michelle strait asked:
I almost didn’t buy “World Series of Poker 2008: Battle for the Bracelets”. When it comes to Nintendo DS top games, there usually isn’t a casino game in the bunch. Why, you ask? It’s because most casino games are disappointing. This is not a casino game, but I figured it would be more of the same. Thankfully, I was wrong. This game is a union of portable gaming and poker that actually delivers the goods.
World Series of Poker (WSOP) in Your Home
The Nintendo DS version of World Series of Poker is based on the famous World Series of Poker (WSOP) tournament. Hundreds of poker players compete for a seat at the final table, with dreams of winning big bucks and a coveted gold WSOP bracelet.
Just like in real life, the game allows you to play against virtual versions of some of the top poker players. Annie Duke, Jennifer Tilly, Johnny Chan, and Phil Hellmuth are a few of the top poker players in the game.
Playing World Series of Poker 2008 for the Nintendo DS
The object of the game is to become a champion Texas Hold Em player. You reach the top by squashing your competition and winning all the tournaments.
Unless you’re great at Texas Hold Em, you’ll spend more time starting over than gloating over your victory. I’m not that good at Texas Hold Em, and you can tell by the number of times I go bust in this game.
There are different modes of play in the game. If you’re successful in Career Mode, you’ll eventually reach the main event. The main event in the game is like the final table in the real life tournament. I’ve never made it that far, so good luck to you.
After you have a few wins under your belt, professional players begin inviting you to various Vegas casinos for cash games. And there’s also a heads-up option where you compete one-on-on against six professional players. When you manage to beat all six of them, you face Phil Hellmuth. I’ve also never made it this far, so once again, good luck to you.
Playing Options
In addition to career mode, there are quick play and multiplayer options.
Quick play allows you to play short games without affecting any games saved in career mode. So if you’ve kicked **** in career mode, but tank during quick play, your career mode rating remains intact. And the quick play option lets you play with others nearby using a Wi-Fi connection.
Quick play is fun because you can customize your game. You can choose the number of players, pros or amateurs, starting cash, limit or no limit game, blinds, and location.
The Downside: Limited Poker Variations
If you’re looking to play poker games other than Texas Hold Em, this isn’t the game for you.
There are plenty of poker variations, but this particular game only includes Texas Hold Em. To play games such as Omaha or Stud, check out World Championship Poker, which is another good selection.
World Series of Poker 2008 also includes a helpful training option. This is great for people unfamiliar with poker, but who want to learn the game. Phil’s Poker School is a tutorial narrated by poker professional Phil Hellmuth. While you play a hand on the bottom screen, the top screen has a video of Phil Hellmuth giving you instructions.
In-Game Options
Other options under training include Same Hand Jam, which let’s you pick two hole cards (your starting cards) and play nine rounds with them. There’s also poker hand rankings and a Texas Hold Em guide.
Overall Rating: Five Poker Chips
I recommend World Series of Poker 2008 for poker players who love Texas Hold Em. The lack of game variation was a bit disappointing, but the superior training section made up for it. Overall, this game deserves a spot with other Nintendo DS top games.
Bruce
I almost didn’t buy “World Series of Poker 2008: Battle for the Bracelets”. When it comes to Nintendo DS top games, there usually isn’t a casino game in the bunch. Why, you ask? It’s because most casino games are disappointing. This is not a casino game, but I figured it would be more of the same. Thankfully, I was wrong. This game is a union of portable gaming and poker that actually delivers the goods.
World Series of Poker (WSOP) in Your Home
The Nintendo DS version of World Series of Poker is based on the famous World Series of Poker (WSOP) tournament. Hundreds of poker players compete for a seat at the final table, with dreams of winning big bucks and a coveted gold WSOP bracelet.
Just like in real life, the game allows you to play against virtual versions of some of the top poker players. Annie Duke, Jennifer Tilly, Johnny Chan, and Phil Hellmuth are a few of the top poker players in the game.
Playing World Series of Poker 2008 for the Nintendo DS
The object of the game is to become a champion Texas Hold Em player. You reach the top by squashing your competition and winning all the tournaments.
Unless you’re great at Texas Hold Em, you’ll spend more time starting over than gloating over your victory. I’m not that good at Texas Hold Em, and you can tell by the number of times I go bust in this game.
There are different modes of play in the game. If you’re successful in Career Mode, you’ll eventually reach the main event. The main event in the game is like the final table in the real life tournament. I’ve never made it that far, so good luck to you.
After you have a few wins under your belt, professional players begin inviting you to various Vegas casinos for cash games. And there’s also a heads-up option where you compete one-on-on against six professional players. When you manage to beat all six of them, you face Phil Hellmuth. I’ve also never made it this far, so once again, good luck to you.
Playing Options
In addition to career mode, there are quick play and multiplayer options.
Quick play allows you to play short games without affecting any games saved in career mode. So if you’ve kicked **** in career mode, but tank during quick play, your career mode rating remains intact. And the quick play option lets you play with others nearby using a Wi-Fi connection.
Quick play is fun because you can customize your game. You can choose the number of players, pros or amateurs, starting cash, limit or no limit game, blinds, and location.
The Downside: Limited Poker Variations
If you’re looking to play poker games other than Texas Hold Em, this isn’t the game for you.
There are plenty of poker variations, but this particular game only includes Texas Hold Em. To play games such as Omaha or Stud, check out World Championship Poker, which is another good selection.
World Series of Poker 2008 also includes a helpful training option. This is great for people unfamiliar with poker, but who want to learn the game. Phil’s Poker School is a tutorial narrated by poker professional Phil Hellmuth. While you play a hand on the bottom screen, the top screen has a video of Phil Hellmuth giving you instructions.
In-Game Options
Other options under training include Same Hand Jam, which let’s you pick two hole cards (your starting cards) and play nine rounds with them. There’s also poker hand rankings and a Texas Hold Em guide.
Overall Rating: Five Poker Chips
I recommend World Series of Poker 2008 for poker players who love Texas Hold Em. The lack of game variation was a bit disappointing, but the superior training section made up for it. Overall, this game deserves a spot with other Nintendo DS top games.
Bruce
