World Series of Poker: Tournament of Champions

"WSOP: Tournament of Champions"

I love poker, so I figured why not. A poker game for my 360, this should be fun.

Sound: 7.5
The ambient sounds are spot on for a game of this type and the voice acting is not to bad as well, pretty solid, no bad marks here.

Graphics: 8
This is a real high point. Finally the use of the XBOX Vision Camera is revealed. Creating a character that actually has your face on it is just awesome. Nothing like actually seeing yourself in a WSOP tourney. The poker room and the final table presentation is great and really adds a wonderful atmosphere to the game.

Controls: 9
It's pretty simple really anyone can figure it out in a snap and be off and running in no time at all.

Game Play: 5
If the game lacks it's definitely here. If you are a real serious poker player then stay away, this is definitely for the more casual gamer. I have years of poker under my belt so I figured I'd start right on Professional level. The AI is simply ridiculous on this level, I can't tell you how frustrating it is. For instance, A-K is my hand and I make a descent sized bet pre flop. One person calls and the flop comes A-K-5. I make another good sized bet to which the CPU instantly calls. The turn brings a 4. this time I make a very sizable bet and the CPU re-raises, I then push all in with my Aces and Kings. The CPU calls just to find that it played a gut shot straight hand of 6-2 and the river lands them a 3 for the straight.

All too often this happens (Even Pre Flop the best hand loses more often than not)so my suggestion would be even to the hardcore poker player to start on Medium skill level. (Medium feels more realistic but not easily beatable)

Replay Value: 5
Really once you finish the career mode thats it. There is no multiplayer on this game which I feel absolutely kills the chance of a descent score for this game.

Like I already stated, If you are a serious player then stick to Hold Em for the XBLA... But casual gamers beware this may be too easy on the lowest difficulty and controller throwing worthy on the hardest.

Final Score: 6

Reviewer's Score: 6/10, Originally Posted: 06/22/07