Is it checkmate or chestburster-mate?

By Patrick Sauriol     August 12, 2004
Source: SOTA Toys

If you've ever wanted to move your own Alien Queen in chess, SOTA Toys is giving you the chance shortly. The company is preparing to release a high end chess set inspired by the 20th Century Fox film that features the two species of space creatures in the roles of traditional chess pieces. The set comes with 32 prepainted resin figures that stand on a platform made to resemble the ancient pyramid backdrop seen in the film. Measuring 19 inches long, 19 inches wide and 5 inches in height, the top of the playing surface is hinged and opens to allow storage of your pieces in felt covered cubicles. SOTA is only making 3000 sets of the AvsP chess set including 500 limited edition pewter sets.

Here's the breakdown of the figures. For the Alien set you've got eight alien eggs (Pawns); two chestbursters (Rooks), two facehuggers (Bishops -- sorry Lance Henriksen fans); two Alien warriors (Knights); one Queen Alien (Queen) and one King Alien (King). For the Predator set you've got eight Predator blade glaves (Pawns); two plasma shoulder guns (Rooks); two wrist knives (Bishops); two hunter Predators (Knights); one Queen Predator (Queen) and one Elder Predator (King). The pieces range in size from 1 1/2-inches (Alien Pawn) to 3 1/2-inches tall (Alien Queen).

With a suggested retail price of $299.99, the ALIEN VS. PREDATOR chess set will be available in late August/early September from specialty stores. Click on any of the photos on this page to see larger views of the set.


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