Blackjack

Description

Blackjack for the NES, released in 1992, brings to the screen the classic card game we all know from the casino environment. At first glance, this game looks like a simple attempt to transfer the familiar rules to the 8-bit world, but there are a few small details lurking beneath the surface that might interest both devoted fans and newcomers alike.
The graphical design is typical of games from this era. In many ways, it's reminiscent of the minimalist style we've come to expect from NES games. The colour palette is limited, yet contrasting enough that the cards and table are always easy to distinguish. The animations, while very basic, serve their purpose and leave the player in no doubt about the actions taking place, such as dealing or turning a card. The soundtrack and sound effects add a certain air of authenticity to the game, even if they can sound monotonous after a long time. The melodies are simple but enjoyable, and the sounds do not fall into excessive repetitiveness, which is crucial in a card game setting as it allows the player to focus on strategy and the game itself. The game mechanics faithfully replicate the rules of blackjack, which is perhaps the highest praise that can be bestowed upon this game. The game includes basic options such as an extra card, stand, double bet or split pairs, which provides a nice degree of tactical freedom. You can't expect a diverse range of play styles from the opponents, who are represented by simple portraits with no deeper characterisation, which means you'll quickly run into the limits of the AI. 
One of the main shortcomings is the lack of a multiplayer mode, which would have enlivened the game considerably. At the time, however, these limitations were fairly common and it would therefore be unfair to judge the game too harshly on this criterion. Despite playing alone against the game, Blackjack offers enough of a challenge to keep the player interested for several play sessions. 
In general, Blackjack for the NES is a solid, if relatively simple, example of a casino game that does its job satisfactorily. For players who are interested in classic card fun with a retro aesthetic, this game can become a nice diversion, whether for shorter or longer periods of time. On the other hand, there are much more sophisticated versions of this card classic available nowadays, and so the game can serve more as a nostalgic reminder or historical artifact than a major source of blackjack entertainment.