ZX Computing


Miami Dice
By Bug Byte
Spectrum 48K

 
Published in ZX Computing #32

Miami Dice

Apart from the awful pun and absolutely no connection to the TV show of similar name, this is a very good gambling type game on the lines of the common fruit machine or card games or, probably, closest of all, roulette.

The game is that of American Craps, a two dice game which anyone who has watched any made in the USA films or TV shows may well have seen the characters playing and perhaps even wondered what they were doing, in an odd moment of disinterest.

Actually the game is quite complex and the rules and options take a little time playing to get used to, there being several choices with different odds on each throw.

Miami Dice

As with most of this type, its success depends on the presentation and any atmosphere the program can generate; after all, there is quite a difference between risking £100 of your own money and £100 imaginary computer cash.

To thie end, a good selection of characters are available to play. Each can be renamed and chosen to join in the game or not. Up to four players can play and these are represented by pleasant caricatures on screen. The screen presentation is colourful and clear, control is by keyboard and once mastered is easy and effective, although at first I found it confusing and awkward.

I couldn't get the Space key option to function but this could be due to the Transform keyboard I was using; it sometimes causes slight problems. Although you can play on your own, it wasn't until I persuaded a few friends to play as well that any real challenge or enthusiasm developed, then it became quite absorbing and enjoyable.

If you enjoy board games, card games, dice games or are an avid gambler and intend to visit the USA and want to practise this national game before risking your own cash then this is a must. Just out of curiosity it is interesting to know how the game is played, it makes sense of a few American comments in some films and series.