The overall whimsical approach may not appeal to all gamers, but Hoyle Board Games: 2001 Edition provides an ideal diversion for families or solo board game enthusiasts. While it's the most customizable feature, the extensive options, including a choice of difficulty level, opponents, and background music, gives you quite a bit of control. The Face Maker allows you to create an icon of self-identification and lets you personalize gameplay to a degree. Fortunately, both features can be turned off. Animations, while providing interest in games like Yacht and Snakes and Ladders, slow the games down substantially. Younger players might enjoy playing against a talking bear, but adults will tire quickly of the commentary and dull jokes. The strange cast of computer opponents that features people of various ages, positions, and time periods, as well as aliens and animals, is a bit too cute and contrived. In some areas, though, the collection fails. The polished look of the graphics, smooth animations and straightforward controls make Hoyle Board Games: 2001 Edition a pleasure to play. While the derivatively named Battling Ships and Yacht are definitely knockoffs of Battleship and Yatzee respectively, the recognizable rules and gameplay make both games easy to understand and enjoy immediately.

Instead of having to study new and confusing rules, you can simply jump right in and enjoy favorites like checkers and chess. The sixteen games are mostly traditional, and familiarity is part of the game's appeal and advantage. Although the Hoyle Board Games: 2001 Edition collection may not be perfect and suffers from some obnoxious animation, the offerings are excellent.

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