Uno/Skip-Bo

UNO and SKIP-BO are classic games that everyone is familiar with, and many have fond memories of playing these games with their families as children. These games are meant to be played with others, and really do need to be played with live people for optimum enjoyment. However, these days kids spend a lot of time in the car going to their own activities, or a lot of time in waiting rooms while their siblings do their thing. It’s times like these that portable electronic versions really come in handy, especially when they have the option to have multiple people play on one GameBoy and cartridge!

In UNO / SKIP-BO GBA, players can choose to play either the classic versions, or choose a variety of options and modes to change up the original game. In UNO, for instance, alternate cards like Leader Draw Two (makes the lowest card holder draw 2 cards) and Wild Skip (adds a wild value to a skip card) can be added to the regular cards; house rules can be set to include the number of cards drawn for a penalty for not saying “UNO” and for options like Stack Draw 2 cards, where a Draw 2 card can be played on top of a draw 2 card instead of drawing two cards; and Challenge modes, where five different levels of challenge play are available, each with its own rules and victory conditions.

SKIP-BO features house rules like Wild Stacking, which means a wild card can’t be played on top of another Wild card and Stack Direction, which allows a choice of card play direction either from 1-12 or 12-1; alternate cards such as a Redraw card, which is a card that allows players to replace their hand with five new cards and a Clear Pile card, which clears a building pile off the table; and five challenge modes.

Up to four players can play at a time, either human or computer generated. The GBA version allows for players to play with only one gameboy and one game cartridge; players will simply pass around the GBA when it is their turn. (The DS version requires multiple units and games). This is a great option, and is a good way to entertain kids on those longs hours in the car! I wish every GBA and DS game had this option and didn’t require multiple games. People can play the virtual opponents by themselves, but it just isn’t as much fun as with real people.

This is quite a nice presentation of two classic games, and the variety of options for play and for music and visuals really add to the general enjoyment. With the multiplayer options, this is a very good choice for families with multiple children, especially if they are actively involved in extracurricular activities.

Gameplay: 8.0
It’s UNO and SKIP-BO, two fun games now on an electronic format. The many added options make these games even better, and the multiplayer mode is just right for families.

Graphics: 6.0
The graphics are average, but you don’t need fancy graphics for card games.

Sound: 7.0
The sound is peppy and varied.

Difficulty: Medium
The difficulty level ranges from easy to hard.

Concept: 7.0
The games are basically the same as the originals, but have many added options for more variety. The presentation is flawless.

Overall: 7.8
This is a well-done implementation of two tried-and-true classic card games. While these games are more fun played in person, sometimes it’s not possible to lug around a gameboard or find others to play with you. It’s times like these that an electronic version comes in handy. Families will definitely enjoy these games!