Sierra Attractions has taken 16 favorite board games, added some fantastic graphics and sound effects, and stirred in a cast of 10 lively, animated characters to give all those games you love a new spin!  Hoyle Board Games has been called the #1 Collection of Fun!  A more accurate statement has never been made because this software is jam packed with FUN!

The world's closets will never be the same again because Hoyle Board Games includes Backgammon, Battling Ships, Checkers, Chess, Chinese Checkers, Dominoes, Line "Em Up, Mahjong Tiles (my personal favorite!), Mancala, Pachisi, Placer Racer, Reversi, Snakes and Ladders and Yacht, along with two new favorites:  Master Match and Rummy Squares!

There are some really cool aspects of this amazing collection of board games.  All the game rules, hints and tips are just a mouse click away, and there is a Free Hoyle rulebook and strategy guide included with the software.  You can adjust the skill level to make every game loads of fun for the entire family.  You can also choose the music and game variations.  Up to four people can play on the same computer, plus you can expand your list of challengers with Free Internet Play!

Additionally, there is a program included called Facemaker that you can use to create your own characters.  Get as crazy as you like or try to make a character that looks like you.  You can select hairstyles, outfits, facial features and expressions.  There are literally thousands of combinations you can make!

Hoyle Board Games can even be played on your laptop as there is no need to carry the CD with you.  You won't hear the music, sound effects or the character remarks without the CD but then again, at least your boss won't catch you playing the game either!

This software can be used on both PC and MAC computers.  Minimum system requirements for PC includes:  Windows 95/98/2000/ME, Pentium 133 or higher, 16MB RAM, 90MB Hard Disk Space, 4X CD-ROM, 640x480@16-bit color, keyboard and mouse.  Minimum system requirements for MAC includes:  PowerPC or Power MAC G3 including iMAC, System 7.5.3 or higher, 32MB unused RAM, 90MB Hard Disk Space, 4X CD-ROM, 640x480@thousands of colors, keyboard and mouse.

This software is rated for everyone.

Installation is very quick and easy.

Gameplay:  9.0.  Hoyle Board Games is very easy to use.  Basic keyboard and mouse usage are all that are required to play this software.  The interface is quite easy to master and moves quickly and smoothly from one menu to the next.

Graphics:  8.0.  The graphics are bright, vivid and sharp.  The animations are perhaps not the most outstanding I have ever seen, but certainly well above average.

Sound:  8.0.  The sound effects are quite good.  The music can be changed according to the type you prefer or you can mute it.

Difficulty:  9.0  The difficulty level can be adjusted so that younger children can be challenged as well as more mature players.  The highest level will certainly be a challenge for even a skilled player.

Concept:  9.5.  Sierra Attractions has done a superb job of bringing several traditional board games to the computer age in Hoyle Board Games.  This is a software product that can be used by a single player or for up to four players so the whole family can get in on the fun!

Overall:  8.5.  This fun collection of all-time favorite board games will make an excellent addition to any family's software library!  Hoyle has been the authority on board and card games for over 200 years!  I, for one, hope that family game playing will still be alive 200 years from now!