Chess Arena

About

Chess Arena is a strategy hack-and-slash where chess pieces duel in real-time combat. Based on Xiangqi rules, each unit has distinct attack styles and abilities. When two pieces clash on the board they transition to a top-down arena battle. The winner captures the opponent but all units retain health between fights making repeated clashes riskier. Movement follows traditional chess mechanics while combat adds a layer of action-based strategy. The single-player mode includes 50 levels across partial-game scenarios that progress through chess match setups. Online play uses player-hosted matches though this exposes the host's IP address. Launched in 2019 by indie studio HideChara the game blends tactical board planning with responsive fight mechanics. Its hybrid approach earned mixed but curious reactions from strategy and action game communities.