Poker Night 2 Review: All In

Game Reviewed: Poker Night 2

Release Date: April 24th, 2013

Developer: TellTale Games

Publisher: Telltale Games

Platform: [Reviewed: Xbox 360], PlayStation 3, PC

Genre: Card Game

Rated: M for Mature

TellTale Games has taken a short break from the zombies, which no one can overlook 2012’s Game of the Year, The Walking Dead.  While currently developing the highly anticipated new season and a new title called “The Wolf Among Us,” today was the release of a much calmer setting, Poker Night 2.

My initial impression was honestly, no zombies=no fun. But as I took Poker Night 2 for a spin, I began to wonder how did I overlook the first night? TellTale has surely upped their reputation since the TWD series.

At “the Inventory” Poker Night 2 calls out some of the best, and unforgettable characters in the gaming world. Brock Samson from Venture Bros, Sam and Max, Claptrap from Borderlands and Ash from Army of Darkness.  Oh then there is everyone’s favorite robotic figure, Portal’s GLaDOS! Moxxi from Borderlands even serves up a few drinks to quench your thirst at the bar.

Each game is quite entertaining regardless if you’re good or not at Texas Hold’em or Omaha. It’s literally a celebrity night out. I was even more impressed with the gameplay, the fluid dialogue that take place in-between every single game and GLaDOS limitless amount of sarcasm.

It’s an easy way to spend what you don’t have and enjoy yourself in the process. $20,000 grants you a seat in the tournament and pits you against well diverse players. While it’s fun and games, A.I. will do their best to call your bluffs, call a few of their own and pressure you into throwing in a few more chips than you can afford.

Earn different cards, chips and felt by going far or winning tournaments. You can also win special “bounty” items from the “treasure” by winning the tournament in which the item is laid at the table. Claptrap’s VGA Award for 2012 character of the year award was a must have that I’ve failed to win…. Darnit!

Surprisingly, Poker Night 2 was a game I dearly enjoyed until I felt the need to step away from the table. Multiplayer doesn’t exist here, which is possibly a good thing as the flavor of having key characters may have been missed. Borderland 2 and Team Fortress 2 items are achievable as well, cross promoting gamers back to Valve and Gearbox for more hours of entertainment.

You don’t have to be a fan of Poker to get a kick out of Poker Night, but you’ll definitely kill a lot of time here if you know the game. Spend your well earned money where you can make more money. Seriously, Poker Night was made for both strategic card players and gamers alike.

The Scores

Gameplay: 4/5

Visuals: 4./5

Audio: 4.5/5

Controls: 4.5/5

Value: 4.25/5

Overall Rating: 4/5