UNO!™

Mattel163 Limited

All trademarks belong to their respective owners

UNO!™ is a delightful card game that captures the nostalgia of the original. Available on multiple platforms, I found myself engrossed in it on my iPad after spotting it in the App Store. A brief perusal of its description and a peek at its visuals were enough to convince me to give it a whirl. This digital version mirrors the essence of traditional UNO gameplay with an engaging twist: not only must you deplete your hand of cards to win, but you also need to collect a specific set of UNO cards in one color.

Gameplay Mechanics

The goal is to play a card from your hand that matches the discard pile either by color or number. You cannot play a card that matches both color and number simultaneously. If the top card is a "Draw Two," you must draw two additional cards. With a "Skip" card, you can bypass the next player's turn, while a "Wild" card allows you to choose any color or number to continue play.

Visuals

The visuals are straightforward but impactful, adopting a minimalist style that emphasizes the gameplay experience. While there isn't much variety between cards, the graphics are crisp, clear, and easily distinguishable. If you desire a different aesthetic for your cards, you'll need to download a separate app to customize them.

Replay Value

The game boasts excellent replay value. The core rules remain consistent, but each game session feels unique due to the varying strategies, personalities, and elements of luck encountered by different opponents. Players can also adopt different paces, from rapid-fire turns to more contemplative approaches, or even use "blocking" tactics to play without strategizing.

Controls

To progress in the game, you must strategically discard your cards by matching them with the top card of the discard pile in number, color, or symbol. To discard, simply tap the desired card and then the "Drop" button. To match a card, tap it and select "Match." Draw new cards by tapping "Draw," and if necessary, shuffle your hand with the "Shuffle" option. You can also pass your turn by selecting "Pass" if you choose not to play.

Final Thoughts

Graphics and Sound 7.0
Controls 8.0
Gameplay 9.0
Lasting Appeal 9.0

Card game aficionados will find UNO!™ on mobile to be an outstanding selection. This game accommodates both group play with friends and individual play, seamlessly integrating into various lifestyles. Whether on an iPhone or an iPad, its mobile nature ensures that you can indulge in a game of UNO!™ anytime, anywhere

Pros:

It is fun and easy to play;
Helps to develop social skills as the players are required to interact with each other as they play the game;
Helps to develop memory skills as the players are required to remember the cards played and cards they have;
Helps to develop concentration skills as the players are required to focus on the playing cards and the cards they have.

Cons:

If the players do not have a strong memory or are careless, they might forget which color he/she has already played;
The players might lose interest in the game if they are not competitive;
If the players are too competitive, they might not have enough patience or they might not be able to finish the game.