PlayStation 3

World Series of Poker 2008: Battle for the Bracelets

Almost as good as pocket aces, World Series of Poker 2008: Battle For the Bracelets further strengthens Activision's claim to the best poker franchise around. Computer AI is still as solid this year around, and the inclusion of Player of the Year points for the career mode and redone presentation, coupled with online rivals makes this game one of the best poker games out there. If you're looking to polish up your skills before you hit Vegas, or want an engaging card game, you'll want to check this one out.

This year’s World Series of Poker 2008: Battle for the Bracelets is arguably the best poker game on the market these days. The enhanced AI and depth of the career mode make the game more than just poker. However with the overlooks of the few visual effects, it has room for improvement in the coming editions. For those who enjoy great poker against their favorite television stars, this game should be at the top of their list.

World Series of Poker 2008 has a lot going for it, if you enjoy playing Poker. If you don’t, then you probably don’t have any interest in the game. If you want to learn how to play correctly being dipping your toes into betting Poker games, this would be an excellent tool to learn, and a way to not lose money through playing with a bunch of buddies for real money. Still, you will need to remember that it is a time investment because of how long the tournaments can go.

This is the single best console poker game I have ever played. It’s still limited graphically and could use better background music, but the amazing AI makes this game what it is, realistic. It is the most entertaining single-player poker game available today, but I think it’s still overpriced at this point.

"World Series of Poker 2008" ist nichts für zwischendurch. Nur wenn Sie viel Zeit und Geduld mitbringen, können Sie Siege feiern. Die Grafik ist eher zweckmäßig, aber immerhin sind die "echten" Poker-Asse gut zu erkennen. Dass Ihre Spielfigur teilweise verzögert auf Tastenbefehle reagiert, nervt allerdings sehr. Die beiden Kommentatoren sind leider nur in englischer Sprache zu hören und haben ihren Wortschatz seit den Vorgängerspielen nicht erweitert - die Kommentare sind die alten. Da hätte sich der Hersteller durchaus etwas mehr Mühe geben können. Dass Sie während eines Turniers nicht jederzeit abspeichern können, ist ein weiteres Ärgernis. Da bleibt Ihnen nichts anderen übrig, als den PC weiterlaufen zu lassen, wenn Sie an der Stelle weiterspielen wollen, an der Sie die Partie unterbrochen haben. Was bleibt ist ein solides Pokerspiel, bei dem aber immer noch eine Menge Potenzial verschenkt wurde. Alles in allem ist das nur "befriedigend".

World Series of Poker 2008 is aimed at poker players and doesn't reach out to a broader base. With that in mind, WSOP succeeds for those targeted consumers. To its benefit, you are able to sit down with poker stars without having to put a third mortgage on your home and you can hone your skills by using the neat poker tools to play the odds. Online is the best thing this title has going for it because it offers something playing cards with your friends can't, picking out opponents from far and near and trying to bluff your way to the top. The graphics and animation are inconsistent and look dated. You can't fault the game for being shallow, because it is what it is – a card game. It is hard to get past how tame WSOP 08 is but poker players will find something they can chew on.