UNO (Xbox Live) Review
Posted by Damian Sarcuni on 02.28.2007
This review title doubles as a call for the actual game. HA! I win!
Playing UNO on Xbox Live is…well it’s like drinking alcohol. Some people can’t stand the stuff. Some only go for the occasional round or two with friends or in times of stress. And then there are those poor, pitiful saps, like yours truly, who get started and just can’t seem to stop until their very lives have been consumed.
Ironically, if you’ve never played the infamous card game with the Spanish name you’re missing out on one of the great American family experiences of all time. UNO is a card game with rules similar to the games Crazy Eights or Old Maid. On the Xbox Live version, 4 players gather together and player is dealt 7 cards. One card is then placed down, and players must either match the number and symbol or color of that card, or draw a new card to end their turn. The winner is the person who gets rid of all their cards first, but there are several special cards that can force players to skip their turn, draw more cards, or change the active color of the game to their choosing.
In addition to the cards of a basic deck, Xbox Live users can also download game and anniversary themed UNO decks that add new backgrounds, sounds and special new cards to the game. The game also supports the Xbox Live web cam and mic support, so on occasion you’ll get the rare opportunity to watch your opponent’s face twist in frustration as you throw down yet another draw two card to ruin their day. What could be more satisfying?
The graphics are simple but clear, and some decks like the Kameo themed deck are just great eye candy while playing. The same goes for the sound. The background music for the basic deck is some catchy elevator music, and the other decks have themes that never seem to get old as well. The gameplay is fast paced and even if someone goes away from their game while playing a round of multiplayer, other players have the ability to force their turn. Still, slower players tend to be a real nuisance and can lead to a frustrating experience for everyone else. The only real flaw here is that there’s no support for a player using a second controller, which means all your multiplayer gatherings must come from Xbox Live alone.
UNO is worth downloading simple for its longevity alone. If you’re a fan of the card game you won’t be able to stop playing it regardless of what killer apps for the 360 everyone else is playing. Since the gameplay is so simple, UNO is one of the few console games that players can really kick back and relax while playing. At the same time, it can be quite intense, especially when attempting the well-scouted Xbox Live achievements or in a really close game. I highly recommend UNO, and I’ll remind everyone to call out the game’s title when holding that last card…it’s a lesson you’ll want to learn early.
The 411
UNO is just as addictive on Xbox Live as in its real life incarnation. I can’t think of a better time waster on Xbox Live, and if nothing else the game is one of the most social on line entities this side of an MMORPG. Even if you don’t like card games, check this one out for the unique features alone.
Graphics
8.5
Simple but clear and more than sufficient.
Gameplay
9.2
Fast paced or relaxed, you decide.
Sound
7.9
Catchy music that doesn't get old, sounds are pretty satisfying
