Yacht: A Classic Dice Game
Yacht is a free casino game developed by indie creator Nathan North. Inspired by the classic Yahtzee, this dice game was specifically designed for the Playdate handheld gaming console. The objective of the game is to roll dice and achieve the highest combined score possible by creating the best combination of dice in each round.
Gameplay
Yacht shares some similarities with poker-based games like Governor of Poker 3 or Prominence Poker. Players aim to create the "perfect hand" by forming the best possible combination of dice and scoring as high as possible each round.
Roll the Dice
The game uses five dice per roll, and the goal is to score points based on specific combinations, much like Yahtzee or Poker Dice. Some of the point-winning hands in Yacht include a Full House (25 points), Large Straight (40 points), or Yacht (50 points). Given the large number of possible combinations, the gameplay offers a high level of strategy and excitement.
Visually, Yacht features retro LCD bit graphics, bringing a nostalgic feel to the Playdate console. The game also includes options for adjusting animation speed and reducing flashing effects for a more customized experience.
Installation and Development
Yacht requires manual sideloading to the Playdate, but the developer provides a detailed guide to help you through the process. Keep in mind that the game is still in active development, meaning future updates will bring bug fixes and new features. It would be interesting to see the Playdate’s signature crank mechanism integrated into the gameplay in future versions.
Yahtzee Revival
If you enjoyed the electronic handheld version of Yahtzee in the past, Yacht is a charming modern revival of the classic game. It looks great, plays just like the original, and offers helpful accessibility options to improve the gaming experience. For Playdate console owners, it’s highly recommended.