Blackjack

aka: 51 Blackjack
Moby ID: 17564

Atari 2600 version

This must be the first console card game ever published.

The Good
With the use of the controller knob, the gameplay is really simple. The rules are basically the same than the card game and almost anyone can learn them in a matter of seconds. And everyone I played the game with appreciated the fact that one can enter or quit the game at any moment.



The Bad
Unlike some later versions of this classic, you don't see the total of your points as you get your cards. But let's face it, that aspect might be positive if you consider the educational point of view. And unlike the real game, you can't split your hand when you get two cards of the same value. I also deplore the limitations regarding the maximum number of chips you can bet or possess.

From an artistic point of view, the game has little to feature. The beeps and buzzes are as basic as the graphical aspect of the cards. The developers didn't even bother to make a difference between an ace of hearts and an ace of diamonds: the both appear as a big red letter A inside a white box. I know it has no importance in the gameplay, but please!

The Bottom Line
If you don't want to deal with real chips or real cards, or if no one wants to play as a dealer, this game is perfect.

by RobinHud (68) on May 2, 2005

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