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Gameplay
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Graphics – Interface
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Replayability
A freemium game that offers authentic blackjack gameplay, decent graphics, and doesn’t try to rip you off at every turn.
App Name: PKR Blackjack 3D
Developer: PKR
Cost: Free (with micro-transactions)
Market: iTunes App Store
Review:
It’s a generally accepted fact that so-called ‘freemium’ games don’t enjoy the best of reputations, nor is it hard to see why. In far too many cases, not only will such titles hide their more interesting content away behind a wall of micro-transactions, they’re usually only too happy to then also bombard you with messages ‘encouraging’ you to spend your cash.
So it’s rather nice when such a game comes along that isn’t so in-your-face about it, such as PKR Blackjack 3D. in fact, there’s quite a lot to like about this little free to play effort. As the name suggests, PKR Blackjack 3D invites you to enter one of three immaculately modelled 3D casinos, where you can take your seat at one of their blackjack tables to play a few rounds.
Nor can there be any complaints about its authenticity. PKR Blackjack 3D follows the rules of traditional blackjack to the letter. And while this ensures the game’s rules and mechanics are easy to understand, those unfamiliar with blackjack can use the game’s quick yet comprehensive array of tutorials to get their head around it. Meanwhile, veteran blackjack players will likely appreciate being able to play up to three hands simultaneously.
Which brings us to the thorny issue of micro-transactions. Although again, there’s quite a lot to like here. Essentially, everything about the game – from the bets you place to the content you unlock – revolves around chips, Blackjack 3D’s in-game currency.
Chips can be acquired in numerous ways. The quickest way is to simply buy them with real-world money, with various, reasonably priced amounts available. But this is far from the only way. The game gives you a generous amount of free chips to start with, and continues to dole them out as you play. Furthermore, you can receive comparatively large amounts of chips by doing certain things, such as buying Skype credit through the game, or mentioning it on Twitter and Facebook.
When you start out, you’re restricted to the low roller table at one casino. However, it doesn’t take long for you to gain enough experience and/or win enough chips to be able to unlock the other casinos and their higher limit tables. Indeed, if you’re careful with your bets, you can go for considerable amounts of time without having to buy more chips. Nor will the game constantly harass you to do so.
That said, those who aren’t afraid to splash their real-world cash on chips will find plenty of extras and cheats to spend them on, such as winnings multipliers and XP boosters.
There are some other nice touches. You can choose an avatar to represent you in the game (there are two default avatars, with more unlockable ones), and both your avatar and the dealer are fully animated, as is frequently showcased in the post-hand cutscenes. And naturally, the game offers Game Center functionality and achievements.
If there is one downside to PKR Blackjack 3D though, it’s that the technical demands of the game can take their toll on your device’s battery life. This won’t be quite so noticeable on newer iPhones and iPads, but those of you running the game on anything older than an iPhone 5 will likely find yourself reaching for the charge cable rather quickly. Likewise (should it not already be clear), as this is a videogame, no actual real-money gambling takes place. So any winnings received can’t be converted back into real money.
Be that as it may, PKR Blackjack 3D leaves a pleasingly positive impression. Thanks to its combination of faithful gameplay, decent graphics and a micro-transaction business model that is rather generous, fairly priced and largely unobtrusive, it’s a pleasure to play. Obviously, you’ll need to like blackjack to enjoy it, but if you do, it’s well worth downloading.
About the Author: Mark has worked as a professional journalist and blogger since 2005, and has written extensively about games, apps and entertainment for a number of magazines and websites. He currently works as editor of OnlineCasino.in’s online blackjack section.
