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Virtual Vegas at its best!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 65 / 66
Date: November 04, 2001
Author: Amazon User

"Bicycle Casino" by Microsoft is the 2002 upgraded version of the "Microsoft Casino: Mirage Resorts Edition" (2000). Everything is almost identical to the "Microsoft Casino", except they have added 6 more games; and, some of the features have improved from the earlier version.

Hard to believe, but silly me bought the "Microsoft Casino" two days before I realized that there's a newer version under the name "Bicycle Casino"! Anyway, when I played the older version for the first time, I loved it! But then, I started noticing minor imperfections, such as they played the same two pieces of background music over and over. Two days later, I bought the "Bicycle Casino" and lo and behold...they added a few more tunes!

"Bicycle Casino" is a fun computer casino game that is visually pleasing. It offers a full range of casino games. You are able to enter 3 Las Vegas casinos -- Treasure Island, The Mirage and Bellagio. The games are the same in all 3 casinos, but each has a different ambience which reflects the mood of the real life casino.

Be aware that this latest version is designed for use with the most up-to-date hardware. So, you may need a better and more updated video card. It's also compatible with Windows XP. I use Windows 98 SE and it works fine. But my video card may be a little outdated, so I had to adjust the Graphics Settings under Windows System Properties to get the graphics to function properly; I didn't have that problem with the older version.

If you already own "Microsoft Casino", the improvements in "Bicycle Casino" may not be significant enough to justify spending the money to upgrade. Unless, you have a lot of cash to spare, or, if you really really really like some of the new games that are not available in the old version -- Video Slot Machines, European Roulette, Seven Card Stud Poker, Five Card Draw Poker, Texas Hold 'Em Poker and Omaha Hold 'Em Poker.

"Bicycle Casino" by Microsoft is probably the best computer Vegas game out there. It's only second to actually being in Vegas! I highly recommend this software.

Unbiased review from Gameraiders.com

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 27 / 28
Date: December 18, 2001
Author: Amazon User

Microsoft has set the standard in challenging your gambling skills, while providing you with an exciting casino-style gaming experience. It's the best product of its kind! Have all the fun without spending a dime in Bicycle Casino.

Gameplay

Experience the lights, challenge, and excitement of a Vegas-style adventure. Microsoft brings the whole package right to your PC in Bicycle Casino. Enter your name, choose one of many animated characters to represent you, and set your starting bankroll as you prepare to press your luck and test your gambling skills at one of three casinos: Treasure Island At The Mirage, The Mirage, and The Bellagio.

In preparation for gameplay, be sure to personalize your experience by setting the game options to suit your needs. Whether you're a beginning gambler that's new to the casino gaming industry or an expert needing a new challenge, 17 exciting games await you as you enter the casino game floor. The featured games include Blackjack, Roulette, Slot Machines, Baccarat, and various types of poker such as 5 Card Draw, 7 Card Stud, and many others. Simply slide your mouse over the table to capture the game being offered and click to play the game of your choice. It's that simple! Game rules and playing instructions can easily be accessed for each game, so you shouldn't have any problems getting started.

Play against the dealer or inviting other players to your table. Bet conservatively or risk high stakes. Play single games or challenge your skills in tournament play.. The options seem endless throughout your casino gaming experience.

Unique to Bicycle Casino is the tournament play offering. This sets it apart from other casino-style PC games. This truly sets the standard for future casino-game developers. Tournament play can be played in Casino Challenge or Freestyle Challenge. Casino Challenge takes your gambling skills to the limit by challenging you in all of the games. You must qualify in one casino to move to the next round that's being played at the next casino. Freestyle Challenge allows you to select the games you want to compete in and lets you set your own pace while still enabling you to advance in the competition.

All three casinos offer complimentary gifts as you reach specified criteria in your gameplay. All gifts must be obtained at all three casino's to be allowed to enter the prestigious high rollers' area in The Bellagio casino, reserved for only the best of the best.

This game is a must have for all casino gaming enthusiasts. It represents a myriad of beautiful colors, challenging casino gaming realism, exciting sounds, and actual casino video footage.

Gameplay Score: 92

Graphics

With vivid, bright colors, realistic re-creations of gaming tables, and authentic casino architecture, all of the graphics are very detailed. I was, however, rather disappointed with the animated characters portrayed in the game; I thought they were too mechanical and corny.

Graphics Score: 85

Sound

The sounds make you feel like you're in an actual casino. All of the background voices, sound effects, and music add to the realism of the game.

Sound Score: 90

Technical

I didn't experience any glitches or hang-ups. Installation was also easy. Gameplay was smooth, with no lockups or crashes.
Technical Score: 95

Value

This game is a must have for casino-gaming enthusiasts. Although this is an excellent game that can be played by everyone, it would most likely appeal only to a certain class of people. It's easy to learn and understand and is a great value for anyone who enjoys a challenging, Vegas-style adventure.
Value Score: 85

Overall

Bicycle Casino is the best PC casino-gambling software yet! The game's very user friendly with easy to follow instructions. The graphics and sounds add realism to the gaming environment. While the game is fun, Bicycle Casino will most likely only appeal to a limited audience; specifically those gamers who enjoy a Vegas-style gambling challenge.
Overall Score: 88

VEGAS, RIGHT IN MY HOME!!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 4
Date: May 09, 2002
Author: Amazon User

I have FINALLY found a computer Casino game that is very easy to understand when it comes to the rules of CRAPS. I am getting married this fall and we (my fiance and I) are going to Las Vegas. I have always wanted to learn Craps and none of the books I read helped. Buying this game, I was truely amazed by the different people you can play with and the graphics are very,very good. There's even a character that looks JUST LIKE ME,for real she looks just like me,he,he. (Hint she has on a red headband). Anyway, I have the basics of craps down very good and it only took a few min. I am still mastering the different betting ways but the instructions on this isn't hard to learn. You have to BE in the driver's seat if you want to learn these games. Baccaratt,Carribbean Stud Poker,Pai Gow Poker are games I heard of and learned to play them very well. If you know how to play poker already then the various ways to play will be a BREEZE. There's also,slots,Keno,Big 6 Wheel,,High Roller Rooms,etc. Background music and noises,people talking to you as if you are there. Oh, did I mention the comp cards? These are little perks that you get on your complimentary card when you play the game awhile or win large amounts of money. Things like free food,drinks and hotel nights to name a few. Of course these complimentary gifts ARE NOT REAL so dont go to Vegas trying to claim these things. It's just to make the game more real and fun. I highly recommend this game to all Casino gamers. You will have fun. I have NEVER been to Vegas but I will tell you this, when I go, I look forward to playing For Real with an edge up on Craps, which I am very excited that I learned to play this game. You really can rack up a large Bankroll...

Best in Class

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 0 / 0
Date: August 27, 2002
Author: Amazon User

I have lived in Las Vegas and have played many casino gamining simulations and this one is simply the best in class and a lot of fun, too. Wish the card games played a little faster, but the games are both realistic and fun...the payouts are way too generous so do not expect to win this often or make this much in a real casino. This software is really an infomercial for MGM Mirage properties, but that's OK...it is still fun to play.

Attractive, but very limited

1 Rating: 1, Useful: 4 / 6
Date: September 01, 2002
Author: Amazon User

This game is quite pretty, but little more. It offers almost no ability to make rule adjustments (such as whether the dealer hits soft seventeen or how many decks are in a shoe), and worse, it doesn't offer any coaching (should I split 7s against a dealer showing an 8?). The result is a simple game that will allow you to pretend to lose money quickly, but will not improve your play whatsoever. There are far better casino games out there. If you're only looking for the basic level of play offered by Microsoft, free flash-based games are available on the internet.

Save your money.

Excellent Learning Tool

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 3 / 3
Date: September 03, 2002
Author: Amazon User

If you ever wanted to know how to play all the games that are available in the casinos, this is a good way to check them out.

I've had this software for about a month now. No problems with graphics, sound or lockups. My biggest problem is that I don't yet have any strategy for playing.... :)

But really, this is a good tool for learning the games. They are all covered. You can see how easy it is to lose your money at roulette. The house edge is very big on that game. Keno is interesting. I never really paid any attenetion to it until I got this game.

There are lots more games. The only games not covered are slots, but who cares about that. I am very happy with my purchase.

Watch out, this could lead to an addiction

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 6 / 8
Date: September 06, 2002
Author: Amazon User

Great fun, but I really need a life....I spend much too much time trying to win big...

Great Games, But Got Bugs

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 2 / 2
Date: March 09, 2003
Author: Amazon User

For the Casino enthusiast, this is a great Casino Game Package, complete with tournaments and most of the casino card games. But, it a has a bug that causes it to lock up every few minutes and must be re-entered, however, it does not lose your "money." It is very aggravating, though, so I am ordering the Bally Casino Games that has better reviews.

Fun, but MAJOR INEXCUSABLE bugs ruin everything

1 Rating: 1, Useful: 5 / 5
Date: April 10, 2003
Author: Amazon User

This game is actually a lot of fun. I get some weird graphics bugs (flickering w/ NVIDIA RIVA TNT2) but it's bearable. But there are INEXCUSABLE bugs during game play in the poker games that make the tournaments a miserable experience. You'll be staring at a straight flush and bet the world only to realize the computer thinks you have a pair of 4's. Guess what, you lose to a guy with a pair of 5's!!! The workaround is to hover the mouse above your cards and if the computer is misreading your hand, FOLD. PERIOD. But it's extremely frustrating.

MS acknowledges such bugs but hasn't released a patch. As far as I'm concerned, that means it's not worth buying yet. It would be like buying Flight Simulator knowing that the flight engine would force your plane into a deadly spin every few seconds... ruining the whole point of the program.

Great potential for fun here, and worth it if that's all you're looking for. But wait for an MS fix before wasting your money otherwise.

Keeps Me Up at Night

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: July 22, 2003
Author: Amazon User

I have had hours and hours of fun with these games - the most comprehensive disc I've seen - all the games you;ll find in a casino and a fast cash machine that let's you feel like a high roller anytime you wish. My comp cards are nearly full - lots of fun when you can't get away to the real thing!

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