REVIEW

Xbox Live Arcade Review: UNO

Written by Matt Paprocki
Published May 11, 2006

It's UNO, it's digital, and its only a meager 400 Microsoft Points. That line should be enough to get the point across that if you're a fan of this classic card game, nothing should stop you from grabbing this downloadable edition. If you prefer that most of the strategy lies in being physically present to bluff and scream "Uno!" then this probably isn't for you.

Eventually, UNO will support the Xbox 360 camera. Since that's not out yet, you'll simply have to live with basic voice chat and Gamer Pictures to represent yourself. Online is obvious the way to play this, and the support for up to four players is excellent.

In a wise design move, when a player drops from a game for whatever reason, the AI takes over. If someone else jumps into the game, they'll take that spot for themselves. Even if all three people leave the session, you can still continue the game.

Chances are, though, if you don't like some of the other choices from the design team, you'll never play online, let alone by yourself. A critical component of UNO is calling "Uno!" when you're about to play your next to last card. Since this digital edition prompts you to press the proper button in every situation, it's impossible to screw up unless you've really lost interest. There's also the matter of bluffing, which won't become part of the game until the camera comes out.

Outside of that, UNO offers strong customization. A variety of house rules can be set in an easy to use menu. You can change how winning is determined for example. Of course, these features are all available in your personal sessions online, and when searching for a game, a brief rundown of the room is shown so you know what to expect before you make the decision to join.

Even with the annoyance of the button prompts, it doesn't even come close to the miserable music. Someone who hates humanity apparently composed this looping monstrosity, thankfully you can turn off this off before going into a game. There's also an additional set of 35th Anniversary cards available to download for free, though why these don't come bundled with the game in the first place seems like a stupid move.

While the complaints are obvious, the 360 does handle a fine game of UNO. It's not a technological marvel by any means, but the ability to play online is a definite step up from the limited options of family and friends. The price is proper to go along with the ease of play too. It's UNO with the worst case of elevator music-itis. If that sounds appealing, then this is a must have Arcade title.

UNO is rated E (Everyone) by the ESRB.

Matt Paprocki is the former reviews editor for Digital Press, a video game website with an appreciation for the retro side of the industry. The deep game collection which spans nearly 30 systems and 2,000 games line his walls for research purposes. Matt strives to bring credibility to video game journalism, and take it in a new direction to aid the industry in becoming respected with all forms entertainment media. He currently freelances for GameArgus.com and MultiPlayerGames.com.
Keep reading for information and comments on this article, and add some feedback of your own!
Xbox Live Arcade Review: UNO
Published: May 11, 2006
Type: Review
Section: Gaming
Filed Under: Gaming: Xbox 360
Part of a feature: Xbox Live Arcade Games
Writer: Matt Paprocki
Matt Paprocki's BC Writer page
Matt Paprocki's personal site
Spread the Word
Like this article?
Email this
Submit to del.icio.us Save to del.icio.us
RSS Feeds
All RSS Feeds (240+)
Comments on this article
Articles in this series
BC articles by Matt Paprocki
Gaming: Xbox 360
All Gaming Articles
All Review articles
All BC articles
All BC Comments

Comments

#1 — May 15, 2006 @ 12:10PM — Resident Gamer [URL]

UNO!!!!! YES!!!!!!!! This was and is still my all tmie favorite game.

#2 — January 13, 2008 @ 00:05AM — drewhet

i think the music in this game is great and very relaxing

Want comments emailed to you? No spam, promise! Address:

Add your comment, speak your mind

(Or ping: http://blogcritics.org/mt/tb/47578)

Personal attacks are not allowed. Please read our comment policy.





Remember Name/URL?

Please preview your comment!

Fresh
Articles
Fresh
Comments