The card-based Uno relies on elbowing your friends for position, so we’re impressed that the game mostly holds up in an iPod transition. Sure, trash-talking iPod robots won’t make a difference, but Uno held our interest. You can also play with friends by passing the iPod between yourselves, but the game works best as a solitaire challenge.

Uno is presented well, with clear graphics and card animations. In play with up to three opponents, you take turns matching card colors or numbers to try to get rid of your hand. Wild cards mix up the play, changing colors, forcing opponents to draw cards, and more. Intuitive, and somewhat automated controls keep the turns moving.

The game does little to explain these Uno basics, but special rules are helpfully mentioned. For example, jump-in games let anyone add the same card to the pile even if not their turn, or 7-0 games force players to exchange hands when playing those cards. These bonus rules make Uno more interesting, and the single-player mode walks you through each twist.

We appreciate the option for four-player games with friends, but it can’t compare to cards. You’ll play a hand, then pass the iPod to the next person; their cards stay hidden until it’s their turn. This method works on a technical level, but the slow pace makes it a chore.

While Uno loses its multi-player antics, it’s still engaging against computer opponents.

Uno
COMPANY: Gameloft
CONTACT: www.gameloft.com
PRICE: $4.99
REQUIREMENTS: iPod nano 3rd or 4th generation, iPod classic, or 5th generation iPod.
Intuitive, partly-automated controls. Clear, bright graphics. Range of extra rules can be turned on or off. Single-player matches walk you through different options.
iTunes manual explains all rules, but iPod doesn’t state Uno basics. Multi-player games—the heart of Uno—don’t translate well.