Apple Thoughts: Astraware Casino: A Gambling Trip for $0.09 a Game!

The claim: "Try your luck with Astraware Casino - a collection of the most popular casino games all in one pack. Enjoy all the fun of a real casino without losing your shirt!"

The aplication: Astraware has done something pretty impressive, in theory, by making 11 classic casino games available at the ridiculously low price of $0.99. The question, of course, is do we get what we paid for, or is Astraware Casino a true value? Read on to find out!

The Details: At first glance, you immediately wonder how good the games can be if there's 11 of them and they're all in there for $0.99. I did. In fact, when you start the app up, the menu (shown at the top of this article) is a tad overwhelming. That being said, it's a pleasant surprise.

After you choose your game, you have to set up your "account," meaning you have to hit the ATM and get some money or make a deposit. While you may wonder why you need this level of realism, I have to say it's very satisfying as you put "money" in your "account" as the game goes on. Once you've taken some out, you can hit the tables and machines.

All the usual suspects are there, with some you don't normally see. Jacks or Better (shown above) is a very faithful recreation of the quintessential video poker game everyone knows and loves. Also present are Baccarat (a game I still have no idea how to play), Roulette, Craps, Hold 'Em (Limit and No-Limit), 3-Card Poker, Keno, Slots, Blackjack, and Derby.

While the graphics and sounds won't knock you out, the games themselves are well-designed. They play naturally, and the controls are intuitive. The cards look good, the tables look good, and so on. Nothing is overwhelming, but it's adequate for creating the feel.

Some of the games seem to be lacking some "character" for lack of a better word. For example, take a look at the Hold 'Em game. No avatars, no faces, no characters. Just names and cards. The Three Card Poker game is also a bit flat. Again, the gameplay is fine, but the "draw you in" atmosphere could be better.

As you run around the casino, you'll definitely have fun. I find it fun to just open up Casino and play for a few minutes at a time. It's a great time killer, and if you're a casino addict, you'll get your "fix" without spending a ton.

And, as if you needed some motivation, you collect "souvenirs" as you regain accomplishments. They're displayed in a "trophy room" of sorts for your viewing pleasure!

The verdict: The person at Astraware who sent me the review copy readily admits that Astraware Casino isn't meant to be a casino sim, but more of a casino "game." The odds are a little more friendly than you would typically find in a hard-core sim. That being said, the games are still a lot of fun and mechanically they play well. While aesthetically it comes off as a bit lacking, and the long texty explanations of the games are not my favorite way to learn a game, the gameplay itself makes up for it. The fact that there's this much variety packed into a game that goes for $0.99 is nothing short of astounding. Don't let the price fool you; Astraware Casino is a keeper.

Availability: Astraware Casino is available right now in the App Store for $0.99.

Vincent Ferrari is an Apple fan, videoblogger, blogger, writer, and all-around geek from the Bronx. He works in the IT Department of a cellular phone company that shall not be named, and lives in a very comfortable apartment with his lovely wife, two lovely cats, two Macs, two iPhones, and God-knows-how-many iPods of varying age.

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