Gold Series Vegas Strip Blackjack Details Page

Software (9)

Crisp, clean graphics appear on this game, and that is a hallmark of the Microgaming suite of casino offerings. You can get a quick glance at the rules by mousing over the sign that says "Blackjack Rules" at the top left-hand corner of the interface, and if you need to go further, you can get into the help files without taking you out of the game. Comprehensive statistics are available too, in case you want to track your play. You can be assured that if there is something to be added to the design that makes this game the most secure, Microgaming has done it.

Easy to Understand (9)

This is version of blackjack that is very easy to understand. Anyone who has played on the Las Vegas Strip (and there are many of you, no doubt) will be familiar with the basic rules of this game. And because of the fact that there are plenty of help files available, you won't get caught with your pants down, so to speak.

Graphics & Sounds (9)

What you're really looking for here is not necessarily to be able to create the same atmosphere as you might in a physical casino setting, but to create as comfortable an atmosphere as possible in your own living room. These are first-rate graphics that make it possible. You don't have to wear a pair of reading glasses to be able to see which cards you're playing, and you can control game sounds, win sounds, background sounds or advanced sounds, or affect a combination of any of the four, at the click of your mouse.

Game Speed (10)

There are four different settings you can use in this game: Slow, Medium, Fast and Fastest. This is something that matters to most players, because the in blackjack the game can "come at" the novice a little faster than one would like. If you are an experienced player, you're not going to have a problem at all handling the "Fastest" level. If you;re not, you don't have to worry, because if you go "Slow" the game is played at a pace that is more than comfortable.

Game Features (8)

Because of the speed and sound controls, this is a winner, although we would be remiss if we did not mention a couple of things. We did not see Auto-Rebet available, which is a minor bummer, because that has potential of saving the player some effort and headaches. It is easy to place a bet, although a little more problematic to reduce or remove it entirely if you have changed your mind. As far as everything else is concerned, the game controls themselves (Hit, Stand, Double, etc.) are easy, as is the ability to switch in and out of "Expert" mode. All the info you need is indeed at your disposal.

Fun Factor (9)

This ranks high, because the rules make the game not only accessible, but favorable to players who want to play the same kind of blackjack they have come to know. This game just adds a little spice to it, thanks to Microgaming.