Meets Vintage Hardware
Chess on the ZX Spectrum—now that’s something I never expected to see taken this far. Shatranj: Online Chess, the brainchild of M. Ignacio Monje Garcia, brings full-fledged multiplayer chess to the legendary 48K Spectrum and PC. This isn’t just a simple port or a quick hack; it’s a full-featured chess client with almost everything a modern player expects.
At first glance, I thought, “How much can you really squeeze out of a ZX Spectrum when it comes to online features?” Turns out—quite a bit. This project, still in its first public release, already boasts an impressive range of options and functions.
Feature List That Surprised Even Me
Let’s break down what’s packed into Shatranj, because it’s not just about moving pieces on a pixelated board:
- True Chess Client for ZX Spectrum 48K: You get a graphical board, move input, proper chess clocks, chat, move history, settings menu, system notifications, options for offering draws, resigning, restarting, and even handling check and checkmate scenarios.
- Two Game Modes: Play Spectrum vs. Spectrum for those head-to-head retro duels, or pit the ZX Spectrum against a PC for some cross-generational rivalry.
- Network Flexibility: There’s direct TCP connection for local network games and an MQTT mode for matchmaking via a broker. That means you’re not stuck if your network is behind NAT or CGNAT—pretty forward-thinking for the Spectrum.
- Unified Protocol: Every aspect of the game—starting a match, sending moves, confirming or denying them, chatting, checking connections, resigning, and even reconnecting—is handled through a single protocol.
- PC Client with Quality-of-Life Features: The PC version, built on Qt, features not just the board and clocks but also move highlighting, a chat, and a log of incoming/outgoing protocol messages. It supports both connection methods, too.
- Customizable Game Start: Pick your role, side, and color. Set connection address, port, room code, notation system, board color scheme, chess set, and toggle move hints.
- Three Pixel Art Chess Sets: Choose between BRRY, SPCY, and PIXL, each rendered at a charming 16×16 pixel size for that authentic Spectrum flavor.
- Five Board Color Schemes: Go classic with black and white, or try blue, green, cyan, or magenta for a little visual flair.
- Spectrum Chat Lengths: The in-game chat on Spectrum mimics a real two-line interface, including side icons and timestamps. It’s a small detail, but it adds to the authenticity.
I’ll admit, when I first read the features, I had a moment of skepticism. “Surely some of this is only on PC,” I thought. But no—the ZX Spectrum client really is that complete.
Screenshots: Retro Aesthetics, Modern Connectivity
Take a look at these screenshots, and the Spectrum’s graphics might tug a little at your nostalgia circuits:
Seeing that pixelated chessboard, complete with chat and clock, I couldn’t help but grin. There’s a certain charm here that even the slickest modern chess apps can’t quite replicate.
The Not-So-Simple Setup: What You’ll Need
But, as with any ambitious Spectrum project, there’s a catch—getting everything running is no trivial matter. Here’s the minimum toolkit for launching a match in Shatranj:
- A genuine ZX Spectrum 48K (emulators likely won’t cut it)
- A divMMC or esxDOS expansion
- A network module supporting ESP-AT commands
- For direct TCP connections, a network node with open access. If you’re fighting NAT or CGNAT, you’ll need to use MQTT mode.
And let’s be honest, that’s a tall order for most. I had to pause and reconsider my initial excitement. The requirements are a bit… niche. If you don’t already own a tricked-out Spectrum, you’re facing a scavenger hunt.
Emulator Woes and Community Silence
This is where things get tricky. Most Spectrum fans today play on emulators, and unfortunately, Shatranj’s networking features are built for real hardware. As a result, verifying every single feature proved impossible—even for the most dedicated enthusiasts.
“It’s an intriguing idea, but just too demanding in terms of ‘resources’. No wonder the forum post on Spectrum Computing has gone uncommented for nearly a week—nobody seems to have the full setup.”
— Anonymous Retro Hardware Enthusiast
That silence from the usually lively Spectrum community says a lot. It left me with a bit of uncertainty about how many people will ever get to experience Shatranj’s full potential.
But If You’re One of the Lucky Few…
If you are one of those rare souls with the right hardware and a knack for old-school networking, this could be something special. Imagine playing chess across decades—one player on a ZX Spectrum, the other on a slick modern PC. The idea alone is fascinating, even if the actual number of players will likely remain small.
And for the truly adventurous: if you manage to get Shatranj up and running on your Spectrum, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. I’m genuinely curious how it holds up when the rubber meets the road.
Where to Download Shatranj: Files and Further Reading
All the necessary files to get started, plus more project details, can be found on the project’s GitHub. For convenience, there are also direct file downloads available for both ZX Spectrum and Windows users.
Заключение
Shatranj: Online Chess is a bold, nostalgia-driven project marrying 1980s hardware with today’s connected world. Its robust features and authentic touches spark real excitement, but the steep hardware requirements mean it will remain a rarity outside passionate collector circles. I came in skeptical, was wowed by the ambition, but now realize it’s more a technical marvel than a mainstream retro hit. Still, it’s a testament to what’s possible when devotion meets ingenuity.
Would you go hunting for vintage peripherals to play online chess on a ZX Spectrum? Or is your retro love better off in emulators and memories?
ЧАСТО ЗАДАВАЕМЫЕ ВОПРОСЫ
- What makes Shatranj: Online Chess unique among retro chess games?
Shatranj offers true online multiplayer and chat for the ZX Spectrum 48K, features rarely seen on vintage hardware. - Can I run Shatranj: Online Chess on an emulator?
Unfortunately, due to its networking requirements, emulators are unlikely to support all features; real hardware is recommended. - What are the requirements to play on ZX Spectrum?
You’ll need a ZX Spectrum 48K, a divMMC or esxDOS expansion, a compatible ESP-AT network module, and either TCP or MQTT access. - Does the PC version support playing against Spectrum users?
Yes—the PC client, built on Qt, can connect to Spectrum machines for cross-platform play. - Are there customization options in Shatranj?
Absolutely! You can select board colors, chess sets, notation systems, and even tweak network settings before each match.
Like retro game deep-dives and hardware oddities? Subscribe to the newsletter for fresh takes and rare finds every week: Зарегистрируйтесь здесь!
