Brilliancy!! is a single-player strategy game that blends authentic chess puzzles with roguelike progression systems. Players solve real chess positions drawn from a large database, with scoring and upgrades determining success across extended runs rather than isolated tactics.
Gameplay
Each board presents a genuine chess puzzle matched to the player's chosen rating level. Pieces follow standard movement rules without modifications, so outcomes depend on accurate calculation and pattern recognition. After identifying the key move, play continues for a fixed number of additional turns unless checkmate occurs. Every move receives a score based on its quality, sharpness, and whether it extends a chain of strong plays. The chain multiplies points but resets on any suboptimal choice.
Between sets, players access the study to acquire tutors from seven schools. These reward specific styles such as knight maneuvers, forks, quiet positional moves, sacrifices, captures, or checks. Pairing two tutors from the same school activates extra bonuses, and some effects intensify with repeated triggers. Books improve tactic recognition, run upgrades provide temporary advantages, repertoires influence puzzle selection, and items like novelties or hints offer assistance. The armory allows customization of pieces through gilding and rank or file enhancements that alter point values for certain moves.
Hidden brilliancies appear in each act as high-value opportunities involving sacrifices, underpromotions, or complex mates. Locating one grants substantial gold and scoring rewards. Reviews after each set compare performance against engine lines for analysis.
Game Modes
Core play revolves around runs structured as three acts, each containing five sets of four boards. Every set carries a target score that must be met to advance. Acts conclude with a boss encounter that imposes additional rules to increase difficulty. Completing all fifteen sets finishes a run, after which players may continue into armageddon, an endless mode for those seeking further challenge.
Compositions provide separate mate-in problems solved against the clock for gold rewards. Rating selection ranges from beginner through grandmaster, with tiers from casual to championship and time controls from untimed classical to bullet. Keyboard shortcuts and pre-moves support faster play, and all controls remain fully rebindable.
Progression and Customization
Success depends on maintaining scoring chains while adapting to the roguelike elements of tutor purchases and run-specific upgrades. Repertoires steer future puzzle distribution, encouraging repeated play to explore different styles. Unlocks for additional tutors, preparations, and other tools occur naturally through completed runs. The system emphasizes chess fundamentals over random mechanics, with upgrades amplifying the value of skilled play rather than replacing it.
Is It Worth Playing?
Brilliancy!! suits chess enthusiasts who enjoy tactical training combined with structured progression and replayability. The emphasis on real positions from a verified database ensures practice translates directly to improved board vision and calculation. Early access status means the experience includes the full structure of acts, bosses, and armageddon, with ongoing adjustments planned based on player input. Those seeking pure chess improvement or a fresh way to engage with puzzles will find the scoring chains and tutor synergies rewarding, while players preferring conventional roguelikes with invented rules may prefer other titles. Availability on PC supports focused sessions at any skill level from beginner onward.