The classic card game UNO has seen several new variations from Uno Rummy, to a Tetris-like game on the DS. The electronic playground for both casual and hardcore gamers in next generation consoles is perfect for a title like Uno. Now a new variation of the game has been released to Xbox Live Arcade and it hopes to see the same popularity of it’s distant cousin. At 800 MS points, can this fast paced version of Uno game keep pace with its predecessor? Here, we take a look at the newest member of the Uno family, Uno Rush.

Gameplay

UNO Rush is played a bit differently than the classic UNO game so many of us grew up playing. We’re all familiar with the idea behind the game, but in Rush, there’s a much stronger emphasis placed on discarding all cards in your hand than before. Instead of simply waiting your turn to leisurely find the card you want to play (or draw from the pile), Rush takes off by immediately dropping playable cards. Players do this by sorting their hand as fast as they can while other players are taking their turn.  It is possible, provided you sort your hand accordingly, to find your hand nearly emptied at the end of your first turn. This is because the object of the game is to sort your hand to allow as many cards as possible to be played in each turn. 

The only way to end a turn is to run out of playable matches or by playing a ‘Command Card’. Like the classic Uno game, ‘Command Cards’ consist of the Wild card, Draw Four Wild Card, Draw Two card, Reverse card, Skip Card and the new Scramble card, which will shuffle the next player’s hand forcing them to re-sort at the last minute.

If it seems difficult, that’s because it is at first. The hardest thing I found about the game is adjusting my notion of the game UNO to something faster paced. I quickly found myself flustered and making mistakes easily but after a while I found it was simply a matter of how fast you master the controls. The same game modes make a return here, Standard, Partner and Elimination. Points are awarded based on the cards left in the hands of the remaining players or team, the faster you can empty that hand, the more points you’re liable to rack up. Elimination is the only mode that seems out of place here. This mode reverts back to the classic UNO game by playing one card at a time, anymore than that and you’ll receive a strike. After three strikes, you’re out of the game and gameplay continues until only one player remains. This feels like a backwards style of play for this game and the game feels like it slows down. While I applaud the attempt, I think I would have liked a different version of Elimination.

It wouldn’t be UNO without some kind of Multiplayer. Just like its predecessor, UNO Rush keeps track of players’ wins and losses. Players create custom rule sets for online play, allowing them to also sift through online games that fit their play style. If you’re familiar with the classic UNO Multiplayer, you’ll be right at home here. The only problem I experienced was players who weren’t winning kept quitting the game. Also, where UNO is a party game that as casual friendly, the gameplay in Rush is so fast that it’s hard to sit down with friends just to have a good time with conversation. The game supports offline Multiplayer, families can play together and supports ‘The Big Button Pad’ from games like Buzz! And Scene it? making the game kid friendly. The game comes with a tutorial game as well, which is nice because the game can be confusing at first.

Graphics & Sound 

The same animated graphic style returns in UNO Rush, but it’s doubtful that any new card packs are coming as of now because the menu lacks the ability to search for Downloadable Content. The game is not overly complex graphically and supports animated Avatars and Microsoft’s Vision Camera. The only graphic complaint I really have is the changing color background. While it fits with the game it can make viewing the text menu’s or the text instructions a little difficult.The sound is not as discernable as the classic UNO game on XBLA, but provides a mild background music that you’ll eventually forget amid all the concentration you’ll be putting into the game. Sound effects are appropriate for the title but nothing that stands out, after all it really shouldn’t. 

Value 

The hardest part about this game is getting used to the fast pace. Whether you’re just a fan of UNO, or are looking for a family friendly title to play on Game Night, UNO Rush has more than enough to satisfy gamers of all ages.

Conclusion 

If you think sorting seven cards in a matter of seconds is hard, well that’s because it is. The game most likely won’t appeal to UNO’s broad casual audience like before, but the game definitely will bring Microsoft’s hardcore crowd calling. For only 800 MS points, around 10 dollars, you’re getting a brand new take on the UNO franchise. While I don’t think the Elimination mode fits as well as it could, the other game modes along with online and offline multiplayer provides more than enough stimulation for many afternoons. Microsoft didn’t screw around with a formula that worked well for it’s classic predecessor and it works well here for UNO RUsh each game will feel different.