Speed Fiend: The Classic Card Game Speed – Review
By App Type: Uncategorized
Our rating: 
By: Speed Fiend: The Classic Card Game Speed
Version #: 1.0
Date Released: 2008-12-16
Developer: Jake O'Brien
Price: 0.99
User Rating:
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Speed Fiend is the app you would definitely have to download (quick!) if you want to play Speed on your iPhone/iPod touch. And even if you’re not aware of the card game to begin with, it’s still worth the dollar as well as the megabyte and a half you’ll be allotting for this app. Why? Because it’s well-made, it’s easy to learn, it’s addictive, and it’s sure to convert the uninitiated (e.g. me).
Speed Fiend is so intuitive that you’d know right away that in order to put a card from your hand on top of one of the two center cards you just have to drag-and-drop it into position, and you just have to tap on your reserve pile to draw another card. That’s how easy it is to play. And since the game is called Speed, you do both as fast as you can to beat your opponent, as the first player who gets rid of all his or her cards wins the game. The ‘how to play’ option of the app will tell you these and more.
The game can be adjusted to be played in one of nine difficulty levels; if you could manage to play a card against the AI on Level 9, I’d very much like you to check and see if you’ve been harboring a microprocessor underneath your cranium. An option that lets you choose whether to place the reserve pile on the left or on the right is also available, very helpful if you happen to be left-handed since the position of the reserve pile defaults at the left, which means you’d have to drag cards with your less dominant right hand. Unfortunately, however, the app does not allow for a dual player mode, where you could play against a friend face-to-face or even a stranger over Wi-Fi, yet (my fingers are crossed on this one). A record of the top speed for each level would be a great addition as well.
Truth be told, I kept ignoring this app the first few days it was on my iPhone. But when my finger finally found its way on the flaming spade icon on Day 6, I could barely put the game down. And, mind you, that’s saying a lot, considering that I’m new to the game and I’m not a big fan of card games in particular. So whether you’ve played Speed for more than half your life or just about to play your first game, Speed Fiend will absolutely please you faster than you can say, "What’s On iPhone."
Quick Take
Value: Medium
Would I Buy Again: Absolutely
Learning Curve: Very Low
Who Is It For: Fans of the Speed card game, as well as those who want to start learning (and liking) it
What I Like: Habit-forming, runs smoothly
What I Don’t: No dual player mode, no top speed stats
Final Statement: Speed Fiend promises ease and addictiveness, and it has both in spades.
My Rating: 4/5
O U R T A K E . . .
