The Microsoft Hearts Network

File:Hearts - W16 - About.png

Microsoft Hearts for Windows 3.11.

Microsoft's Hearts, also called Hearts Network, is a video game version of the card game Hearts. The earliest version was developed by Paul Pedriana and published by Microsoft with Windows 3.1 in May 1992. The game was included, no doubt, to show off the networking capabilities of Windows 3.1. A version of Hearts has been included with every major release of Windows since, and was completely reprogrammed for Windows Vista.

Status

I own most versions of Windows, and likewise, own most versions of Hearts. I have beaten many different games.

Review

• Overall: 4/10
• Best Version: Windows 7

— This section contains spoilers! —

Good

• The game nicely simulates the Hearts card game.
• The fact that you can play across the network with human opponents was a great feature.
• The AI is good enough to challenge beginner players.
• Each major release of Windows also included minor updates to the game. A later version included with XP came with a better interface and additional options, like the ability to change the card backs.
• Since the Windows Vista release, the game looks beautiful and uses impressive vector graphics that scale to any screen size.

Bad

• The early versions of the game were pretty ugly looking using a default 16-color EGA palette. You couldn't even resize the form.
• Although the game featured sound effects, they're quite cheesy.

Ugly

• Nothing.

Media

• Hearts - W16 - Start.png

  Starting a new game.

• Hearts - W16 - Passing.png

  Passing my unwanted cards.

• Hearts - W16 - Playing.png

  Playing a hand.

• Hearts - W16 - Victory.png

  I won this round!

Links