Hardwood Backgammon

Platform: Xbox 360
Developer: Silver Creek Entertainment
Originally Released: 2006

The Live Arcade, a virtual video game store that allows console owners to download 2D games for a marginal fee, is built into Microsoft's new Xbox 360 console. All gamers need to do to go shopping is to select the "Marketplace" menu on their console, which allows them full access to the Arcade. Once there, gamers can browse the titles by genre and download playable demos for free. The full game can be purchased with Microsoft Points, which averages out to about a dollar for every 80 points. One of the games offered at the Xbox 360's Xbox Live Arcade service Silver Creek Entertainment's take on the classic board game.

Hardwood Backgammon sticks to the rules of the board game with the only real game options being the choice to disallow use of the doubling cube, set the number of match points for your game - winning goal, and, if playing alone, selecting one of three different skill levels for your AI opponent. If gamers want to play against another person, they can do so over Xbox Live or locally. However, gamers will need a second profile on their 360 before playing a local multiplayer game, which is somewhat annoying. The game has two tutorials for those unfamiliar with the rules of the game, but don't delve into strategy. Like other Xbox Live Arcade games, there are 200 achievement points you can win in Hardwood Backgammon, including points earned for winning with a gammon, winning consecutive games, or using the doubling cube.

Gamers push a button to roll the dice, and then cycle through only the valid moves. There are dots to indicate where pieces can land, which is a handy feature that helps to keep the game moving. However, when it comes to the game's physical appearance the word "bland" comes to mind. Granted, nothing explodes, shoots or dances around in regular backgammon either, but the static background, generic sounds, and unexciting board and pieces all but scream PC shareware.

If you're into backgammon you'll probably find this modest take on the classic game playable and addictive. And, for the budget-minded out there, Hardwood Backgammon is available at the lower price point (400 points) for Xbox Live Arcade games. Which might help Hardwood Backgammon's drab appearance a little easier to take.