Surprisingly good AI and interface
While not the most gorgeous Hearts adaptation (though better than most iPhone versions...), the computer opponets are no pushovers and the card selection system is effective with gesture navigation. Be sure to rotate the device to see the game stats and such.
Terribly dumbed-down AI
This latest version has some incidental improvements, but the essence of the game is the AI and it's still pretty dumb. Sure, there's now "harder" play (compared to the original AI anything would have been an improvement), but it still needs a great deal of work. Like the player with the Q of spades suddenly leading it for no good reason. Not because they are shooting the moon. Not because some other player is sitting with K or A stiff. No, just randomly leading it for no good reason?!?! Lots of bizarre plays like that and it's a shame. My original review is below and it still pretty much holds true.
[EARLIER REVIEW] Excellent layout and design as many have mentioned, so-so AI that really needs to be made more challenging. The computer makes some pathetically stupid moves time and time again. Even the lame MS Hearts that was first introduced in the early Windows 3.11 has a far superior AI to this. In short, great design with an AI that desperately needs to be beefed up as a user option.
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Computer Players Not Smart at All
I saw reviews that the digital players were bad, but then I saw there was an update that was supposed to make it harder. I got news for ya, that update was still way off. I couldn't believe some of the dumb moves. Like, I knew the player to my left had the Queen of Spades, because I passed it to them, and I had to throw the King of Spades, and it didn't throw out the Queen! Also, who ever has the Ace of Hearts, as soon as hearts is broken, it almost always gets played next. It's a huge disappointment, as I'm used to the challenge I get when playing the Windows Vista version.
The second bummer, is that there are no statistics to tell you how many games won/lost and percentage. Also nice to track your lowest score.
I gave the two stars for the interface. I do like how the game is played; the interface is smooth and informative. I hope further updates will make this game more of a challenge and give stats.
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Exceptional
I have now played this game for two months straight. It continues to be challenging and fun to play. The graphics are bright and easy to read. My only major complaint is that on many occassions when trying to pass the first three cards, the app has a mind of it's own and either selects the card next TO the card you may have chosen or even discards the one NOT selected by you. You have to me extravcareful in touching the discard card just right otherwise you'll get burned!
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NEEDS IMPROVEMENT
I originally gave the 3 stars (see comments below) but I am changing my rating to 1 star because there has been NO IMPROVEMENT in the AI.
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I like this game, it's fun to play, BUT, the AI definitely needs improvement. It seems the AI is playing to lose, not win.
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I like this game, it's fun to play, BUT, the AI definitely needs improvement. It seems the AI is playing to lose, not win.
Fun to play
Very predictable and easy to beat but graphics are great. Fun to play. Recommend to buy but don't use this to learn how to play real hearts.
Five Star +++
This is without a doubt the best version of hearts available for iPhone or iPod touch. The cards are amazing looking, nice and large. And the way they are fanned looks so realistic and make one handed play so simple. Selecting cards can be difficult at first, but once you get the feel, it is so convenient! The way you can view the cards played in the last round, and check the scoreboard with a tap or a turn of your iPhone is awesome!! It's too bad that there are only five stars available for this game. Must have for hearts lovers.
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Cunning AI
I'm giving this five stars, as I see so many one stars without much basis for the dis. After many games, i finally ran it! I scratch my head at another rater who complains that he could never run it - if you're playing with real people, that is the point (prevent your opponents from doing so) - if you want the AI to act stupidly, well, 'nuff said. My only wish would be that when you win or lose (there's always one winner or loser), there could be some bells or whistles without much coding effort, or when you eat the QoH, there is some sign (maybe a "&%*$%!!" curse - Uno has a good implementation of this, for when you are forced to draw). Otherwise, i like it!
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Best Design, Decent AI
In my opinion, this is absolutely the best design for a card game on the iPhone. The cards are easy to select for me, and a flick sends the card into play. If I select the wrong card, simply tap again. Even the cards in play are easy to read, I don't have to squint to see what was played. Following the scoring is simple, just turn the phone and the screen is replaced by a tally sheet. A tap in the middle of the screen will even show you the last hand played.
The AI isn't the smartest, but it's definitely smarter than the other three Hearts games I've played on the Palm. This game is definitely a fun way to pass some time.
Would LOVE to see Euchre in this interface...
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This Game Rocks. Worth the Money
Great game for filling the void while waiting for an appointment. The ease of play is perfect. Only wish? The scores were always posted. Other than that it would have received a 5 star from me.
