Hoyle Backgammon & Cribbage

Published by Vivendi UIP
Designed by Sierra Attractions.
Platform: PC CD/ROM & MAC
Price £9.99
Released: Out Now

System requirements:
Windows 95/98/98SE/ME//2000 Mac system 8.1 or higher
Pentium (any) or Macintosh PowerPC/G3
8MB of RAM (PC) & 32MB Mac

We've already stated that we think that the Hoyle range of card games are the finest that you can buy on the Mac and PC in our review of Hoyle Blackjack & Craps . This offering from the Hoyle range offers the same high quality representation that the Blackjack & Craps game does and is excellent value at under £10.

There really isn't much I can say about Backgammon except to say that its an accurate representation of the game and it certainly is the most pleasing conversion to date. There are three difficulty levels which target all abilities and an online tutorial (available by pressing the F1 key). If you are a complete novice or a backgammon expert you will love this conversion of the classic game.

Cribbage is another fine representation of the game. The AI seems more aware of the finer points of the rules than it does in some versions and uses them to devastating effect. Heels, Nobs and the rest are all used by your AI opponents and you almost feel like your playing a more human opponent. The card fronts and backs are customisable as are the backgrounds. The only point were I would say that the Hoyle Cribbage lacks when compared to other versions is that it only offers one type of Cribbage board. The type offered is the spiral board. Some other Cribbage games offer the standard board as well as the switchback board. This doesn't affect the gameplay though which is excellent.

Again the only thing missing for deaf gamers is the AI opponents occasional remarks which have no bearing on the gameplay at all. I would recommend this pack to anyone who has an interest in Backgammon and Cribbage. If you are a fan of the games you will love the pack or if you want to learn the games the pack provides opponents that will learn you far more effectively than reading the rules out of a book.

Overall Game Rating: 8.5/10 The Benchmark for Backgammon & Cribbage.

Quality of text: 8/10 It covers everything that it needs to.

Graphics: 8/10 The ability to customise most aspects is wonderful.

Interface: 8/10 A clean and simple interface.

Gameplay:10/10 The gameplay is spot on.