3D Spades Deluxe (Mac)

Rating:
Summary: Beware if you're not on a Mac
Review: For PC (non-MacIntosh) users, this boxed version only gives you version 1.1. In order to connect to the network to play with others on-line, you need to have the upgraded version 1.6. I contacted Freeverse, and they offered to send me a coupon (50% off) to upgrade to the 1.6 version, but it will end up costing me more money than if I had just bought the on-line version instead of this boxed version.

Rating:
Summary: A Great Way to Play Spades
Review: Freeverse Software's 3D Spades Deluxe offers several common rule variations, provides computer opponents of varying expertise, and supports playing with people from around the world via Freeverse's GameSmith server. The CD also includes 3D Euchre Deluxe as well as many more locations and puppets not included with the downloadable version to keep file sizes reasonable.

Both Spades and Euchre use the same user interface, by far one of the best for playing cards via computer. You and the other players, represented by puppets, appear seated around a table. The cards in your hand are clearly laid out in front of you. An optional score pad shows the progress of the game and the hand, e.g. bids, tricks taken so far, sandbags accumulated, etc. And when playing against human opponents, a chat area appears at the bottom of the window so you can also enjoy the essential social aspect of playing card games.

3D Spades Deluxe and 3D Euchre Deluxe, however, have a few not-so-minor problems, which is why I'm giving this title four stars instead of five. First is a complaint common to most computer games: the computer opponents, or bots, do not play particularly well. While they may be adequate for learning the basics of the game, they are lacking when it comes to the finer points of strategy, skills which separate the decent player from the expert player. (Of course, if you primarily play online, the bots' lack of skill won't matter as much since you'll tend to play games only with other people.) Second, the program does not allow salvaging a network game by substituting another player or a bot for a player who drops out in the middle of a game. This can prove to be very frustrating when a hard-fought game has gone on for over an hour or two only to end prematurely because a player unexpectedly disconnects from the internet.

Freeverse has plans to address both of these shortcomings. The company is actively developing the 3D Deluxe line of games. Future updates will introduce more player-suggested rule variations and improvements to the user interface. In any case, the drawbacks are far outweighed by the hours of fun you will have playing games or just chatting with other people from around the world. Freeverse has fostered the growth of a community relatively free from the rude and obnoxious players that commonly hang out on services like Yahoo!'s. Provided you have internet access, free access to the GameSmith server is included with the games.

If you like playing cards, this title will surely give you the best bang for the buck spent on card-gaming software. And it would make a great Christmas gift, too.

Rating:
Summary: 3d spades deluxe by freeverse
Review: hey man.this is a great game i playe it every chance i get.
i chat with some very interesting people when i play on line also.and i always get help from the people at freeverse when i need it.
great game.i give it a rating of 5 stars and higher.
lynn

Rating:
Summary: Got me started and then some....
Review: I didn't know how to play Spades before I bought this game. I've found the help/tutorial very helpful, the bots useful to play against, and the online community (when I want real oponents) friendly and entertaining. Now I've played Spades in other electronic forms and find I appreciate the FreeVerse version even more. I've even played in *real life* and did pretty well. The ability to change rooms, characters, and vary the bots' abilities keeps this game from being boring and repetitive. I love the FreeVerse approach to card games and this game in particular suits me.

Rating:
Summary: euchre 3d deluxe
Review: i enjoy this game as well from freevers.
easy to play relaxing.

Rating:
Summary: EUCHRE!
Review: I love the Spades, but I bought this for Euchre. A Hoosier living in California doesn't have too many opportunities to play Euchre, so I went searching for an electronic version. I came across FreeVerse, and LOVE their products. Thet interface is fun, the community engaging, and the games challenging. I've owned these games for 3+ years now and still love them. I highly recommend them.

Rating:
Summary: 3D Spades Deluxe
Review: Now I love the game spades but this HOLY COW!!!!!!!!!! it makes it look like your playing in a real room! And with real people!!!You can play spades with REAL people useing a program called Gamesmith (which i play almost every time i sit at my computer!!! If you like it you can download more gamesmith games at [website]. And you can also play solo if you need practice.Now my brother owns freeverse software (NOT A LIE!!!) so I say all the game are good but this i really mean it!!!!!!! ITS GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!

Rating:
Summary: What a game
Review: This game is a great investment. You can log onto the server and play with people who are always there for you to have a friendly game. The friendships you can make are awesome, and it's a great way to unwind after a long day.