    Works well as it is, but needs some work, October 18, 2006 |
4 of 4 people find this review helpful:
I like this, first of all because this kind of module takes a lot of work to create. Well done, and thanks for all the effort, team.
That said, it still needs some work before version 1.0.
The move system is a bit counter-intuitive, but that can be remedied by explaining it well in the help-files. This could be improved, though.
What we definitely need is backend configuration, particularly for the graphic part and database management. There is a function in the code to delete games, for example, but no way to get to it.
Another idea which is not (yet?) present is tracking of rating. That would also be nice.
The implementation of chess rules is well done, and works well. The only thing I can think of is that a draw offer should be accompanied by a move.
As it is, draw offers and resignation are a bit awkward, as you have to type DRAW or RESIGN where you would normally enter your move. Buttons would be better.
The code is arranged a bit strange, too. Because of the strange placement of functions adding resign and draw buttons, for instance, is difficult. It would also be nice if the code that delivers the HTML would be in one place.
All those minor issues aside, the product does work straight out of the box, and is a nice service to your visitors.
If you are not too bad with PHP, customization can be done and will take a while, but you build on a functional core.
I will check out future versions to see where the product is going, but I think I will not use them. You have provided me with a core I could use, and I will further customize it for my members.
Pros:
- Works out of the box
- Unique component
- Good adaptation of chess rules
- Nice ideas for features
Cons:
- Not customizable without delving into code
- Not quite ready for release as full-fledged component
- Multi-lang not yet finished (some text hard-coded)
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