Rez HD may have been a foregone conclusion but the running mate in all those rumors came along for the ride as well. This week marks the release of the afformentioned Rez HD alongside the also capable Chessmaster Live. Both come in at 800MSP.

We've talked plenty about Rez HD, so let's discuss Chessmaster Live a bit. Chessmaster will follow in the footsteps of its mighty PC ancestry with 5 chess variants (including Message Chess which I think is a great touch). Expect a deep range of challenging AI and some clean visuals. And on that note, here are some screens of Chessmaster Live in action.

Usual press release type stuff after the break. Enjoy!

[via Press Release]

• TeamXbox: N+ Hands On Preview
• TeamXbox: Rez HD Hands On Preview
• TeamXbox: Rocket Bowl Hands On Preview
• TeamXbox: Chessmaster Live! Hands On Preview
• TeamXbox: Poker Smash Hands On Preview
• TeamXbox: Rocket Riot Screenshots
• IGN: Lode Runner Preview
• 1up: Pocker Smash Preview
• Gamespot: Brain Challenge Hands On Preview
• Gamespot: Brain Challenge Movie 1, Movie 2, Movie 3
• Gamspot: XBLA Interview

If you are bored of the AI in Spyglass Board Games, Ubisoft has the title for you as it is set to release Chessmaster Live in January 2008 for Xbox Live Arcade. [quote]"Bringing the Chessmaster series to Xbox LIVE Arcade makes the game accessible to a whole new audience,” said Peter Helm, business development associate at Ubisoft. "Chessmaster LIVE is not only a comprehensive chess program, but it is also one that has expanded beyond the traditional game to include exciting features for fans, both old and new.” Chessmaster LIVE will feature: Hundreds of AI opponents to play in ELO-ranked matches Voice-chat and LIVE Vision capabilities for head-to-head matches New 3D chess sets inspired by luxury board designer, House of Staunton Five original chess variants, including the all-new Message Chess option, which will allow players to engage in a match over the course of days, weeks or even months Chessmaster LIVE will be available for download in January 2008.[/quote]Anyone care to guess how similiar this will be to their Xbox Chessmaster title? [Via Next-Gen Archive]