You can learn more about the game "STACKED Poker" during a half hour special premiering on Friday, June 2nd at 9 PM on MTV2 and Saturday, June 3rd at 9 PM on MTV.
I'm still on the STACKED Poker interactive video game bandwagon - anxiously awaiting a copy to try out while wearing my new poker hat. I have a feeling I may be ousted by some the more adept and avid game players in the house.
One of the neat things about Texas Hold'em is you can play at any level - depend solely on luck (until it runs out), learn a little and play with your friends semi-competitively or take it to any level your ability and desire allow. There's some really smart people that play this game - some young like Daniel Negreanu and some oldtimers like Doyle Brunson who have been at it since they were knee-high to a grasshopper.
If you are anything like me (a very amateur poker player) you mostly like to watch Texas Hold'em on T.V. - but think it would be fun to play an interactive video game, without real moolah at stake, with your friends, against a famous Texas Hold'em player or against the table. STACKED Poker allows you to do that.
Sure a deck of cards and some chips would get you some of that, but you don't get the chance to learn from the pros, unless you happen to know some savvy card players who are willing to coach a rookie - in which case you probably aren't reading this blog - but are sitting at a table with your green eyeshade pulled low pondering your next move.
The PR for this new game sounds good -
"STACKED has the most advanced artificial intelligence system ever utilized in an interactive poker product, developed from over ten years of university research in game theory, machine learning, and opponent modeling. It uses the largest tournament system ever offered in a console poker game, and will be available May 30th, 2006 on X-Box, PS2, PSP, and PC."
“STACKED is the perfect way for a beginner to learn poker,” says Negreanu. “It won’t disappoint the advanced players either, especially when they have to face off against me!”
"STACKED with Daniel Negreanu is the first video game to bring next-generation gameplay and broadcast quality production to Texas Hold ‘em Poker.
As the premiere state-of-the-art multiplayer 3D tournament poker title, STACKED will immerse players in the excitement and drama that has become synonymous with the sport that has been recently crowned “America’s new national pastime.”
Learn the basics of Texas Hold 'em and refine your game against Pokibot, the most advanced Artificial Intelligence system ever utilized in an interactive poker product.
Develop your skills with world-class tournament strategies and real-time guidance from poker's prevailing star, Daniel Negreanu. Go head-to-head against David Williams, Evelyn Ng, Josh Arieh, Carlos Mortensen, Erick Lindgren, and Jennifer Harman as you progress towards a championship title in career mode, before taking on Daniel in a final showdown.
Compete online against millions of poker players from around the world in MTV STACKED Masters, the largest tournament system ever offered in a console poker game. Qualify for sanctioned events, where you could challenge the best of the best, and build an online career worthy of enshrinement in the STACKED Hall of Fame™.
Game Features
• Exclusively licensed Artificial Intelligence system that adapts to your playing style in real-time, developed from over ten years of university research in game theory, machine learning, and opponent modeling.
• Daniel Negreanu's Poker School provides the player with expert instruction on all aspects of Hold 'em, through full-motion video, voiceovers, and scripted in-game sequences.
• Accurately modeled 3D environments and characters based on real casinos and licensed professionals.
• Professional broadcast design recreates the spectacle and drama of televised poker.
• Sanctioned online tournaments, league ladders, and in-depth statistical tracking systems will generate limitless hours of competitive excitement in MTV STACKED Masters.
• Communicate during online play with text messaging, voice communication, and character mannerisms using contact sensitive action buttons.
• Interoperability between the PlayStation 2 and PSP system versions of STACKED will allow players to sync their single player game, maintaining their progress on both platforms whether they choose to play at home or on the road. Utilizing breakthrough new technology, players will also be able to compete online against opponents on either platform, enhancing the overall level of competition while expanding upon the game’s online community."
Disclosure - The author has been offered a free party hat and a few other small goodies as a promotional fee. The game just came out May 30th and I don't have a copy yet. If it turns out to be bogus I'll let you know.
