Full House Poker Review

Full House Poker puts your Xbox Avatar behind the table as you bluff your way to try win the jackpot in offline and online games and Tournaments.

Full House Poker makes an original Texas Hold 'em game even more enjoyable and rewarding. As you win, your no just rolling in chips but also experience points. Even if you don't win a game or tournament you will still earn XP. Earning experience points will level you up an unlock snazzy rewards like in-game clothing, decks, venues , tricks and more. There's a ton of rewards and makes the game even more addictive than it already is.   

The difference between Full House Poker on XBLA to real life is that even if you lose you can still continue playing. Your always able to join a game and Online Tournament even if your low on chips. If you become busted you can use a reward called Life Preserve that gives you a second chance in the middle of a tournament.

The game is visually detailed and nicely set out in a 3d environment. As your Avatar and players take a seat you can move around the table from any angle with the analog stick. The room is lively with Avatar's chatting and waiters walking around with drinks. For something that is simply a poker game, it has been well designed and looks great.
    

I think my Avatar has a gambling problem.

The game can be played offline with AI opponents in a standard game or tournament. You can change the settings to your liking with different game formats and how many players at the table, that sort of thing. The real challenges offline are from the Pro takedowns. Here you must play one on one with a Pro and work your way though them to the All-Pro Tournament.

The game is a lot more enjoyable online though. You can play standard Ranked matches or Tournaments with up to 30 players and it's fun to show off your unlockable clothing and chip tricks.  

Texas Heat Schedules are where the fun really takes place. It has the same formula from the sadly missed 1 vs 100 and is nice to see it put to use. 
You can join a session at real set dates and times. Each session also has a theme, like a ladies night or boys night. As you win you will make your way up the tables playing against more skilled opponents. Once the session is over the game will tally up the scores to see who wins a Gold, Silver medal and a share of the jackpot. There's also some great commentary throughout.

It's hard to put down Full House Poker. With it's well detailed layout, unlockables and online features, this is definitely worth a purchase if your new to Poker or not.

Review by Gareth Smith