Hoyle: Book of Games - Volume 1

Game review

Hoyle Book of Games Volume 1 is a collection of classic card and board games developed by Sierra On-Line. This game marked the beginning of the long-running Hoyle series, which became known for bringing traditional tabletop games to the computer screen. Named after Edmond Hoyle, an 18th-century writer known for his works on the rules and strategies of card games, this collection offered a digital twist to timeless games.

Game features a variety of games, including popular card games like Hearts, Gin Rummy, and Cribbage, as well as board games such as Backgammon and Checkers. Each game is presented with rules and gameplay faithful to its real-world counterpart, providing an authentic experience for fans of these classic games.

One of the unique aspects of Hoyle Book of Games Volume 1 is its inclusion of a cast of Sierra characters who serve as opponents or partners in the games. These characters, drawn from various Sierra adventure games, have distinct personalities and play styles, adding an element of fun and unpredictability to the gameplay. Players can choose to compete against these computer-controlled characters or play with friends in multiplayer mode.

The interface of Hoyle Book of Games Volume 1 is user-friendly, with straightforward controls and clear, simple graphics. The game screens are designed to resemble physical game tables, complete with cards, game pieces, and boards, enhancing the feeling of playing the actual games.

Today, Hoyle Book of Games Volume 1 set the standard for future titles in the Hoyle series and remains a fondly remembered collection for its contribution to making classic games accessible to a wider audience in the digital age.