Do you like card games? Well, there's a lot more to choose from than the vanilla version of solitaire included with your Pocket PC. In the past year or so, several interesting new titles have been released, designed to satisfy the wants of both casual and hardcore gamers. Many traditional card games, once found only in casinos and at neighborhood gatherings, now have good electronic versions. Some even have multimedia features such as professional quality graphics and speech synthesis. If you sometimes find yourself tired of the flash-bang of arcade games, read on!
I originally reviewed this game in the November 2002 issue of Pocket PC magazine (www.PocketPCmag.com/_archives/Nov02/games.asp), and nominated it for the 2002 Pocket PC Awards. Additionally, it's gotten a slew of positive reviews in the press.
Black Jack Pro is a real treat, featuring gorgeous visuals and plenty of features designed to make the game more enjoyable.
Blackjack is a popular casino game in which the player and the dealer bet against the value of each other's cards. This version of the game tries to push the limits in every category. For starters, it's a multimedia feast, with sharp graphics, vibrant colors, and plenty of ambient noise and sound effects. The dealer even speaks to you in a smooth, feminine voice. Throughout the game, you'll find plenty of the neon lights and spectacle the casino industry relies on to draw people in. The table looks just like the real thing, and the animated cards are dealt by a pair of realistic-looking hands.
The developer, G3 Studios, didn't skimp on game play. This is a fast, challenging, and addictive title, thanks to a smooth interface and enhancements like "speed bet," which automatically duplicates your last bet at the touch of a button. Hardcore players can adjust the game's rules to suit the variations found in different casinos. However, novices are also welcome: an optional tutor mode corrects you when you err, and an excellent offline manual gives a nice overview of how to play, including a primer on different strategies. There's even a strategy tutor in the game to help you play more strategically and "beat the house." I was able to grasp the fundamentals quickly and dive right into the game, even though I had never played previously. Whether you're a newbie or an experienced card shark, Black Jack Pro deals out a good hand.
For more information about Black Jack Pro, visit the G3 Studios Web site (www.g3studios.com). Black Jack Pro supports all Pocket PCs. A demo is available, and the full version can be purchased for $12.99.
This game from Rapture Technologies (which has done a few titles for Microsoft's game bundles), won 1st place in the card game category of Pocket PC magazine's Best Software Award 2001. It calls itself the "king of solitaire games," and for good reason. Featuring a whopping 70 variations on the game, this game gives you all the solitaire you could possibly want in one trim package.
King Sol is one of the best values in card games, featuring solid graphics and 70 variations on solitaire.
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