Sega/DS, (£19.99)
Judging by this engrossing gambling title, Sega clearly considers Nintendo’s DS handheld console to be as much for older players as for young ones. The game serves up a clutch of sturdy gambling options, from craps to Texas hold ‘em poker, and it can feel just as tacky as a trip to Vegas thanks to some gloriously cheesy music.
The game can be played one of three ways. The obligatory Free Mode is for those who want to jump in and get gambling straight away. Casino Mode is for baize careerists, with would-be card sharks setting out with $1,000 which they must turn into millions, unlocking new tables as they go. The game opens with blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat and Texas hold ‘em available, but other games, including 7 card stud, Keno and three video poker variations, are unlocked by winning, as are assorted high-stakes rooms for the other games.
Advertisement
Sega Casino’s third mode is Multiplayer, with up to four other players able to compete wirelessly in the tournaments by sharing a single copy of the game. Getting hooked up with other players is easy enough and the connectivity remains robust. Not only are the multiplayer games both social and good fun, the replay values of Sega Casino remain addictively high.
TIM WAPSHOTT