Backgammon, Bridge & Backgammon, Game Boy Advance Chess/Checkers/Backgammon

Backgammon
Platform: PC
Publisher: Fiendish Games
Developer: Fiendish Games
Originally Released: 2000
Computer gamers who are used to action and adventure games will no doubt either turn their noses up at this computerized version of the traditional board game or lose interest quickly if they aren't familiar with the rules of play. Unlike solitaire, players can't simply jump in and play Backgammon. It's a very complicated game and if you don't know how to play you'll find yourself stuck and denied repeatedly within the first few minutes of play. However, those with a background in the game will no doubt find Fiendish Games' version superb, but not perfect. Truly experienced players will probably end up bored within a few hours, though.

Bridge & Backgammon
Platform: PC
Publisher: Global Star Software
Developer: Global Star Software
Originally Released: 2002
Global Star Software has published several different variations of traditional board games over the years. The bridge game can be played against the computer or users can hook up to the internet to play with friends. The computer really knows how to bid, and users can select which bidding conventions and preferences they want. Also, if users don't know why a bid was made, they can click on that bid and the computer will interpret it for them. Users can select to play open hands or choose the cards for each hand so you can set up certain hands and study them. The backgammon is fun too, but can be beaten fairly easily, so it's not that challenging for advanced players looking to practice their skills.

Game Boy Advance Chess/Checkers/Backgammon
Platform: Game Boy Advance
Publisher: Destination Software
Developer: Destination Software
Originally Published: 2005
Board Game Classics combines timeless game classics with today's technology. Animated characters fight battles on the chess board, as users and their friends face off in great multiplayer games. If you are familiar with GNU Chess or GNU Backgammon, these aren't those. These are very dumbed down kid versions of Chess, Checkers & Backgammon. As such, young kids (8-12) might enjoy the games, but adults - especially those with any skill at Backgammon and chess - will be bored almost instantly. Graphics wise, the games are rather nice, in a small-screen way.