Publisher: MacPlay is responsible for this CD-ROM. As a division of Interplay Productions , it does like most MacPlay products by coming in a floppy disk format too.
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The Macplay version of "Beat the House" is designed for those who either own a Macintosh computer or have access to one (like the Power Macintosh 7200/90, which I used). Being easy to install, it has allowed itself the capability of being played and mastered by young children who may have just seen "the Sting" on television. However, as it prides itself on trying to replicate a casino environment -- for instance, by having the player purchase poker chips at the front desk in the lobby -- it would likely be a poor choice of game for children. [Editor's Note - Two sentences containing inaccurate information about this game's producers has been removed] [Top of Page]
By purchasing this CD-ROM, one also receives the "Beat the House Companion", a book by Avery Cardoza (who is considered the foremost gambling authority in the world by at least MacPlay and himself). The book is supposed to help the individual not only in the game, but in his future visits to Vegas, Atlantic City, and somewhere in Iowa. It is filled with graphs and mathematical equations that, if digested within the mind of the player, could let him know his chances of winning or losing. Of course, such information is quite useful, helping the player "know when to hold 'em and know when to fold 'em..."
Besides the companion book, there is also a brief instruction manual, whose clarity and detail should be commended. [Top of Page]
The purpose of the game, like the companion book, is to provide users with the knowledge and skills to gamble like Cardoza, and to, one day, be able to have the riches to visit exotic places. (Just like Cardoza!) Thus, it is not a game out to replace the pleasures of a poker game, but a game that makes one better at poker. In some ways, I confess, the CD-ROM more than succeeds. It does a masterful job guiding a user through a tough game of craps, for example, thanks to a menu of options soaked in gambler wisdom. However, I have to imagine another purpose of the game is to be fun. Instead of giving a user a reason to laugh, or even stay tuned in to the proceedings, it provides one with an environment so dull you wish to gamble nevermore. For this reason, perhaps it would be a good game for kids who are already addicted to dice. [Top of Page]
While the features found through the menu help a player to master the sport of winning and losing money, the gimmicks to this game are inane. Who ever thought someone would want the sound of roaring chatter in the background ? And why should it be such a hassle to replace money with chips ? Sometimes, it took so long to get new chips that I felt I was in a long line, waiting for the rest of the "Beat the House" players in the world to get their chips first. All in all, its attempts at simulating a casino experiece are awful. Rather than remind one of Sinatra, or even Jim Nabors, the CD-ROM merely makes this user recall the number of elderly folks in Atlantic City casinos on Saturday afternoons. Meaning, this CD-ROM fails to romanticize the casino experience at all, and makes one just weary and tired. [Top of Page]
This CD-ROM can hardly be suggested to people in the school environment. Nor is it a recommended purchase for any library not built by the steps of a real casino. However, it might be useful for serious gamblers who have poker veins. It might give them the knowledge to keep these veins pumping the money they need, and save them from going broke. Then again, it might just make them fall asleep, or inspire them to call up friends and get a real game going. I guess there's nothing wrong with that.
If one does purchase this CD-ROM, then I suggest you also visit the Las Vegas Leisure Guide , which will keep you informed on the stories being spread around the Las Vegas strip. If anything, the Leisure Guide will fill your head with odd bits of gossip that may make the game more bearable than it was, overall, for me.
Another good Internet hangout is a Blackjack chat room , where you might even find -- no kidding -- Mr. Cardoza!
[One last time for you to jump to the top of the page ] Reviewed by Theodore Defosse on 5/2/97.