Pass the Pigs

If you enjoy playing Pass the Pigs with your friends or are curious about the rather imaginative ‘dice’ game, then you should certainly give the mobile version of the game a go.

OK, Pass the Pigs is a little bit of an obscure game to play and not quite as famous as other dice games are but variety is the spice of life and this is certainly the case when it comes to this game. The rules are simply being the first to accumulate 100 points by rolling a pair of pigs and tallying the score up. The pigs work as dice do except rather more like Celtic Rune stones do, e.g. depending on how they land or are positioned the score is interpreted. For example, a ‘sider’ (where the pigs land on their side) gives you 1 point, a ‘pig out’ (where the pigs land on opposite sides) you’ll lose all the points gained on the turn, a ‘razorback’ (when a pig lands on its back) is worth 5 points, a ‘double razorback’ (when both pigs land on their back) you get 20 points, a ‘trotter’ (where one pig lands on all fours) is worth 5 points, a ‘double trotter’ (where both pigs land upright) gives you 20 points, a ‘snouter’ (where a pig lands on its nose) gives you 10 points,  a ‘double snouter’ will award you 40 points, a ‘leaning jowler’ (a pig lands on its cheek) gives you 15 points, getting a ‘double leaning jowler’ will give you 60 points and an ‘oinker’ (where the two pigs end up touching) you’ll not just lose all points gained in that turn, but also all accumulated points gained previously.

Don’t worry if you can’t remember the scores or even the names of the various outcomes – it’s all done automatically by the computer. Also if you wish, there’s a tutorial which you can take full advantage of.

When playing the game you can play against up to 4 opponents should you wish, but you can play against the computer if you can’t find someone to compete with. The AI on the game can be set as either easy or advanced – meaning you’ll have half a chance or virtually no chance in winning. As with any game of luck or chance, there’s virtually no way of predicting the outcome and will effectively test your nerve as to whether you wish to end your turn or try to score more (but risk the points).

In any case, this game has more to it than simply the career mode where you get to unlock pig masks as a reward for your successes. The other game on offer in this title is ‘It’s a Pig’s Life’ where you have the option to roll the pigs for love or for money and watching your little piggy develop in front of your very eyes.

Ultimately this game is a quirky and enjoyable little game which will keep you entertained and playing for quite a while. With the two game modes on offer, you’ll have hours of fun without any doubt.

Rating 78%

Positives

Good graphics and good conversion from the small board game to the mobile

Pretty addictive – particularly the tamagotchi ‘It’s a Pigs Life’

Negatives

Novelty factor can get wear off due to repetition

Complex names and points