 | DO NOT BUY - bad hardware, bad software, hideous graphics, no support
rating: 1
Biggest drawback I've found is a bug when playing Omaha or Super Holdem, sometimes the game does not recognize my better hand on the showdown. This is particularly frustrating, when after long tournament play, you're nearing the final table, and you go all in, and there's a huge pot on the line, you've got a flush or a full house and you lose against two pairs for no apparent reason. After two or three of these errors, I thrashed the CD.
The standard Texas Holdem does not show this error, but the AI is very predictable. Your opponents check most of the time, they'll gladly check through three betting rounds with a straight at the flop. they hardly bluff, nor can they be bluffed easily. They'll gladly call for three-quarters of their stack with only a pair of threes. Play this game very conservatively, fold regularly, bet high on good hands, cut your losses if someone starts betting high, and you're sure to win. Not really fun gameplay though, the interest wears out pretty quickly. Nothing to do with real poker. You can only play your cards, never your opponent.
You can customize your character, but the graphics are not up to today's standards. Pick your clothes from the Salvation Army's store, choose any hairstyle currently popular in Uzbekistan, choose whichever deformity you think will scare your opponents. You might as well pick a random figure, anyone you create looks like they might be playing Bingo as well.
The commentary consists of five phrases, repeated over and over. The music is not up for a Grammy award either, so just turn the volume down, this will improve the quality of the game.
Oh, yeah, and I also had some instances of read error on the disc, and with reviews on other sites even speaking of damage to the laser, I thought it better to put my PS2 to other use.
I believe this game was developed on a minimum budget, without testing, produced in some sweatshop, to throw it on the market to take advantage of the current popularity of poker. Well they got my money this time, but sure I will never touch Crave products again.
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Ok, but not realistic
rating: 3
Unfortunately many of these games are not realistic. The only way to get that kind of experience is in a real cardroom or playing online. If you are going to play online, make sure you visit a site like www.gotbonus.com for more information.
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Not great but certainly worth the price tag
rating: 4
First off for the record i can't get enough of Poker, and this game for the most part is exactly what i wanted in a PS2 game. I don't plan on playing this online (lets face it there are alot of better online options then any console game could ever deliver) but as an at home single player game it's certainly a solid game.
The game does have a couple problems which keeps it from a better score though. Most importantly the computer controlled characters can be a little predictable (very few real players check as often as the A.I. does in the game) and i wish there were alot more options for types of games such as five card draw.
However despite those problems there is much to like such as the huge 60-100 person tournaments and the ability to track your long term success and build a bankroll.
A great practice tool for the beginner or the more experienced player and a nice relaxing change of pace from alot of the other games i enjoy playing.
If you love poker how can you really go wrong for $20?
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A Waste of Money!!!!!!
rating: 1
This game is a great How to Play learning guide because of the variety of Poker Games available but let's face it. Everybody is playing hold em these days. The offline play is horrible on it's most difficult setting. The play of the AI will never make since. The only place to have fun with this game is online and that has continued to do nonthing but get worse. I've completely stop playing this game there are just too many other free options that move alot quicker and it's easier to get games started. Setting up a game or finding a game to play in is by far the most difficult task and I'm almost never successful setting up one online, I'm always joining someone else game and sit & go's are never available. This game has a ton of potential should they choose to make another version for next it could be great. Possibly ad some multiple table options made be just what they need to do make hosting and joining games easier. They need to look at their internet competition and beat them. Online is where it's at for real gamers of any sort and this games online interface is horrible. Not to mention win you bust a player an a high limit the player simply shut's off his machine as not to lose the money he's played on choosing to record his positive earnings. There's no way to make people play the game the right or sort the good player from the bad player by virtue of their bank roll. Ex. You start a game with $100,000 and lose it, just turn off the game reload your character and bame theirs your money. This pronblem wrecks the gameplay not to mention what happens when that person is the host if the server doesn't migrate correctly then the entire game is fragged.
This review: was inspired by a review written on gamespot where the writer praised the online play. I was so appauled that I had to write a response everywhere I thought it counted. While you can find a game online with WCP alot of the time you are playing somene else's.
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Solid Game - If you like Poker
rating: 4
If you like Poker and the different variations then you will most likely enjoy this game. The customization of your character is pretty detailed and a nice touch. Other reviews have stated the game is too slow, I have not found this to be true. I would say the pacing is just about right. By tapping the X button you can move things along if you are out of a hand. Sit and Go games and tournaments are fun. Only gripe I could come up with(this is a amatuer level) is that computer player checks too much, keeping me in hands longer than I should if I am fishing for a card. A raise might have forced me out. Maybe at the pro level it is more agressive. Do not play online but I can guess it would be fun, but if just playing at home I still recommend. If you are trying to satisfy your poker jones this is a good start.
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