I started with just the title of Martian Chess. Next, I decided to base the pieces on the conventions of science fiction: mind-control, body-snatching, death-rays, bug-eyed monsters, killer-robots, and flying-saucers. Blending these with a number of Chess influences, along with some of my own ideas, I tried to create a game that was genuinely alien and bizarre.

Object: Eliminate the opponent's Overlord.

Due to ruthless Martian efficiency, you may attack your own pieces.

The grey horizontal space across the center of the board is the canal separating the territories of the two sides. The 3x3 blue boxes at the top and bottom of the board are the Overlords' fortresses. Each Overlord may not leave their fortress. Right-click on the pieces to see their abilities.