I received the CD Rom of Hoyle Card Games, by Sierra, for Christmas. Being a card fancier, this seemed right up my alley. But, learning to use it, would be a different story as this was my first (that's right) attempt at a CD installation.

When I opened the case. I found a book of instructions and following those, I installed the games. These instructions were very clear and concise. I clicked when it said click and waited when it said to wait. Once it was all in place, a menu came up and I had a choice of games.

There are 16 games in here, Solitaire, Hearts, Spades, Bridge, Pinochle, Old Maid, Go Fish, Gin Rummy, Euchre, Cribbage, Canasta, Memory, Pitch, War, Poker and Crazy Eights. Many of these games have variations and these are also included. For example, there are 35 ways to play one-deck Solitaire, 10 ways to play 2-deck Solitaire and 5 ways to play Arcade Solitaire. Canasta is the base for Samba, Bolivia Canasta and Cuban Canasta, and these are also in there. Plus many Poker variations and on and on.

To make all of these games more fun, you have options, such as partner play or playing againest the computer (He cheats, so watch it). You can design your partners face, hair, clothes and pick a name and if you don't like him/her you can click and do him/her in and start again.

Background music is another choice. It comes with a morbid tune, so this will be something you will probably want to change right away. I did. Just click and play.

The graphics are very nice. Bright and sharp. The cards are an easy read and you can change the backs with choices like animals, flowers, airplanes, ships or just plain, if you prefer. Again, an easy click to do.

The rules for each game are on the menu and easy to read and understand.

There is a nice book (about the size of a Reader's Digest) that comes with this. It tells the history of these games plus all the rules, for the games, are in here so you can read them and play at the same time, if that is your choice. I feel it is easy to use for both novice or expert computer buff.







Recommended: Yes

Version Played: Released
Operating System: Windows
CPU: Other
CPU Speed (MHz): Don't Know
RAM (MB): Don't Know
Best Played With/Intended For: Single Player
Graphics Card Family: Don't Know