The basic features of the previous Hoyle games are the same: Facemaker, where players can design and create characters; a comprehensive help file which can be accessed during games; game advice for practice games; game statistics; and animated AI opponents. For those who’ve never played a Hoyle game, the facemaker is a fantastic design mode where players can create personalized characters. These characters can be made to look startlingly like the player, or can be made to look as real or as silly as anyone could want.  What is really neat about this utility is the fact that the characters still look like cartoons, so players can see themselves in a comic version, so to speak.

The interface is as smooth and intuitive as always, with help and hints just a click away. Betting couldn’t be easier, and the play moves along swiftly. There are options for in-game sound affects and music, and also how chatty or sassy the computer opponents will be. A new twist on this chattering is the fact that now players can chat back! Players can choose a happy (congratulatory) or sad (consoling) icon next to an opponent, for their character to say something personal to another player. The different comments from the computer characters are numerous and varied, and really add to the fun of the game.

While I have played many versions of the Puzzle, Board and Card games, I’ve never played the Casino line, so am not quite sure exactly what is new, but here are the main differences as far as I can tell. There are new listings in the game lineups, for a total of 18, versus the 16 offered previously, but these seem mainly to be variations.  Royal Match 21 is a version of Blackjack, and Big Raise Hold‘em is a variant of Texas Hold’em. Fortune Pai Gow is a variant of Pai Gow. Texas Hold’em and Omaha Hold’em have moved to the sublist of the Poker games, as has Five Card Draw and Seven Card Stud. Four Card Poker is new to the main lineup, but may have been in a sub list previously.

Despite there being not much in the way of new content, the variations do add to the general quality of the game, which is always good. The Hoyle games are the top of the line when it comes to home entertainment, and Hoyle Casino 2006 is no exception. The big question is, do players already have recent editions of Hoyle Casino, and is it worth $30 to have the new edition? In my opinion, there’s not enough new content here to justify getting the new version, if one already has the 2004 or 3D version. However, if players don’t already have these versions, then this is a great game to get for casino game enthusiasts, especially if there are any high school or college students in the equation, given the mad popularity of Texas Hold’em at this time. They can practice their poker skills and not lose any money, either. (Although I would hope that any teen playing poker would be playing just for fun any time, and not for money, from my perspective as a parent.)

One note, the online versions of the Hoyle games can be found at the Hoyle Games site, for those looking for real opponents.

Gameplay: 8.0
There are a ton of games to play, basically any type of betting game available. The facemaker is always fun, and the options add to the general quality. Anyone who likes to play these type of games will enjoy this version.

Graphics: 7.0 
While the graphics are pleasing, they aren’t anything above the ordinary.

Sound: 7.0
The background music is fairly average.

Difficulty: Medium
The games vary in difficulty, with some being harder than others. There’s always help just a click away, though.

Concept: 7.0 
As always, a good presentation and design. However, there’s not enough in the way of new content to justify releasing a new version every year.

Overall: 7.5
The Hoyle games are a lot of bang for the buck.  However, the newest versions are pretty much the same as the previous ones from the last couple of years. But for those who don’t already have Hoyle Casino, then this is a great addition to anyone’s gaming library.