chess software with a good 2D board and pieces?

Archived from groups: rec.games.chess.computer (More info?)

dgrnyc@yahoo.com wrote:
> I am looking for chess software that will do the following
> 1) have a good clear 2D board and pieces display (most PC chess
> software has average 2D chess board and pieces at best)
> 2) compatible with Windows XP
> 3) read and write PGN files
> 4) able to play Human vs Human, Human vs Computer and Computer vs
> Computer
>
> I used to have a Macintosh and liked Sigma Chess very much. I'm
> looking for something comparable that will run on Windows XP. Playing
> strength is not that important as I'm just a wood pusher and the vast
> majority of chess playing programs can beat me easily. Any
> suggestions?

I don't know Sigma, but Arena (http://www.playwitharena.com) should do
everything you want. As for playing strength, you can install any UCI and WB
engine you like, and a couple of nice ones comes bundled with the interface.
If the engines support it (I believe most of the bundled ones does) you can
also set the individual engine to any strength you like. Free, of course.

If you're looking for commercial alternatives then the Chessmaster series is
also nice. Even though the hype is about playing strength and 3D (even
animated!) pieces you can still resort to a good 2D board (I never use 3D
boards), and there are tons of built-in personalities that will fit your
playing level no matter how good you are.

Fritz should also be good, but I don't have much experience with it.