The Microsoft Hearts Network

The Microsoft Hearts Network

Windows 3 - Screenshot - v3.11.

Developer Microsoft Publisher Microsoft Published 1992-10-27 Platforms Windows, Windows 3 Genres Cards, Single-screen, Strategy Series Microsoft Card Games Multiplayer Alternating versus Distribution Commercial

The Microsoft Hearts Network, also called Hearts Network, is a video card game developed by Paul Pedriana and published by Microsoft with Windows for Workgroups 3.1 on 1992-10-27. It is a video game version of the card game Hearts and one of many Microsoft card games. The game was included to show off the networking capabilities of Windows for Workgroups. Each subsequent version of Windows, including 3.11 for Workgroups, 95, 98, Me, and XP included the game with minor updates with each release. When Windows Vista was released, the game was completely reprogrammed and retitled simply Hearts.

Personal

Own?	Yes. I own most versions of Windows, so I own the included versions.
Won?	Yes. I have beaten the AI several times.
Finished	Late 2000s.

I remember seeing this game being played by my fellow students across the network in my high school. Although I was interested in playing it myself, I didn't know the rules, and made little attempt at learning them. I kept seeing the game across various versions of Windows as I upgraded, but it wasn't until I bought a new computer with Windows Vista, which featured the more attractive remake of the game, that I tried to play it and began understanding how to developed strategies for the game. After beating the AI several times, I went back to this version and beat the AI in this version too.

Review

4	5	4	1	8

Best Version: Windows XP

— This section contains spoilers! —

Good

• The game nicely simulates the card game Hearts.
• 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. The Vista remake is even better.

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 juvenile.

Ugly

• Nothing.

Media

Screenshots

• 

  Starting a new game.

• 

  The about dialog.

• 

  Passing my unwanted cards.

• 

  Playing a hand.

• 

  I won this round!

Representation

Strong female character?	Fail	There are no characters.
Bechdel test?	Fail	There are no characters.
Strong person of color character?	Fail	There are no characters.
Queer character?	Fail	There are no characters.

Links