Clubhouse Games

"A Game Destined for the DS"

There is no doubt in my mind; “Clubhouse Games” is the type of game the DS was destined for, arguably even created for. It isn't pushing high polygon counts, it isn't an 80 hour epic, it is just simple fun that anyone can get into.

You have 42 games ranging from the standard card games everyone knows (Blackjack, Memory, etc) to more active games (Pool, Darts, Bowling, etc). There are even a few completely new games thrown into the mix which highlight the flexibility offered by the touch screen. All of the games are available right out of the box; so you don't have to mess around with unlocking anything , you can jump right to your favorites.

Games can be played by a single player, in which case you will play against 1 to 7 CPU controlled players, or in multiplayer. Multiplayer can either be single or multi card, but perhaps most importantly, over the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. As with the single player you can play against 7 opponents, not only locally but over WFC. That's right, this is the first game to break the usual 4 player limit on WFC games. While 8 players is the maximum, a number of games do not support that many players due to the inherent nature of that particular game. For example, Pool can only be played with 2 players.

During multiplayer (and during single player as well, though it is useless) you have constant access to a PictoChat-type communications system. The most recent incoming message will pop up on the top screen during play, and you can press a button on the bottom screen which will switch you over to the chat mode, where the message history is on the top and the bottom is dedicated to the chat interface. While it is a bit more capable than PictoChat, giving the user access to multiple colors and some basic drawing tools; it does lack a standard keyboard interface, so all communication must be in the form of drawings. Though there are some pre-determined text phrases you can chose from. In fact, you are limited to these phrases when playing against WFC users that are not on your Friend List. While it is disappointing that you don't get free chat with strangers, it is certainly understandable, considering how aggravating to be playing against a person who kept spamming you with inappropriate drawings. Still, it is much better than the absolute zero communication you get with strangers in most WFC games. The chat system makes the whole experience seem more personal, and you get a real sense that you are playing with other people online rather than just computer controlled opponents, a sensation that is lacking in most WFC games.

The game's interface is simple and to the point, featuring large clearly marked buttons, descriptive hand-drawn icons, and a persistent “Back” button. It is obvious that this game was developed so that anyone could sit down and get into a match without having much experience with video games or even technology in general. Thankfully, the developers struck a happy medium between ease of use and functionality, so while the interface is certainly easy to understand for even the beginner, it doesn't feel like it is crippled when used by a more advanced player. While it is a completely pointless detail, I really like how the developers placed a clock on the corner of the top screen. With these sort of games it is easy to lose hours playing (especially online), and it's nice to be able to glance up and check the time.

The music and sound effects are simplistic to say the least. Often I will forget there is even music playing as it really is just background noise, nothing you would ever remember. Not that it is a bad thing, a catchy theme is not exactly required when playing a game of “Old Maid”. I would equate it to ambient elevator music. Music that is there just to prevent the otherwise silence.

While there isn't a whole lot to say about this game, I want to stress how significant it is. It really fills a large hole in the DS's lineup. The DS is simply perfect for board and card games, and a compilation of them was way overdue. Even better, the developers went the extra mile here and included a competent online multiplayer mode that simultaneously improves on two of the harshest criticisms of the WFC: the lack of communication with strangers and low player counts. Even though 8 players in a simple card game is not much to brag about, and the chat certainly could have been more robust (voice chat would have been excellent, and shouldn't have been too hard from a technical standpoint, given the simplicity of the main game) it is still a very positive step in the right direction.

In short, “Clubhouse Games” is yet another piece of software making good on the promise of the DS. A fun and compelling game that combines the advanced features the core gamer wants, and the ease of use that the beginner requires.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 10/10/06