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Sometimes you see an app for a new device that just makes sense, one of those where you think ‘yes, that’ll work really well’, and CheckMates is one such application.  Developed by Logic Pretzel, creators of iPhone puzzle game LetterDrop, CheckMates is an iPad chess game for two players, set to launch at the beginning of April.

Details are understandably a little thin on the ground at present, but from what we can make out this will be a two-player only chess game – no computer opponent is mentioned anyway – with 3D graphics, the chance to create your own profile and track your performance, along with a save/resume game feature for those extended battles.  A clock is visible in opposite corners, so a speed chess mode is possible too.

The overhead view is a little disconcerting when looking at the screenshots though, as the temptation is there to tilt your head to get a better view of which pieces are which, but this should be a problem when actually playing.

This certainly makes more sense than an iPhone chess game, where the small screen cannot hope to replicate the experience of actually playing on a board, and as the developers point out, the iPad’s size is ideal for sitting between two players.

CheckMates is one to look forward to when the iPad is released, but until then, take a look at an early screenshot below.