Reel Deal Card Games - PC - Review

When playing on the computer, there are several options available for customized gameplay, such as three difficulty levels, the choice of animated characters, and music files. The difficulty levels have a good range of difficulty, but the computer players are inconsistent in their AI. Many times my partner would make a foolish move in Canasta or Spades, thus sabotaging our partnership. Being able to change the opponents is a welcome choice, as some of the characters are annoying. And having your own music is always fun.

There are also humorous prizes that can be won and purchased in a Prize Vault. These prizes run the gamut from silly videos, static toys and pictures, to interactive games and coloring books.  I really enjoyed the video “Tea for Too Many”, which was a spoof of a typical BBC production. My husband can relate to that, he hates anything on public TV, which is my favorite channel. Some of the prizes don’t offer much in the way of interactivity, but many do, and all are amusing.

The graphics are adequate and get the job done, but aren’t anything above the ordinary. Snazzy graphics aren’t necessary for card games, though, and the look of the game is pleasing. The music is good, and offers a variety of styles. Additional tunes can be purchased in the Mall.

Reel Deal is very similar to other card games such as the Hoyle series. Both offer the same types of games, animated talking characters, and off-line and online play. However, the Hoyle games offer the ability to design one’s own character and to play against human opponents off-line, and Reel Deal offers silly prizes as a reward for gaining points during play. Other than that, it’s a matter of preference as to which product to play. I prefer the Hoyle series, mostly because the online tutorials/rules are more detailed and I like the animated opponents better. But, the prizes in Reel Deal are really funny and cute!

Gameplay: 7.5
It’s fun to play card game in Reel Deal. The interface is simple and intuitive, and the difficulty levels are well-done. However, there’s not a whole lot here that is different from other card game collections, except the silly prizes.

Graphics: 7
The graphics are pretty mundane.

Sound: 8
The sound effects and music are nice, and the option of adding mp3 files is good.

Difficulty: Medium
Fairly easy to play.

Concept: 7
There isn’t anything really new.

Multiplayer: 7

Overall: 7.5
This is a good collection of card games and one that will amuse. The additional feature of prizes is cool. However, there’s not much difference between this game and any other card game.