Bobby Fischer would probably still be great at chess if he were alive, but probably not the best in the world.
Bobby Fischer compared to modern chess
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Perhaps. Even with Fischer's vorocious appettite for chess knowlege, and him having grown up with modern day computers and all the modern chess theory, I suspect his psychological problems would be huge hinderance to his performace.
One of the problems is this question: Would Bobby play the same style that he did from back then?
There is no argument that chess is far more positional in modern chess, even with chess players above 1800 USCF.
Chess was a different era back then. Back then, a high level GM could come up with some brilliant tactics, but nowadays, grandmasters usually have to lay a lot of ground work, positionally, before taking advantage of a tactic.
Not as bad pre late 1940's. The romantic ere, mid to late 1800's was rife with brilliant tactics and sacrifices, which a good lot would not stand up to modern practices. Of course it didn't help that it was considered the gentleman thing to do... accept any given sacrifice.
But in the context of todays chess theory, grandmasters back then had as easier time out thinking thier opponent with complications followed by a really elaborate tactic.
It's not dead by a longshot. Just recently a GM from India, if I recall, sacrificed a queen to win a game.
No one doubts Robert Fischer was one of the greatest chess players in history...
But perhaps more than any other player befoe him, he used his dominating personality and sheer will to unhinge his opponents.
Of course all the top grandmasters still use psychology in their games, but chess engines have reduced that a lot in today's chess scene.
Chess engines of course merely calculate the best move and immume to any sort of moves a human might play to distract or confuse a human opponent.
Today, even club players will look at a particularly strong move by a human opponent, and instead of losing hope, they're more likely to take a closer look and try and find a stronger reply. Chess engines have shown humans that a chess position can have all sorts of hidden resources against unexpected moves.