Poker Smash Review ( 10 out of 10 )

February 10, 2008 ... Review by Derek

XBLA
800 Points ($10)

Poker Smash is the best puzzle game on XBLA, and that's saying something considering the presence of Zuma, Puzzle Quest, and others. I even venture to say that with its feature heavy package and great take on a classic formula, it may be the best thing going on XBLA, period. Basically it takes the already great concept of the game Planet Puzzle League, and twists it. Instead of matching colored blocks, now you are trying to make poker hands; Flushes, Straights, 3 of Kind, etc. Added to that is a bullet-time feature that allows you to slow down the board for a limited time, and a challenge feature that gives you a set number of seconds to make specific hands for bonus points.

The game includes 3 single player modes; timed, action (endless), and puzzle, all of which are the bee's knees AND the cat's meow, as well as an excellent online multiplayer mode. The presentation and visuals are all top notch.

The only knocks on it aren't with the game itself. Twice while playing it crashed on me, and it looks to be nigh impossible to get a ranked game, and doing so is tied to one of the achievements. Very insignificant problems with a game you should buy. Now.

Scroggs.

Poker Smash (XBLA) At a Glance
	10	The Goods	Innovative puzzle action, amazing multi player, new challenges with every game.
		The Flaws	game has a tendency to freeze
	Kane & Lynch	The Verdict	Puzzle fans should grab this game as it will provide hours of replay for $10.

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