What are the key differences between Smess and Ultima?

Compare Smess and Ultima side by side on Lunoo to see detailed feature differences, AI scores, and expert analysis.

How are Smess and Ultima scored?

Smess has an AI score of 6.94/10 and Ultima has an AI score of 8.21/10. Scores are based on category fit, feature coverage, pricing signals, public reception, and recency.

Smess vs Ultima 2026 - Compared

Smess

Ultima

WINNER Ultima

Ultima edges ahead with a score of 8.2/10 compared to 6.9/10 for Smess. While both are highly rated in their respective...

Smess

6.94 Fair

Chess Variant

emoji_events WINNER

Ultima edges ahead with a score of 8.2/10 compared to 6.9/10 for Smess. While both are highly rated in their respective fields, Ultima demonstrates a slight advantage in our AI ranking criteria. A detailed AI-powered analysis is being prepared for this comparison.

emoji_events Winner: Ultima

verified Confidence: Low

description Overview

Smess

Smess is a commercial chess variant published by Parker Brothers in 1970 and played on a 7-by-8 board. Rather than moving solely according to fixed piece types, its pieces follow directional arrows printed on the squares they occupy, making control of useful routes central to play. The game uses whimsical names, including Ninnies, Numskulls, and the Brain, and was later republished in a rethemed f...

Ultima

Ultima is an abstract strategy game invented by Robert Abbott and first published in 1962. Played on an 8 by 8 board, it retains a chess-like objective centered on the opposing king but replaces conventional captures with several distinct mechanisms, including custodial capture, withdrawal, coordination, immobilization, and leaping. It is also known as Baroque chess and is intended for two players...