I've Battle vs Chess, so I can vouch for it actually existing. It was not launched in the US though, so it is kinda harder to find. Mine was purchased on the brazilian version of ebay (and was kinda expensive, ~US$100) but the game is really fun.
I didn't like the "special" modes, but playing on the regular mode is quite nice.
Regarding Pure Chess, it is slated to be released next week on the american store, and I'll certainly be trying it :))
Would you play chess on your PS3 or Xbox? Even if it looked as nice as this?...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Un49ThIppCc
...And whatever happened to this thing? Vaporware to the end - or does it actually exist, in the sense that someone can really buy/play it?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shZ-fAGEJ_w