Reiner Knizia's Money Review
Price: $3.99
Version: 2.00
App Reviewed on: iPhone 3GS
Graphics / Sound Rating:





User Interface Rating:





Gameplay Rating:





Re-use / Replay Value Rating:





Overall Rating:





The rules are obviously a bit more complex than simply trading cash, but that’s the basic gist. Several different currencies are available, each with a range of values (20, 60, etc). The trick to winning is to gather up a bunch of the same kind of cash, thus netting larger amounts of points and hopefully beating out the competition. Each turn players are able to “bid” the bills they don’t want, and can then exchange them for either of the two lots in the middle of the table or another player’s bid. A lot of ducat-shuffling goes on in these games, but with enough planning and a little luck it’s possible to come out on top.
Money is a game that sounds simple, then looks complex in the How-To, and ends up being fairly simple anyway once the playing starts. Unobtrusive tips are always available to be ignored or to guide, and any pertinent information can be called up as needed with a tap or two. It also incorporates what’s called an “Elo Rating” system, which is similar to other ranking systems used by various gaming organizations including the US Chess Federation. This Elo Rating changes with each win and loss, easily allowing players to compare themselves to friends and rivals over Game Center. Pop-up rankings also help to keep competition lively.
When taken as a single-player card (cash) game with the potential for multiplayer in the future, Reiner Knizia’s Money is definitely a game worth playing. It’s much easier to learn than it first appears, and can be utterly absorbing if given the chance. It’s no multiplayer tour-de-force, sure, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t still a heck of a lot of fun.