[BabeSlayer]

World Series of Poker Review by Finch150

World Series of Poker: Tournament of champions
2007 Edition

To start this review i have to say that when a poker video game comes out it isnt widely accepted because most people assume or believe that computer A.I will never match the intelligence of a human player. However this game aspires to change this, So this game has some proving to do. But because this is such an ambitious game the "World Series of Poker" has licenced a number of Poker Pro's to appear as opponents and one special player to appear as your mentor.


The story consists of travelling from casino to casino taking part in each casino's tournaments, which ultimately lead to landing a place in the "Tournament of Champions". However you are mentored by Chris "Jesus" Ferguson, who also offers some tutorial videos should you need them. The story feels slightly too long and the poker does get repetitive aswell as the commentary, which consists of about 5 phrases which are repeated over and over. Ther are various poker "Tools" you can unlock (Hand stats, Outs etc) but anyone profiencient in poker wont require this extra help

The charecter creation tool deserves a mention as it is quite deep, not enough to rival games like FNR 3 or Saints Row but still impressive. The "DigiMask" function is awesome because with just two snaps of your face the game puts you face on a ingame charecter, which can also be used in multiplayer. You can also customise your very own "Poker Room" with various furnishings and the like. There are ofcourse all kinds of clothes and accesories with which to make your player resemble yourself that little bit more!


Now the most important part, the A.I. The A.I is surprisingly good and even on Semi-pro still provides a decent challenge, they react as they should do according to their hands rank, their chip amount and various other things. They also know how to bluff which is good, however they also are able to read when you are bluffing. For example if you take to long to take your turn they will try and calulate if you are bluffing. However it does have its occasional glitchs like people going all in with a pair of two's or jack high, also sometimes the aniamtion for the "Chip throwing in" doesnt actually match the proper amount.


Last but not least, maybe most importantly the multiplayer. The multiplayer is excellent and puts the arcade game "Texas Hold'em" firmly in the shade. The lobby system is one of the best ive ever seen, showing each person's individual camera footage. Also during the actual game, when it is your turn your camera shows you face (or room) to all watching. Digimask charecter and customised poker rooms can be used which is a nice touch. Multiplayer comes in the main two flavours "Ranked" or "Player", which "TrueSkill" dictating who you play in Ranked.


Story: 7/10 (Exciting and enjoyable but ultimately repetitive)

Gameplay: 7/10 (Just plain poker, pure and simple)

Graphics: 8/10 (Detailed and Textured, pretty good facial emotions too)

Multiplayer: 9/10 (Some of the best features around in any game, just plain fun)

Overall: If you like/enjoy/poker (like me) this could be the game for you, A great game overall. Very under-rated by most people, this truly is a diamond in the rough

7.5/10