Pumpy_Tudors's Full Review: Game of Life for Windows
The Game of Life used to be one of my favorite board games, so when I saw a PC version available, I just had to pick it up. Now, I know the title of this opinion suggests that I don't like the computer game. That isn't true. I just noticed the shortcomings of the game (board or computer version) that I had once been blind to.
For those of you who don't know the game, I can explain it briefly. You move around the gameboard, progressing through life. You start as a high school graduate, and each space you land on could give you anything from a new job to a new family member. The object is to collect money and retire with more cash than the other players. It's a very simple concept and a very enjoyable game.
The computer version allows you to play just like the board game, but there's also an enhanced game that adds new wrinkles. They're called Life's Little Games, and when you land on certain spaces, you have chances to earn more money. There are match games, drop-the-ball-in-the-bucket games, and so forth. They're simple, and they're pretty much games of chance. It adds some excitement to the overall game, however, so unless you're a purist, I suggest having them on.
The reason I suggest them is because I finally realized how monotonous the game is. It's fun, but the whole game is based on chance. Of course, I should have known this already from playing the board game, but when I sat around the gameboard with people, I hadn't noticed because we all seemed to be DOING something. Sure, we just moved the little pieces around the board and handed money to each other, but I miss those things. In the computer game, especially if you're playing a network game (a nice feature), there's not much to do except click on the wheel and play Life's Little Games. There's very little thinking involved, and there's almost no action.
Not every game has to be a brainteaser, and Life on the PC is a nice diversion, but the replay value drops because there is just so little to DO. There are some very funny animations that play when you land on certain spots, but when you've seen them a couple of times, they lose their luster and just slow the game down.
The graphics and sound are very "cartoony" which brings a bit more of a fun element to the game. It's very bright and detailed. At the very least, it will hold the attention of your eyes and ears. No, it's not breathtaking, but for the subject matter, it's very appropriate and well-executed.
I know that I seem to be contradicting myself here, but let me sum it up. If you like Life and like the idea of playing on your computer against friends at home and around the world (thanks to the network play), the game really does play like a spruced-up version of the board game. There's nothing wrong with that. Just beware that some of the little things about the board game, like a sense of accomplishment when you win, don't transfer very well. It's a different experience playing on the PC, but it's not necessarily better.
Follow the path to success by playing this contemporary spin on the classic family favorite, featuring favorite aspects of the classic board game, ama...More at MacMall
Follow the path to success by playing this contemporary spin on the classic family favorite, featuring favorite aspects of the classic board game, ama...More at ClubMac
Make a dash for your future with this all-new version of the classic family favorite. Take care of the needs of everyone under your roof to advance th...More at J&R Music and Computer World
Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.