Card Crazy 2: Information from Answers.com

Platform: IBM PC Compatible
Release Date: November 17, 1999
Genre: Traditional
Style: Card Game
Similar Games: Hoyle Poker (IBM PC Compatible), Card Crazy (IBM PC Compatible), Hoyle Card Games [1999] (Hybrid PC/Mac), Hoyle Solitaire (Hybrid PC/Mac), Hoyle Bridge and Euchre (IBM PC Compatible), Hoyle Hearts & Spades (IBM PC Compatible), Bridge Butler (IBM PC Compatible), Omar Sharif Bridge II (IBM PC Compatible)

Game Description

Think you're a card-playing aficionado? Here's your chance to prove it with Card Crazy 2, a compilation of 100 classic card games in four distinct categories. This, the second entry in the Card Crazy series, contains 55 more games than the original.

For the gambler, 25 wagering games are available in the virtual casino. This healthy selection offers you games such as Baccarat, poker, blackjack, Texas Hole 'Em, 7-card Stud, Pai Gow, Chicago and more.

Perhaps you like venerable time-tested competitive games such as Gin Rummy, Hearts, Canasta and the like. If so, you'll head for the section containing 16 classic titles. For children, Card Crazy 2 offers five old standards including Concentration, Crazy Eights, Old Maid, Go Fish and War. Want some peace and quiet? Hook up with 54 games of solitaire!

Each game included in the set contains different options and rule variations from which to choose. The interface is intuitive point-and-click with some keyboard shortcuts that vary from game to game. Other features include video clips that contain gambling tips, customizable backgrounds, computer characters and music as well as variable skill levels. Card Crazy 2 offers full multi-player support via Internet, LAN or modem.

So, roll up your sleeves, cut the deck and deal!

~ Michael L. House, All Game Guide

Roots & Influences

Playing cards has been a staple of human society since ancient times. This compilation of 100 card games brings the card table action directly to the computer screen and offers endless competition via built in computer controlled players and offers multi-player (Internet, LAN, modem) options as well. All of the games have their roots in the original card versions of each game.

~ Michael L. House, All Game Guide

Review: Overall

Card Crazy 2 is pretty much standard fare when it comes to card game bundles, despite its virtual casino action and claims of being the "World's Largest Collection." It's loud and it's gaudy -- kind of like Vegas only without the promise of an actual reward.

The game's biggest highlight is in its variety, featuring five kids' games (e.g. concentration and Old Maid), 25 gambling games (Paigow Poker, mini-baccarat), 16 classics (spades, bridge) and 54 -- count 'em -- 54 variations of solitaire. I now know what software to take with me when I'm stranded on a desert island. I'm kidding, of course, because the one thing Card Crazy 2 doesn't offer is long-term enjoyment.

The options are actually fairly nice and include three skill levels, 12 different computer opponents, Internet, modem and network options and video coaching. The computer players come with optional animation and dialogue. I suggest you keep these to a minimum unless you need phrases like "Ain't that a beaut" (add a thick hick accent) and "I feel so bloated!" to make you really feel like you're playing cards. The background colors and card backs are also customizable, although the glowing colors might prompt you to turn your brightness setting down.

The game instructions are workable. You get the basics in text and have the option of a video tutorial by "professional gambler" John Patrick for the gambling games which is interesting, although a little hard to follow since your tutor isn't speaking directly to you. It's just my guess but these clips may have come from a Learn How to Gamble videocassette from a few years back, or some similar product.

Gameplay is about average in terms of challenge and creativity, just what you might expect when playing against computer players. They make mistakes, especially in partnered games where you really have to work as a team, but it's tolerable. What I felt was really lacking was a more elegant environment. I can understand the Vegas glitz for the gambling games but with Card Crazy 2, a little more restraint in the classic games area meant less 3D graphics and more neon color.

The gambling area held its own with its nice slot machine-style blackjack and poker machines. And, instead of changing the options in the packaged gambling games, you can go to a Construction or "Play Your Own Area" screen and build your preferences into a specialized game that you can name and then play. Still, I thought an hour or two of this game was really enough. Call me crazy, but, Vegas this ain't.