The new PC gambling offering Vega$ Make It Big gently gets you into the swing of things with the tutorial level Welcome To The Strip.

Those familiar with this type of game could skip this level, but for those new to the scene it is very easy to follow and soon gets you in control and knowing your way around.

Next comes a couple of easy scenarios to build your confidence, giving you the opportunity to take control of your casino, which definitely gives a greater interest to the game than just the building and repairing chores.

Once built, you are able to go into your new money making establishment, and have full control over which ways to extract money from your prey (visitors).

You can put in slot machines, poker, blackjack tables, sports bet lounge, roulette, the list is endless. But once you've got your customers in there, keeping them happy is another thing, give them a bar, but don't forget to put toilets in or it could get messy.

A nice touch is the zoom feature that works either in or out of the casino, and this lets you get closer to the action.

Tony reckons the game gets better as you play through.

However this feature does mark a shortcoming in the game - the variety of the Vegas townsfolk seems to be a bit limited, you quite often end up with six mustard cardigan wearing old grannies around one table who totter off hunch backed looking to have a sit down after they've blown their pension.

If you don't want this sort of clientele in your casino, try raising the minimum stake at the table (not that I have got anything against old people you understand).

Anyway, back to the gameplay. Although the main source of income comes from your casino, as long as you keep your punters happy, other sources both bring in extra cash and also add to your plots attraction.

Choices are vast and range from the boring car park through to night-clubs, restaurants, cinemas, topless revue (a politically correct strip joint), health spas, and even a museum (Vegas being the historical town it is).

After finishing the first three levels, which took just over an hour, there are then ten more, all with varying scenarios that test your business savvy against some mean competition.

If you want to just build your perfect plot though you can use the Sandbox mode which takes out the direct competition, and gives you an almost free reign to build your ideal money making empire, placing in some nice lawned areas with fountains, with plenty of seats for the grannies.

Overall I found the game enjoyable, especially as you get further into the game and can become more creative with your designs of the plot. With both types of play, either with the tough competition, or in Sandbox mode, it caters for both people that want a good challenge, or just to be creative.

7/10

Tony Bravo

GAME SCREENSHOTS