Uno Review: It’s in the Cards

One of the classic card games that almost everyone young and old has played at some point is Uno. I’ve played the physical card game many times, but playing Uno on the iPhone is a completely new experience.

The first mode is QuickPlay mode. First to hit 250 points wins. Points are awarded based upon the cards you play. You play against three other computer players until one of you gets a sum of 250 points.

Then there is Single Player mode. Two options are available: Tournament or Custom. Tournament mode involves playing against three other computer players. Each level gets increasing difficult, unlocking player icons, puzzle pieces, and backgrounds as you advance. In Custom mode, you can choose a variety of factors for your game: difficulty level, game mode, penalties, Jump-In rules, etc.

There’s also a Multiplayer mode. The options for multiplayer mode are over Wifi, on one device, and online.

You must be on a Wifi network in order to play over Wifi or to play online. Over Wifi, you can play with other people who are on the same network and also have the app. Up to four people can play on one iPhone if you aren’t on Wifi or if no one else has an iPhone or the game.

You can also play online against other people. You can create your own room or choose a room to play in. Each player’s turn is timed so one person doesn’t stall the game.

Uno on the iPhone is just as addicting and fun as I remember playing the physical game growing up. However, there are a few issues with the app. In order to play cards, you have to double tap a very small space. Also, the entire game is in landscape mode, with no option for portrait mode. There are several load screens you have to tap through to get to actual play, which is annoying when you just want to play.

Multiplayer mode adds back the element of real competitiveness of playing against another human and not just the AI computer. The tournament mode challenges you as you advance, unlocking fun icons and backgrounds. While not the best UI experience, it is the classic, competitive, fun physical game brought to the iPhone platform.

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