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Games : Worth a Look
Ranking:
Release Date: September 4th, 2013 Movie Release Year: 2013

World Series of Poker: Full House Pro

Overview -

In 2011, Microsoft Game Studios released 'Full House Poker' a full-featured Xbox Live Arcade title that allowed players to not only play single-player poker action but more importantly, multiplayer game play that allowed casual social games or full-fledged tournament mode action. Two years later, following semi-regular DLC for 'Full House Poker,' the spiritual successor arrives on the Xbox Live Arcade in the form of 'World Series of Poker: Full House Pro' a (currently) free-to-play multiplayer-centric title that brings with it the commercial license of the world’s biggest professional poker organization.

OVERALL:
Worth a Look
Rating Breakdown
VIDEO
AUDIO
Tech Specs & Release Details
Technical Specs:
Digital Download
Video Resolution/Codec:
720p
Audio Formats:
Dolby Digital 5.1
Release Date:
September 4th, 2013

Video Review

Ranking:

The graphics of FHP are, well, honestly, merely acceptable, with in-game characters being little more than each user's individual avatar. The actual in-game action offers players a number of camera choices, with only one or two truly being acceptable. The rest of the game design fits the aesthetic of using the avatars and makes for a cartoonish, but inviting playing atmosphere. Fortunately, this also means glaring graphical hiccups (screen tearing or framerate drops) are a non-issue, with only occasional loading lag providing a less than seamless transition.

Audio Review

Ranking:

The audio side of FHP is perfectly in stride with the graphics, consisting of innocuous atmospheric effects and canned, corny music. In-game narration from World Series of Poker announcers is a nice touch but becomes quickly repetitive. Honestly, I wouldn't fault anyone for muting the in-game audio and putting on their own music, because aside from chatting with other players in game, the sound design of FHP barely registers on the radar.

The very idea of FHP being a generally free-to-play title makes it instantly appealing, and it is a bit shocking given that studio went the extra mile of getting the World Series of Poker license. As it stands now, it’s a fun time-waster, but not something I’d recommend to a serious poker player looking to kill a lot of hours. The lag issues and clunky loading are really the only things that makes this feel like a 'free' game. Unless a future patch fixes those issues, I couldn't recommend shelling out extra cash for premium in-game features, especially since most are cosmetic in nature (call me old-fashioned, but the leveling system just doesn't do it for me). FHP is a nice follow-up to its predecessor and the raw materials show the making of a solid, social gaming franchise.