News
APP-EALING!
Dec 17 2009 12:51 PM EST
Occasionally at WSOP.com we will review products and books related to the great game of poker. Today we take a look at one of the hottest apps in the iTunes App Store, the new mobile poker game from Glu Mobile, that allows users to always find a poker game – wherever they may be.
Typically, it is hard to take these games seriously knowing that the designers have focused more on the game’s mobile functionality rather than creating a realistic poker experience. In many of these mobile versions, a weak computer AI makes it easy to manipulate the game while the random number generators of many are suspect. Also, the lack of depth and detail in most of these ports make it hard to keep one’s attention for long.
The designers over at Glu Mobile however, have got it right with their newest mobile poker game offering, World Series of Poker Hold’em Legend for the Apple iPhone and iPod touch. World Series of Poker Hold’em Legend is well-detailed, so much so that one could wonder if Glu hired someone like Chris Ferguson to lend his poker and computer engineering knowledge to the project.
After an hour or so of play, it is evident that the game’s computer AI is quite advanced and makes for a good challenge to your poker skills (real or self-perceived). For example, opponents making decisions based on position, are not quick to fold middle pair and will even re-raise you in correct situations. The game’s random number generator is such that pocket pairs are actually appreciated rather than expected as is the case with other mobile poker ports.
You even have the ability to replay hands, so you can relive monster hands and epic suckouts.
World Series of Poker Legend does a good job of utilizing the functionality of the iPhone and iPod touch too. Calling and raising are a cinch while folding requires you to simply drag your hole cards into the muck with your fingertip.
The game’s graphics are very attractive as well. Legend has an aesthetic in-game interface with an authentic poker feel. Players can choose from 54 avatars taken from real-life faces or you can submit your own photo to be used in the game as part of the ‘Show us your poker face’ initiative (see http://tinyurl.com/yhrg3k8 for details). Video is peppered throughout the game from the opening clip to busting out key opponents. Also, authentic video is used as you enter new playing venues. But be warned, when you play badly in spots like I did, the video snippets are both cunning and clever, and if you weren’t on tilt already, they may put you there.
Perhaps one of the game’s strongest points is its in-depth career mode. You start out with a $125 bankroll, slumming it at a hole-in-the wall gambling hall and must grind your way to the WSOP Circuit Events which include real-life locations such as Harrah’s New Orleans and Harrah’s Atlantic City.
This is where the game hits the mark. You will find yourself eager to invest hours into World Series of Poker Hold’em Legend, trying to build up your bankroll playing tournaments and cash games so you can be successful enough to play higher-stakes venues such as Caesars Palace and The Casino at the Empire in London on your way to poker’s biggest spectacle, the World Series of Poker Main Event at the Rio. You can even win the most coveted prize in poker, a WSOP Main Event bracelet!
Along the way, you will be further challenged trying to achieve career goals such as cracking an opponent’s aces or by rival players who for some reason would love nothing more than to see you go bust.
The game’s multiplayer function is a terrific addition to this new game. You can join a real-time 9-handed game against other iPhone or iPod Touch users or play a friend heads-up via Bluetooth.
The only area where World Series of Poker Hold’em Legend is stuck in the pack with the other mobile poker games is its lack of offering when it comes to poker variations other than hold’em. It would have been nice to see Omaha or Stud included in what otherwise is an excellent game.
Whether you are just learning the game or someone who takes the game seriously, World Series of Poker Hold’em Legend is definitely a must-have addition to your iPhone or iPod game collection.
World Series of Poker Hold’em Legend carries a one-time $4.99 cost. Based on just an hour’s play, I got my money’s worth. You should check it out at http://awe.sm/5UBC
Who knows, we may end up head’s up at the Rio with the bracelet on the line!
Try it now on your iPhone or iPod touch: http://www.wsop.com/iPhone
The designers over at Glu Mobile however, have got it right with their newest mobile poker game offering, World Series of Poker Hold’em Legend for the Apple iPhone and iPod touch. World Series of Poker Hold’em Legend is well-detailed, so much so that one could wonder if Glu hired someone like Chris Ferguson to lend his poker and computer engineering knowledge to the project.
After an hour or so of play, it is evident that the game’s computer AI is quite advanced and makes for a good challenge to your poker skills (real or self-perceived). For example, opponents making decisions based on position, are not quick to fold middle pair and will even re-raise you in correct situations. The game’s random number generator is such that pocket pairs are actually appreciated rather than expected as is the case with other mobile poker ports.
You even have the ability to replay hands, so you can relive monster hands and epic suckouts.
World Series of Poker Legend does a good job of utilizing the functionality of the iPhone and iPod touch too. Calling and raising are a cinch while folding requires you to simply drag your hole cards into the muck with your fingertip.
The game’s graphics are very attractive as well. Legend has an aesthetic in-game interface with an authentic poker feel. Players can choose from 54 avatars taken from real-life faces or you can submit your own photo to be used in the game as part of the ‘Show us your poker face’ initiative (see http://tinyurl.com/yhrg3k8 for details). Video is peppered throughout the game from the opening clip to busting out key opponents. Also, authentic video is used as you enter new playing venues. But be warned, when you play badly in spots like I did, the video snippets are both cunning and clever, and if you weren’t on tilt already, they may put you there.
Perhaps one of the game’s strongest points is its in-depth career mode. You start out with a $125 bankroll, slumming it at a hole-in-the wall gambling hall and must grind your way to the WSOP Circuit Events which include real-life locations such as Harrah’s New Orleans and Harrah’s Atlantic City.
This is where the game hits the mark. You will find yourself eager to invest hours into World Series of Poker Hold’em Legend, trying to build up your bankroll playing tournaments and cash games so you can be successful enough to play higher-stakes venues such as Caesars Palace and The Casino at the Empire in London on your way to poker’s biggest spectacle, the World Series of Poker Main Event at the Rio. You can even win the most coveted prize in poker, a WSOP Main Event bracelet!
Along the way, you will be further challenged trying to achieve career goals such as cracking an opponent’s aces or by rival players who for some reason would love nothing more than to see you go bust.
The game’s multiplayer function is a terrific addition to this new game. You can join a real-time 9-handed game against other iPhone or iPod Touch users or play a friend heads-up via Bluetooth.
The only area where World Series of Poker Hold’em Legend is stuck in the pack with the other mobile poker games is its lack of offering when it comes to poker variations other than hold’em. It would have been nice to see Omaha or Stud included in what otherwise is an excellent game.
Whether you are just learning the game or someone who takes the game seriously, World Series of Poker Hold’em Legend is definitely a must-have addition to your iPhone or iPod game collection.
World Series of Poker Hold’em Legend carries a one-time $4.99 cost. Based on just an hour’s play, I got my money’s worth. You should check it out at http://awe.sm/5UBC
Who knows, we may end up head’s up at the Rio with the bracelet on the line!
