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Passant: A Chess Roguelike

PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2025

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Quick resume

Passant is a chess roguelike that changes all the rules. Progress through challenging rounds while collecting powerful pieces and game-changing items to seize victory.

Global score

81/100

Genres

Casual, Indie, Strategy, Turn-based strategy (TBS)

Pros

  • Innovative blend of chess and roguelike mechanics
  • Highly customizable gameplay with many unique pieces and badges
  • Accessible to both casual and experienced chess players
  • Active developer support and frequent updates
  • Good value for price with substantial replayability

Cons

  • Ui and visual presentation are minimal and sometimes confusing
  • Ai can be repetitive or exploitable, leading to frustration
  • Some balance issues with overpowered pieces and badges
  • Lack of multiplayer or social features
  • Long runs can become tedious or fatiguing

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players have significant control over their board setup, choice of pieces, badges, and playstyle, enabling personal freedom and strategic decision-making."

  • Competence
    4

    "The game challenges players to think strategically and adapt to complex chess variants and roguelike elements, rewarding skillful play and mastery."

  • Competition
    -3

    "Focus is on single-player against AI with no multiplayer or ranked modes; players compete against AI and themselves rather than others."

  • Continuation
    3

    "Many players report addictive gameplay with long sessions and repeated runs, though some mention frustration and fatigue in longer runs."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Entirely single-player experience with no cooperative or multiplayer elements."

  • Creativity
    5

    "Strong emphasis on creative customization of boards, pieces, badges, and modifiers, allowing unique and varied playstyles."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No evidence of domination or power over others; interactions are with AI and self-directed."

  • Escapism
    3

    "Players use the game as a mental challenge and distraction, enjoying the novelty and complexity as a break from real life."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of personal interest and enjoyment; no obligation or external pressure noted."

  • Experimenting
    5

    "High encouragement for experimentation with new pieces, rules, and strategies; players explore many combinations and synergies."

  • Exploration
    3

    "Players discover new chess variants, pieces, and badges progressively, fostering curiosity and discovery within the game."

  • Expression
    3

    "Customization of board setups and piece arrangements allows some level of self-expression, though visual options are limited."

  • Fantasy
    3

    "Incorporates imaginative chess variants and fantastical pieces beyond traditional chess, blending fiction with realistic chess."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "No social or community gameplay elements; strictly single-player experience."

  • Growth
    4

    "Players learn new chess strategies, piece interactions, and roguelike mechanics, improving skills over time."

  • Health
    -5

    "Typical sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related features."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention and strategic thinking; not suited for idle or background play."

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No social or emotional relationship-building features."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management roles present."

  • Progression
    4

    "Strong progression through unlocking badges, pieces, and modifiers that enhance gameplay and strategy."

  • Relaxation
    1

    "Some players find the game relaxing and satisfying, though others report frustration and tension from difficulty spikes."

  • Sensation
    1

    "Visuals and audio are functional but minimal; sensory stimulation is moderate and focused on clarity over flair."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or status systems; achievements are personal and not widely visible."

  • Story
    -5

    "No narrative or story elements; gameplay is context-free and focused on chess challenges."

  • Strategy
    5

    "Core gameplay revolves around deep strategic thinking, planning, and problem solving with complex chess variants."

  • Thrill
    2

    "Some thrill from overcoming challenging AI and unpredictable chess variants, though not high suspense or risk."

  • Value
    4

    "Players feel the game offers good value for its price with substantial content and replayability."

  • Violence
    1

    "Combat is abstract and symbolic as chess captures; some explosive and chaotic effects add mild destructive flavor."

  • Survival
    3

    "Players must avoid losing pieces and survive threats on the board; strategic defense and resource management are important."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026