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Black Friday 2009
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We know. Podcasts are so last year - but this one you won't want to miss. Whether it’s a rumor that won’t die, a new product announcement, or just a really good Macintosh or iPhone app find that we have to let you know about, we’ll make sure it’s covered on Appletellcast.
iPhone App Reviews
iPhone Apps. They were great when the App Store was first announced and we could all pick and chose what we wanted, but the number is now overwhelming. Here at Appletell, we'll detail the great iPhone apps we find, and steer you clear from those that aren't worth it even if they're free.
iPhone Game Reviews
As Apple turns the iPhone into one of the most popular gaming devices, the staff of Appletell--gamers and Apple fans alike--are here to help you get the most entertainment value out of your app store purchases.
Developer: Candywriter
Requirements: iPhone OS 2.2.1 or later
Compatibility: iPhone and iPod touch
File Size: 13.3MB
What is it?
It’s blackjack. Just blackjack…albeit with numerous rule sets, various locations, and some really nice graphics.
How does it work?
It works like blackjack. You create a profile, choose your settings (auto bet, display card totals, display hints, etc.), then select your casino. You can choose from Reno, Las Vegas downtown, Las Vegas strip, Atlantic City, Monte Carlo and Macao. Each location has a different look, which the developers say is “meticulously recreated.” I’ll have to take their word on that, since I’ve only been to Vegas; to me, each location is just a different colored table. Attractive tables, though. The graphics do a great job of recreating the shadowy textures of a blackjack table in a casino (although, some ambient sounds would help to recreate the setting). The cards and chips seem slightly disjointed above it, and the animations of the dealers hands are quite choppy, but none of this distracts from the gameplay.
Speaking of gameplay, Blackjack World Pro is more of a training app than anything else. It kind of has to be, since you’re not actually wagering money, of course. You’re also not playing anyone else. Here, it’s just you against the dealer, but that’s what makes the app useful. You’re going to learn the rule variations at the six included casinos, so you’re ready to go when you jet off to Monte Carlo for the weekend. Blackjack World Pro supports 22 card counting strategies, and can use them to offer you tips on what to do next. Now, I don’t play much blackjack, but I know the rules, and I have yet to have the computer offer me a hint that counters what I was going to do anyway, so I’m not sure how useful the hint system is. Likely, there are nuances I’m missing that a more experienced player would pick up on, but does a more experienced player need hints from app such as this? More useful is the fact that you can have the game warn you if you’re going to make an “aggressive or defensive mistake.” The game doesn’t fully explain why it’s a mistake, but it will force you to think harder about what you’re doing, and that will make you a better player.
Features
App it Up, Sum it Up
Blackjack World Pro could benefit from multiplayer action or at least some sort of tournament system, but it’s still a very well designed and useful game as it stands. It’ll entertain blackjack fans, and it’ll educate beginners who are looking to practice up before their big trip to Vegas or Atlantic City. And if you’re the type who currently has an LED slot machine or poker game in the basket next to the toilet, this will help you kill a few minutes, too.
Cost - $1.99
Worth the Money? - If you learn enough to win more than $2 the time you’re at a blackjack table, then yeah, absolutely it’s worth it.
Availability - Now, in the app store.
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