The Inventory is a place of wonder, riches, and luck. If you're a card shark it's the go to place for high stakes Texas Hold'Em with gaming celebrities. As the mysterious "Player" you will face off against Max, Strong Bad, The Heavy, and Tycho in a battle of wits and deep pockets.
Poker Night is a single-player experience in which you compete in knockout style tournaments. Each player starts off with $10,000 as the buy-in, but on occasion they can barter and put an item of value up instead. If you can successfully knock out said player during the current tournament you will win their item. These items have greater value than simple in-game collectibles as you can import them to Team Fortress 2. Don't fret though as the items will show up periodically if you miss your current chance! In addition to collecting each players item you can unlock 16 table and 7 card designs.
Poker Night earns top marks when it comes to character design and voice acting. The main cast looks like they've been pulled straight out of their game universe and are voiced by their original actors. The interaction between characters is another high point as all dialogue is spoken. This leads to interesting and unique conversations depending on which characters are still playing. On the flip side it means you'll hear the same lines consistently if you play often. I find muting all volume options and listening to music can be a safe alternative.
The AI does have bluffs and tells which are useful once you figure them out, but the luck and random elements should always be taken into consideration. The AI players also have a tendency to taunt you for folding or checking to follow up by doing the same themselves with a smile. It doesn't have an effect on the game, but just one of the little quirks that stand out.
Poker Night is one of the better options for gamers looking for a single player Poker game they can easily drop in and out of. The overall package is far from perfect, but you can't ask for more from a $5 title that regularly goes on sale.
- Price: $5.49 CAN
- Steam Achievements: Yes - 20
- Steam Trading Cards: No
- Hours Played Before Reviewing: 100