No Limit Texas Hold Em Poker

I've done other poker game reviews, and for the most part I have enjoyed them, since I really enjoy poker anyway. But the thing about these other poker games is that they have a certain amount of variance, in one way or another. Meaning that while you can play the very popular Texas Hold'em style of poker, there is some other form of poker game also playable, whether it be five card stud or straight poker or ... whatever. The point being that this handheld game is specifically designed with the Texas hold'em player in mind. So if you are interested in learning how to play, or just really enjoy Texas Hold'em then this may be your e-ticket. But then again, maybe it won't.

With a nice slim feel to it, the Saitek handheld is one of the better I have played. There is an easy button configuration with very "specific" buttons matched up to the various plays you make in poker. "Call", "Raise", "Fold" are some of them. The game also features a small speaker that you can activate if you so desire (more on the sounds below) and of course the other usual buttons. But for the 11 buttons the game has on it, it really does fit nicely in your hand no matter where you are. My first thought was that this little beauty would be the perfect companion for a plane trip since it features a removable faceplate cover that connects on the back. This is a nice feature for a handheld since I'm sure you all know how easily an LCD screen can get scratched up as it rides inside a jacket pocket or bag. Also, on the inside of the removable cover, there is a complete ranking of hands letting you know what the best hands are all the way down to the worst. Rule of thumb, don't be fooled into thinking that a simple handheld doesn't know how to bluff, it happened more then once.

The game features you playing against three computer controlled players, the game follows the standard rules of betting with small and big blinds and being able to call or raise. However, it doesn't take you very long to understand the game's computer players. And even though there is a supposed difficulty adjustment, I didn't see much difference when playing. The game also states that this handheld is for both beginners and veterans of Texas Hold'em; this simply is not true. My wife, who is not very familiar with poker had a pretty good challenge on her hands while playing. Now, I'm not saying I'm particularly awesome at Texas Hold'em, but I know what I'm doing, and my cash total clearly showed that.

The simple-looking display has no color, not that you need it, since poker isn't a graphically demanding game. The display is well organized and you can clearly see each card value; the suits, however, are not as easily seen and you will need to be careful while trying to work a flush. As each player takes their turn, their total amount of money is displayed in the bottom corner of the screen. Be sure you are paying attention or else you will think your winnings are someone else's. As far as the sound goes, the game only has a few canned sounds and beeps. I found that they really don't do the game any favors, so would routinely turn off the sound. Computer players have a habit of "Sighing".

The game has its strong points and its weak ones. I liked the fact that Saitek made a Texas hold'em-only poker game, but the difficulty just is not there, so it's almost a wash.

Gameplay: 5.9
It's pretty easy to pick up even if you only possess the bare minimum of poker knowledge. I wish the AI was actually tough to a semi-veteran player rather than predictable. The actual setup of the buttons is smooth and feels good in your hand even after an hour.

Graphics: 4.2
Like I said, any type of poker game isn't difficult to translate to a videogame, but the real pickle is that you have a hard time seeing what suits you have. The screen is good sized, so I can't figure out why they didn't utilize it more.

Sound: 3.0
Just turn it off, the simple beeps and other noises get old real fast. Besides, on an airplane or car trip, others around you would get ticked off at your obvious attempt to drive them insane.

Difficulty: Easy
Even though they say it, doesn't mean it's true. The difficulty option simply does not exist. After playing for a while, you will be able to figure out your opponents gambling pattern, and then exploit the heck out of it. 

Concept: 5.5
We have had handheld games like this for years. Sure this is the first time a Texas hold'em-specific handheld has been developed, but the end result falls flat.

Overall: 4.8
This is a $9.99 game, but if you actually go buy it, you will pay much more then that (the Saitek device retails for $49.95). I can't recommend this one for anyone except for maybe those wanting to learn Texas Hold'em, but then you'd still be paying too much.