There is no shortage of poker games to choose from on Xbox Live, whether you’re going all in with the free Texas Hold ‘Em or trying a different variation of the game, such as the underappreciated Texas Cheat ‘Em. Microsoft’s latest effort, however, manages to outshine them all. That’s because Full House Poker isn’t just about the game, but the presentation surrounding it. This is one of the better games on the Xbox Live Marketplace to utilize Avatars. Here, you can use your in-game character to move from table to table, earning some justifiable winnings and unlocking a slew of content using a well-balanced XP system. Even when you’re on a cold streak and losing hand after hand, you’re still earning proper credit towards unlocking stuff in-game, including Avatar goods (to improve your so-called “poker face”) and a virtual casino of your very own (though the default ones aren’t half bad).
This system helps bring you back more and more into the game, even if you’re not that big a fan of the sport. What’s great about Full House Poker is that it’s far more accessible than other games in the card-dealing genre. Not only is it impeccably social when it comes to playing in online tournaments and matches, but it’s also very user-friendly towards rookies, complete with tutorials that walk you through how to play and a quick guide that pops up (with a press of the left shoulder button) to show you what cards are worth. The only thing that throws this off is the somewhat spotty AI behavior, as computer-driven players have a tendency of going all in on a Queen High hand or trying to raise on an otherwise pointless battle of bluffs. (Luckily, the online component makes up for this, with plenty of players able to join in your custom matches.) Along with the unlockable content and mostly balanced gameplay, Full House Poker also has a lot to offer on the tournament front, with a variety of tables available, as well as the option to create your own.
It isn’t as social an experience as, say, Microsoft’s previous 1 vs. 100, but it’s just about as fun, and lets you keep better track of your friends when it comes to keeping an eye on their bankrolls. Presentation isn’t the greatest in the world, as the menu screen tends to slow down a bit upon start-up and some character reactions tend to repeat. (How many times can you show the same “poker face” in a match?) Regardless, the casinos look outstanding, and the ways you can customize your Avatars with hilarious goods (dibs on the mustache) really do add some flair. It’s easy to keep track of your cards too, thanks to an interface where everything is neatly displayed. The music could’ve been better, but you can always play your own, and the sound effects are authentic in terms of casino atmosphere, right down to the “fwit” of the cards. For only 800 Microsoft points ($10), Full House Poker is definitely worth investing in, whether you’re a high roller that makes frequent visits to Vegas or a newcomer looking to become the next big thing on the world poker tour. There’s something for everyone here, and despite a few blemishes, it’s one of the better games in town. Ante up.
