- Release Date: 1977
- Genre: Traditional
- Style: Card Game
- Similar Games: Casino (Atari Video Computer System), Casino (Sega Game Gear)
Game Description
Blackjack, for the Atari 2600, brings you real casino-style Blackjack where you and up to two of your buddies can try your luck against the computer dealer. The object of is to obtain a hand of cards that adds up to total higher than the dealer does, without going over 21. Start with $200.00, and the end the game by going broke or breaking the bank at $1000.00. You can bet between $1.00 and $25.00 per hand. Two variations of Blackjack are determined by setting the difficulty switches with standard Atari 2600 paddles controlling the action. Two sets are required for three-person play.~ Michael Schwartz/Joan Dykman, All Game Guide
Review: Overall
Few games adhere to the idea of function over form more than Blackjack for the Atari 2600 with its solid green background field and cards represented by colored numbers and letters. It's as if the game is saying, "You're here to play Blackjack, not to look at fancy graphics or listen to even mildly pleasing sounds." This would be fine, except that Blackjack isn't as functional as you would think, given such a sparse form.Poor graphics or irritating audio isn't what kills Blackjack. The problem is its unbelievably snail-like pace makes it a virtual chore to play. A hit takes the Atari 2600 a few agonizingly long seconds to deal your card. Multiplied by a reasonable number of hands, and you've wasted hours waiting for the computer to decide what card to deal you. Unacceptable! And to make waiting worse, the sound effects will drive you crazy. Discordant beeps and buzzes accompany the thrill of winning and the burn of defeat. On a positive note, the paddle works quite well as a controller, utilizing a simple spin for betting and options -- good choice for the game. You budding card counters out there, will be happy to hear that Atari's Blackjack is a one-pack game. If you set the left difficulty switch to 'B', the computer shuffles after every hand, but set the switch to 'A' and the computer will shuffle after two-thirds of the deck has been played.
Blackjack is just not a fun video game, even by 1977 standards. The lethargic gameplay pace strangles any hope of entertainment. There are just some things that can't be replicated in the electronic world, as Blackjack for the Atari 2600 so painfully demonstrates.
~ Michael Schwartz/Joan Dykman, All Game Guide
Production Credits
Designer: Bob Whitehead
~ Skyler Miller, All Game Guide
