On Verizon Get It Now's badly overcrowded deck for card and casino games, there are only a few characteristics that set one game apart from another--and the most important, by far, is value. Blackjack Pro/Video Poker Pro from G3 Studios offers you two popular casino pastimes for about $3 a month, which, while not earth-shattering, is a better value proposition than most of its direct competition. This two-in-one casino game sports a very professional look and many options, which may help you forget about its lack of connectivity and detailed instructions.
Blackjack Pro/Video Poker Pro uses a similar interface for each game. Whether you're hitting at the blackjack table or trying to figure out which cards to keep in video poker, your cards will be dealt by a disembodied, fully articulated pair of gloved hands hovering above the play space. Although this is a very cool atmospheric effect, the animation is actually on the slow side, and there's no way to skip it. In essence, the hands are the game's truly remarkable feature. Both of the card games fit the bill without straying from their age-old formats, but, in addition, they are complemented by a nice range of options. There's space for several different player records, customizable bank, number of decks, rule sets, odds charts, and a tutor who will pop up to tell you what you should have done if you make a bonehead move. It would have been nice to be able to ask for a hint before your move. The game has some quick documentation for navigation, but for explanations on how to play the variant games, you'll need to check a Web site. Sound effects are present, but barely noticeable on the LG VX7000.
Blackjack Pro/Video Poker Pro is an attractive option for those who want a good version of both games close at hand. Neither component game is the best version available, though, so if you're looking to specialize, try a game like Optimal Video Poker on for size.
