What is it?
What it is
A cinematic 3D chess game in the browser featuring three rival civilizations (Ivory Kingdom, Sun Empire, Grande Armée) with sculpted 3D characters, realistic movements, and immersive gameplay. Built with React 19, TypeScript, three.js, and chess.js, it emphasizes cinematic captures, dynamic animations, and a unique interface.
Why it exists
To provide an immersive, visually rich 3D chess experience that combines historical themes with modern web technologies. It offers a unique blend of strategy, artistry, and interactivity, allowing players to engage with a detailed, dynamic world.
Who should use it
Developers interested in 3D game development, chess enthusiasts, and open-source contributors seeking complex technical projects.
Who should avoid it
Beginners in programming, users without experience in TypeScript or 3D graphics programming, or those seeking simple chess implementations.
How it works
A quick walkthrough in plain English
How rork-medieval-3d-chess works
Step 1 of 3
You interact with it
Open rork-medieval-3d-chess, send a request, or connect it to your stack.
Features
Advantages
- Highly immersive 3D chess experience with cinematic effects
- Flexible army and battleground customization
- Robust AI with multiple difficulty levels and auto-rematch
- Static site deployment with no backend requirements
- Detailed audio and visual feedback for every action
- Support for multiple game modes including AI vs AI and attract mode
- Auto-detected graphics presets for optimal performance
- Responsive design adapting to screen sizes and orientations
- Comprehensive controls with tooltips and keyboard shortcuts
- No account or backend needed for gameplay
- Customizable models and audio for user-generated content
- Efficient Web Worker usage for smooth AI performance
- Detailed death animations and environmental interactions
- Support for touch and keyboard inputs
Disadvantages
- Requires Node 20+ and Bun for development
- Complex setup with Web Workers and WebGL dependencies
- Potential performance issues on lower-end devices
- Dependence on WebGL 2 and Web Audio API support
- Complex codebase may be challenging for new contributors
- Limited browser support (requires modern browsers)
- High resource usage due to 3D rendering and animations
- Dependency on specific libraries (three.js, chess.js, etc.)
- Audio and model streaming may require stable internet
- Complex animation and physics systems requiring optimization
Installation
native
cd web && bun install && bun run dev
FAQ
How do I start the game locally?
Clone the repository, navigate to the web directory, run 'bun install' followed by 'bun run dev' to start the development server at http://localhost:5173.
What are the three available armies and how do I switch between them?
The three armies are Ivory Kingdom, Sun Empire, and Grande Armée. Switch armies via Settings → Armies, where each side can be selected independently and the choice is remembered between visits.
How does the game handle gunpowder units like the Marshal-Tirailleur or Artillery Guard?
Gunpowder units fire from range without closing distance: they kneel, aim, trigger, and the shot flies flat and fast. The Marshal reloads from the knee, and the field gun leaves a smoke bank and stone wave on impact.
What graphics presets are available and how are they determined?
Presets range from Low to Ultra, auto-detected from GPU string, core count, and device memory. The engine steps down one level if frame rate stays under 40 FPS, and manual controls are in Settings → Picture.
Can I play AI vs AI and what happens at the end of a duel?
Yes, AI vs AI mode lets two engines duel with pace control, camera behaviours, and auto-rematch. Each duel ends with a verdict card showing the winner, engine strengths, move count, and a countdown to the next duel.
How are footsteps and combat sounds generated in the game?
Footsteps are synthesised per timbre (scuff, leather, plate, regal) using a body thump, sole transient, and metallic afterring. Combat sounds like gunshots and conquest motifs are also synthesised, with no audio assets required.
Featured in Videos
YouTube tutorials and walkthroughs for rork-medieval-3d-chess
Alternatives
Similar projects ranked by category, topics, and text overlap.
