Random Steam Review 1 - Poker Night at the Inventory

So here I go in what I hope is a continuing series of game reviews. No scores, no politics, just a simple answer to the question, "Should I buy this?"

Let's kick things off with Telltale's crossover card game spectacular, Poker Night at the Inventory. It's a Texas Hold 'Em elimination tournament with some guest stars from radically different universes. The Heavy Weapons Guy represents Valve's Team Fortress 2, while the rest hail from Telltale episodic adventure games of their own. Tycho shows up from Penny Arcade fame, Sam from the Sam & Max series, and Strongbad from the popular Homestarrunner.com site. All four are fully-voiced, snarky poker nemeses, and must be run into bankruptcy immediately.

PNatI (snazzy acronym) is a simple, but polished, poker game. It is the Raisin' Cane's of video games; It does one thing, but does it extremely well and with a ton of charm. You, as the mysterious "Player," must sit down in a jazzy club with four questionable psychopaths, and proceed to fleece them out of their money. There's no crazy gimmicks, no arcade-style twists, no magical cards. It's just a game of poker, albeit with a torrent of commentary thrown in. It's a great game to relax with. You can kick back, play at a leisurely pace, and listen to the banter tossed around between the characters and yourself. Banter which, by the way, is both hilariously self-referential and totally inside for hardcore fans. Your fourth wall is not necessary.

Since it IS such a basic game, replayability may become a factor. Fortunately, the game comes with quite a few unlockables. New table and deck designs can be unlocked, as well as four items for use in Team Fortress 2 if you're keen on that game. If you like poker, and can stand playing game after game, you should be fine. It won't keep my attention for very long after I've unlocked everything, but considering the game is a paltry $4.99, you really can't go wrong.

VERDICT: Buy it. Go ahead. Treat yourself. It's cheaper than a six pack of beer, and lasts a hell of a lot longer.