Reviews (28)

Games not realistic!!
I played the tournament Texas Hold Em poker and there is no way you can get pass the second round. You can have 3 of kind, and the other player would have 4 of a kind. You can have a flush, 2 other players would have a straight flush. This is what it is like almost every hand. Anyone who plays poker knows you don't see that many good hands out there.
Blackjack is way to unrealistic. If you have a 20 and the dealer has a 5 face up, he seems to always to get a 6, then a 10 to get 21. I played 10 straight hands, the dealer had 4 blackjacks and 6 20's. That is almost impossible for a dealer to get that lucky. And if you see the dealer has a king faced up, just surrender unless you have 21 because the dealer ALWAYS has another king down.
If you want to learn how to play the game, you should get this, but if you already know how to play, don't buy this, it is a waste of money!

I would give this game 3 1/2 stars
I bought this game for under $10 bucks which also included shipping.For that price, You can't lose!I was reading the reviews for Hoyle Casino 2004 which had all the worse reviews I've seen yet.The reason I bought Hoyle casino 2003 instead of the 2004 version is the fact that there really isnt much a difference.Plus with the 2003. I can play without having the cd in my drive. Which is a BIG PLUS! I was hoping to see if the Texas hold'em tournaments were gonna be like the world poker tour.SADLY ENOUGH IT'S NOT. They dont have a NO LIMIT game.It would of been exciting to go all in and see if anyone or a computer match it. But still can't knock sierra just yet.Because it is still fun.I want to try out the new drink system but only if they improve two minor issues.One: They have a no limit texas hold'em tournament and Two: CD optional if people want it in the drive. If you are in the market for a casino game.Get this version because you would save money.But still waiting to see what newer version will bring.So if Hoyle casino 2005 comes out.I'm reading reviews before I buy.Don't want to make the mistake by buying the 2004 version.

Hoyle's Casino 2003 - Best Ever
I recently purchased this from Amazon and received a manual along with it that I find very helpful as I'm new to Poker and Blackjack.The characters are so realistic and it's fun to listen to their conversations.
The first time I clicked on the AutoPlay screen to start playing I could hear sound but my screen went black. I have Windows XP Home Edition with DirectX 9.0. I was sure this was the latest version of DirectX, but when I went to Microsoft's Help & Support Center, on the list was the question did the screen go black. I then went to Microsoft.com and found there was an update called DirectX 9.0B. It took a little over 30 minutes to download this version. When I clicked Play on the AutoPlay Screen this time, the place where you hear what seems to be a frog croaking, it worked fine.
When some of the reviewers blame Hoyle for problems it could be Microsoft has an update that will make everything go smoothly. Hoyle creates extremely clever games and I'm very happy I bought this CD. The only games that can even compete with this are the Bicycle Card and Board Games which I also own. None of the other Casino games can even begin to compare to Hoyle's Casino 2003 in my opinion.

Lot's of fun and good practice
The table games are great and the play is very realistic. The players voices are a turn-off after a while so I play with the sound off. It is a great way to sharpen your skills before a trip to Vegas or AC. I had never played Pai Gow Poker but I learned from this software and look forward to trying it in a casino. The craps and roulette are fun too. I don't play slots in a casino so I don't use the slots on this either.Overall I think this is a good buy for some fun on the PC.

Fun Game
Very nice game. Graphics are well done.Facemaker is fun, and it uses the face I created in Card games without me having to tell it to go find it.The table games are well done, the speed of play is easily adjusted, graphics and audio are clear and crisp.There are so many gmes it is difficult to tire of this game.The slots could be a tad better, in that none of them are copies of real machines.Also the "feel" while playing them is not quite right.They are certainly playable though, as these faults are minor.I gave 4 stars out of 5, because the characters comments get annoyingly redundant very quickly.Of course, you can turn the character speech off if you want. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Better
I enjoy Hoyle Board Games 2004 better than previous versions.Would recommend it to anyone (if you can find this version anymore).

Rigged games
The programmers for Sierra Entertainment which produced this game, have a warped sense of "sadistic" humor. Many of the games are rigged, especially the backgammon game. The dice does not generate "random" numbers, but is coded to ensure the computer "opponent" always wins under certain configurations. My advice: Look elsewhere. DO NOT BUY THIS PIECE OF JUNK.

Fun to the last piece
Overall I've been very amused by this game. Games included were chess, checkers, chinese checkers, pachsi, dominoes, backgammon, mancala, snakes & ladders, zen bones, reversi, line 'em up, plane racer, and battling ships (AKA battleship with awesome screen effects). Some characters were annoying but I liked the T-Rex a lot. The ability levels were pretty good. Great screen effects and nice background music.

Awesome and lots of fun
I just got the game today and my 8 yr old son and I are having a ball.This is exactly what I was looking for.Had I known about it sooner, I would've ordered it.The main reason I bought this was because members of my family (up to 4 people) can play the games against each other instead of always playing against the computer like other board games cd-roms.Of course you still have the option of playing against the computer too.I don't know if Hoyle Table Games 2004 has the same capability.The graphics are sensational. They really look like the real board games. My son got a kick out of the noises it makes.Before purchasing, I tried desperately to find out exactly what games were on it and couldn't. So for those interested some of the games it has are Backgammon, Battling Ships, Checkers, Chess, Chinese Checkers, Dominoes, Double Cross, Mahjong, Mancala, Pachisi, Reversi, Rummy Squares, and Yacht, all are my favorites.Installation is simple and the Face Creator is so cool.No regrets here.

Delivered as Promised
Received in mint condition & delivered on time! Thanks ... Read more

Reviews (21)

Bad Software
Couldn't get to load on my XP-Pro System. Crashed my computer every time I tried something to get it to load.When I called the number for tech support, I was told that the free tech support expired and I'd have to pay for help. NEVERMIND! I returned software for refund.

GREAT FOR THE KIDS
I got a new computer, and the old games didn't work with it, so bought this.My granddaughter loves to play Go Fish when she comes over,and she was ticked to death to see I bought it for the new computer. I enjoy playing Euchre myself, so these games get a lot of use.

Hoyle Card Games 2003
Euchre:
I basically play euchre when my phone line is tied up.Otherwise I play on Yahoo!

Overall, Hoyle isn't too bad, but I find that even on the "advanced" setting, your partner is too timid, mostly by failing to lead trump on your call or order.However, they often order up from first with 2 bowers and no support, when they could have had 3 or 4 trump by passing for "next".

Also, 1st chair never donates.

Unrealistic loners, the computer often takes trick 1 with trump or off Ace, and properly leads the Right, but then leads offsuit to give the opps a chance to stop the loner.Even when holding JJ9, AK.

Pinochle:

In viewing the meld, you gain additional information that can be used later in the gameplay.The computer never makes use of this.Say your P in double-deck has 3 aces of diamonds (which you only know after the fact) and you make diamonds trump with a run (so the computer should know you have the 4th ace).You lead the Qd.Your P should play the 10 of diamonds and lead back at least 2 ace of diamonds before playing other suits.

Also, in the bidding, if you are in a game to 3550 and both teams have around 3000, you cannot count on your P to bid even if you have no marriage yourself.This is very frustrating because you now have to bid a lot more.I think it is so the player can have the glory, but I want the computer to play with the understanding that you must bid to win.

Canasta, Go Fish, Old Maid, You Name It!
The Hoyle Card Games are really great! There are many characters you can play against in the different games, with different personalities. The facemaker isn't as great as some other Hoyle Games, but I got used to the difference quickly. The only other negative is that only one person can play the gamesat a time, because otherwise you could see each other's cards. This is a really great game, though! I give it a thumbs up!

Hoyle Card Games 2003
I am satisfied with most games except for Bridge, the main reason I made the purchase. The players take far too long to respond and even longer to play their cards. It is so bad that I never even play bridge!
In hearts, the players make inappropriate comments when playing the queen of spades.
In gin rummy, you don't get a good look at the cards when the game is over.
Overall, the older versions are better for both the games and the characters. I look forward to reviews for the 2004 version to see if there is any improvement before I think of buying it! ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Solitaire and mahjong tiles are two classic card games now available on your computer with spectacular graphics, fun animation, and great sound effects. Play 30 variations of solitaire and mahjong tiles, featuring large numbers on the cards to make them easy to read. Play by yourself, or with a friend or family member on the same PC. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Beware this outdated software
This software is designed to run on a monitor at 640x480 resolution.This means that if you are using a relatively new computer (less than 5-6 years old) your resolution is probably greater than 640x480.If so, the game area will not fill your screen, rather it will shrink depending on how high your resolution is.The window you are running in will fill the screen, but Sierra fills the space not used by the shrinking game area with black.My monitor is a couple of years old, but was designed to run at 1280x1024.The actual game area uses about the center 1/3 of the screen.The card backs on the Solitaire are so small I have to strain to read them.I guess you could change your screen resolution before you play and then change it back afterwards, but that makes the game too much trouble for me.It is a shame too, because the games are quite good (probably 4 stars) if you can see them.

Not very Mac OSX-friendly . . .
Not sure how this package of games works on a PC, but is is not very Mac OSX-friendly, from what I can tell.(It is listed as Mac friendly, but I suspect it is probably more PC-oriented.)There are no drop-down menus, and finding instructions for the numerous games - - when there are some - - is not easy, either.The printed materials are virtually useless for this purpose, also.Finally, it seems to be fickle about whether it will let you add players.In short:the CD has dozens of games you can play; but if you are unfamiliar with the game's rules or objects, you wind-up having to try to figure it out for yourself.All-in-all, this CD is a letdown and not what one would expect from Hoyle.

There IS an Undo Feature
I almost didn't buy it because other reveiws said the game lacked an undo feature.Perhaps in older editions, but the one I bout last week has an undo for every game I've tried so far.

This game is tremendously varied.It will take months of steady play to go through every game once.The MaJong tiles even have an option where you can design your own layouts, if you ever get tired of the ones they have.

And you can decide to play with someone elso, too!I'm glad I've got it (although it may take more of my time than it should!)

Don't Make The Same Mistake I Did...
When we switched from a Mac system to a PC system,I needed to replace the Eric's Ultimate Solitaire that I had enjoyed on the former system.Because Eric's isn't available, I replaced it with Sierra's Hoyle Solitaire and Mahjong Tiles, the best I thought available. Boy was I wrong!Sierra's Hoyle Solitaire DOES NOT HAVE FEATURES/OPTIONS that are available on other software (not only Eric's Ultimate):

NO "AUTOPLAY", so every card must be clicked and dragged even when winning is definite;
NO "RETRY GAME" - you get one chance and that's it;
NO "HINTS";
"UNDO" is good for only one play;
NO "FLYING CARDS" option.

Do yourself a favor and look elsewhere for a solitaire game and don't make the same mistake I did.

It's great
Hello... my name is Kelly... I would just like to say that i think this software is excellent and extrememly good... the only thing that i wish was that there were even more games for everyone to enjoy the fun of!!! haahaa! ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Hoyle Board Games provides hours of PC game play with imaginative graphics and hilarious computer-animated opponents. Skill levels range from beginner to expert, offering fun for children and adults alike. While there may be problems with the installation, the games provide good, clean entertainment.

Hoyle Board Games caused a standard installation error to occur when we tested it on an updated Windows 95 machine with newer hardware. To avoid this problem, close all your programs and when the program asks to check your system, choose "no." If you still experience the problem, reboot your computer and find the file "SIERRA.INI." When this file is found, delete it, restart your computer, and try the installation again. This should put a stop to the installation hassle and let you enjoy your games.

Once you have made it in, choose to play Snakes and Ladders, Mancala, or Chinese checkers with computer opponents or through the Internet with friends. Games like Battling Ships give you great animation and sound, such as ships catching on fire and booming explosions. Chess, Zen Bones--similar to Shanghai--and dominoes all provide great challenges for the solitary player. One of the best features of Hoyle Board Games is the Facemaker option, where you can customize your character and your opponents.

Hoyle Board Games can be played alone, with friends, or over the Internet. With the wide range of game options, the whole family can take advantage of the program. i>Hoyle Board Games includes an instruction manual with a history of the games, access to the Hoyle and Sierra Web sites, and Hoyle Games Online. --Madeleine Miller ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Great Gamer for Board Game Lovers !!!!
I just love this game !!!! If you're a board game lover, this is the game for you. There's alot to choose from. They need to make more games like this. You won't be dissatisfied with this one.

Family fun!
I have every Hoyle computer game they make and this one is as equally as good as the others.My husband and son are not big board game fans.So naturally I loved this when I bought it.It's nice to be able to play against the computer.My family can barely sit through one round of a board game.This I can play all night.If you really like board games then this is for you!

I Can't Stop Playing!
I have played these games over and over and over again.It's a great collection of games - a really good variety of games for players of all ages.Zen Bones and Placer Racer are my favorites.I think I've won atZen Bones about 5 times out of 200 - but it's fascinating.

What's greatis that you can play by yourself against the computer, or you can play withreal opponents.It's great fun for a rainy day or when you're home sick. Who am I kidding - there's no reason not to play these games every day.

The sound effects are fun and the variety of characters will keep youentertained.You can change background colors, characters, determine howtalkative the players will be, how fast the game should go, and much, muchmore.

I would recommend this game to ANYONE who wants to be entertained. If you're getting this for a gift, don't open the box or you'll never beable to part with it.Got kids?Give a copy to your parents or in-laws. It will be a hit with the grandkids when they come over.Need a break? Play a game or two yourself in between chores.Believe me - there'ssomething for everyone in this package.

I've got lots of software and Iconsider this to be one of my top three.I can entertain myself for hours. You won't be sorry that you bought this.And it won't go out of style.

Opponents Too Easyto Beat
This game package has some good features: a wide selection of games, ease of use, and good special effects (although the opponent's dialog tends to be repetitive after a while).The main problem is that the playing abilityof the computer opponents is only fair to poor, even at the"expert" level.

This seems to be a common problem of games ofthis type.Special effects are becoming more and more spectacular, butcomputer opponent playing ability is not much better than in early DOS (andApple II) games.

Great Board Games
This collection of board games is very impressive.My family enjoyed everything from the facemaker (my husband made about 10 different characters just for the fun of it)to the interaction with the computerplayers.Some highlights were the facemaker program, which is extensiveand suprisingly good, the animation in the games themselves, the computercharacters, and the visual presentation of the games. A few games werenot up to the standard of the others -- or at least I found them lessenjoyable, specifically Snakes and Ladders (You always loose!)and theYatzi spin off, which was very limited.OTherwise, the other games arevery good and comprehensive -- you can even turn off the computer playersif their comments get on your nerves!And there are a wide variety ofcustomizable options, from backgrounds, to the computer player moods, tooptions with individual games.Our 6 and 10 year old children werefacinated with some of the special effects! ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Crossword puzzles, word searches, and anagrams are just a small portion of what you can find in Hoyle Word Games. For the letter lover, it provides hours of challenges for every skill level. Plus, the software gives you the option to print your word game so you can continue solving your puzzle while you're away from your PC.

You begin by using the Facemaker feature to create your persona for challenging friends, family, or computer-generated players. This is a fun step and you could get stuck here if the games weren't so enticing. Next, you start playing. Games include Word Yacht, which is similar to Boggle; Speedy Racer, which helps develop typing skills; Hangman; anagrams; and more. Each game puts you up against challenging computer-animated opponents. The playful and interesting graphics provide a great backdrop to some of your favorite word games.

You can play Hoyle Word Games alone, with friends, or over the Internet. The program includes an instruction manual with sample games, access to the Hoyle and Sierra Web sites, Hoyle Games Online, and Webster's Interactive Dictionary--an easy reference for those complicated crosswords. You won't get tired of this program; it provides entertainment for all skill and age levels. --Madeleine Miller ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Great game!! Buying the next one!
I actually stole this from my father-in-law to play for a couple of days. That was almost 3 years ago. FAb games! You can actually play scrabble my yourself or someone else. Great for word game enthusiast! Highly recommend.. I am buying the 2003 soon!!!

Seirra Does it again!
I have all the sierra hoyle games.I like them all.Word Yacht is by far my favorite on this program.It is really fun to play against others on the web.Or if you prefer you can go to the web and watch others play as well as go to your private table and practice before you join in.I would definately recommend this program!

Best of the Word Games
I got this based on the previous reviews and they are right on target.This is by far one of the best I've played so far. I like the fact that you have several computer personalities which range from easy to tough, and you can also control the level of play for each game. I usually tire of games after a while, but I think this will keep me challenged longer than most.If you like word games, you'll love this!

Very Addicting
I have been a long-time fan of Hoyle games.This one has the typical features you would expect, except they've added a face making feature.This is really cool.You can create some really outlandish characters withthis game.The only thing I found disappointing was the narrow list ofplayers.Hoyle Board Games has ten characters you can play with.Thisversion only has five.Enigma was the first game I tried out.For those ofyou who are familiar with cryptograms, this is pretty straightforward.Forthose that aren't, this is a game of code-breaking.Next, I tried anagrams. This was especially hard for me because the game was timed and those stupidmonkeys really annoyed me.Turn their voices off, if you're easilydistracted. Crosswords is just that, a crossword puzzle.An enjoyable gamewith a solve letter feature that won't give away the whole word.You can,of course, solve the word or the entire puzzle if you're stumped or tiredof it.Double Cross is fun and frustrating.It's a two-player Scrabblegame.You'll win or lose points based upon where you put your tiles.And,you have to out-think your opponent.I beat the computer once with thisgame.Speedy Racer will test your typing skills.This game is especiallygood for kids who are learning to use the computer.Word Searches isn't verychallenging, but it's a good way to relax.I haven't played Hangman yet,so I can't rate this one.Enigma was the second game I played.Once I gotthe hang of how to work the codes, it was a lot of fun.There aremessages, proverbs, and sayings you have to solve.Word Yacht is my ultimatefavorite.I beat the pants off the computer eight out of eleven times andreally enjoyed doing it.The object of the game is to type in as manywords as you can from the lettered dice.The trick is to use as manyplurals as you can.The graphics are very good.The sound effects and musicare good.The levels of difficulties are the same as the previous Hoylegames.Overall, I think this game is their best.I would recommend thisfor both children and adults.

Great Game!
I got Hoyle Word Games from Amazon.com a month ago and haven't gotten tired of all the games in the CD-rom. Threre are 8 different games in a CD-rom and all of them are awesome!

My favorite is "Hangman",which provides you several different formates like classic, playing againsta player or two different players. You will be able to guess a ramdom word,a word under cerain category or a proverb. I enjoy having different crazyand funny opponents playing "Hangman" with me! Plus, the settingsfor Hangman are really delightful!

Also, "DoubleCross" isanother great game in this CD-rom. This game is more like a scrabble game,but even more interesting. I learn a lot of new words from the game andalso have a great time playing with my friends.

I think this game is bothfor kids and adults. If you like word games, "Hoyle Word Grame"is something that you won't want to miss! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Are the Tiles Supposed To Be This Smasll?
I am hopelessly addicted to Mahjongg.It is one of my favorite games, both on my PC and on a beautiful board with my friends. I had a mahjongg game for my PC that my youngest loved to rearrange the format of the tiles and forever lost the classic mode (my favorite).So I sent off for this version.

My first words were, "are the tiles supposed to be this small"? I am 47 and 30 minutes of this game will ruin my eyes for the rest of the evening.

It does have Chinese and Egyptian tiles, which are pretty neat, but who can see them?I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS GAME.

Gravity Tile Addict Speaks
OK-the tiles are lovely in either the Egyptian or Chinese versions and the graphics are great(fireworks,sandstorms,flowers and seasons)and you can make your own layouts or choose from a bazillion layouts, for mahjongsolitare. Memory tiles basically "Concentration" but again youhave those lovely graphics. And then you have Gravity Tiles-instantaddiction. and it keeps changing because you change the way you play thegame, and because you can choose from 3 different settings-from 3 to 5different colors of tiles. Very enjoyable.

Jordan's Pick
I believe that the Mahjong tile game is the best of it's kind! It not only lets your mind work and figure out what tiles are where and what match.It also gives very good hand and eye coordination, because theclock is on you once you start and if you make a mistake it just might costyou the game.So be careful when playing this well designed game ofconcentration. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

This package includes two favorite games--backgammon and cribbage--with a customizable and easy-to-use interface. Play against the computer, against another user on the same PC, or against another user on the Internet. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Exercise your verbal skills in between work assignments with this comprehensive crossword program from Sierra. Five hundred puzzles, spanning a wide range of skill levels, will keep you busy for a good long time, and the lush interface is easy on the ears and eyes--a welcome relief from the newsprint-stained paper shaking in your hands on the subway.

Installation is easy, and you can start playing right away, though you might get sidetracked for a bit by the engaging FaceMaker utility that personalizes your player interface. Once you've got your face and name set up, you can solve puzzles alone, compete with a nearby friend, or challenge a total stranger over the Internet. The competitive option is structured much like traditional tournament: time and accuracy are both important. The many MIDI music choices are unobtrusive, the three backgrounds are gorgeous but not distracting, and the solving interface is clever and simple to master.

The puzzles themselves are challenging in a straightforward way--no tricky New York Times stuff here! If a clue baffles you, it's easy (some would say too easy) to get a hint or even to have the whole word filled in for you. Then, if a word is still unfamiliar, you can open up the online Webster's New World College Dictionary provided and improve your vocabulary for next time. Though it may seem strange at first for crossword puzzles to migrate to your computer monitor, you'll soon find yourself thinking of "paper" as just a five-letter word for "obsolete." --Rob Lightner ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Fun For Young And Old
Whether you are young or old; beginner or hardcore crosswords enthusiast,you're going to be entertained by this game. I play a game a couple times aweek. My mother, 83, will actually touch the computer in order to play. Andwhen my grandchildren were here for a week, one or the other was playingcrosswords the whole time.It helps excercise the thinking processes, it'seducational and, above all, it's fun. ... Read more