So I reviewed Uno for both XBLA and PSN, but now here’s Uno Rush. This is a variation on the Uno formula that is much faster paced and a lot of fun, but should it have been an expansion, or is it worth being a separate title?
So we all know the rules of Uno (and if not, click here and here for my reviews which explains it a bit) so what makes Rush different? Uno Rush is different because now everyone has all their cards showing at the same time and if you can play more than one card, you can. This leads to you constantly shuffling your hand to be in the best “order” that it can be so that you can get chains of cards being put down and be the first one out. Cards are played automatically and if you do not have a card that can be played at the end of your hand in time for it to move on, you will draw a card. Confused? Expect to feel that way for at least your first few games, but once you learn the way the game really works you will be hooked, guaranteed. Also, now that it’s based on having the right order there is a new card that is the “Shuffle” card which shuffles the next person’s hand randomly.
You may have also noticed that I said in the last paragraph that everyone’s hand is showing. This makes it very different from regular Uno in which you don’t know what cards someone has and you have to plan a strategy around that. This simple fact changes the game completely because it will change how you rearrange your hand when it is not your turn and since it is part of the game to begin with it doesn’t feel like cheating like with the PS3 version of Uno. This also means that unlike the XBLA version of Uno, you can play it 4 player all local on the same console (but it does still support online play).
There are all kinds of variations to play as well such as partner and elimination modes, plus changing the amount of points needed to win, if you have to call Uno, and more. This leads to a lot of variety in a game that is already very addictive with local and online play (and any mixture of a number of players per console when playing online). People that do not normally play video games have been shown this game at my place and they have all loved it after those initial first few confusing rounds.
So in the end I’d say that this is very much worth the 800 MS Points ($10) that they ask for since it truly feels like a whole new game and not just a new mode, although I don’t think anyone would have complained had it been released as a $5 add-on for Uno. This does mean that you do not have to buy the original if you do not care (Say you are looking to only play local, which Uno doesn’t let you) and it also allows for better Avatar support in the game (as cosmetic as it may be). I highly recommend this game to anyone that’s a fan and you can always check out the demo to see if it’s for you. Click here to go to the official Xbox.com web site and add it to your download queue.
4.5/5 Stars – This is a very addictive card game that wouldn’t really be as easy to play with real cards making it seem less “silly” to purchase a digital version of it. Lots of fun will be had playing this either local or online making it well worth the 800 MS Points ($10) asking price. The only downside is the lack of different decks like in the original Uno on XBLA. PS3 owners are once again missing out.
