Official Website

Platform: PSP, PlayStation 2, Xbox, PC CD-ROM

Genre: Strategy - Card/Casino Games

Number of Players: 1 (2 - 8 via Ad-hoc)

For some reason, casino style games are something of a rarity on the home consoles. Poker has been a huge success lately; thanks to the numerous network shows that are broadcast these days, but a game with something a little more is usually relegated to the PC or online play. Namco however has the cure for that, and if you’ve been craving some casino action but don’t want to make the trip to Vegas or Atlantic City and come home broke, this is the cheapest way to go . . . even though you can’t trade the money in for the real thing.

Payout Poker & Casino and notice that poker is in the title (thus increasing sales I’m sure) is the first multi-game gambling title to hit the PSP. While there’s not a story in the classic sense, the game does offer some rather unique aspects. You won’t just be putting in a name for yourself, but you will actually create a character, male or female, complete with a number of different “fashion statements” to add a more vibrant flavor. Once you’re set, it’s off to the casinos, but not all at once.

The real trick to Payout Poker & Casino isn’t just winning money, but it’s earning stars in order to unlock the other casinos available in the game. While four may not seem like a huge number (and there actually may be more than that), the challenges aren’t always as simple as what you might assume, and they change in each location. For instance, Blackjack at one casino may reward you a star simply by getting blackjack, another you may need to win on a 10 or less, and elsewhere you may need to win a certain amount in one hand. You also may find that while one casino will give you stars on a certain game while another may not have any stars at all. Achieving the goals will help you unlock other casinos in the game and there is a total of 220 that can be earned. Once you’ve accomplished that, you will receive a special reward (and I have no idea what that is at the moment, so don’t even email and ask.)

Since you have a character that you’re in control of, you will be able to freely walk the casino to other games. There are some entertaining aspects about this, and let’s say you’ve lost a great deal of money for example, you character will have a more depressed look about him, hanging his head, instead of being more upbeat. If you’ve lost a bundle on a high stakes game of craps, I’m sure you’d be upset as well. What I don’t like however is that you can’t actually run. I’d love to be able to get place to place faster, but I’m not allowed to do so. Also, since there are other people seen talking amongst one another, you’d think that you can interact with them, but you can’t. Throwing in a RPG type of element really would have been a nice touch. You can at least listen to what they have to say though, but a little more interaction really would have done wonders for the game.

What you’re undoubtedly wondering by now is what types of games does Payout Poker & Casino offer you? Obviously poker is on the list, though there are variations of the game. Texas Hold’Em is the big name in poker right now, and you’ll most definitely find that is a part of the gameplay, but there is also Omaha High, Tahoe, Super Hold’Em, Pineapple, as well as Crazy Pineapple. The rules differ in each game of course, and poker players, novice or pro, should have no problem adapting (though for me, I’m just not a poker player.) There is also video poker if you’d like to go for lower stakes. Also when you're playing your non-video versions of poker, you can essentially taunt or put on your best poker face by pushing L or R and then use the analog stick to select a number of different options in hopes of putting some heat on your fellow card players.

This is a game that’s about more than just poker however. Blackjack is present and accounted for, you can shoot a game or two of craps if the mood strikes you or spend some quality time with the slot machines (a quick way to earn some many in most cases.) Fancy a game of Baccarat or Redd Dogg? That’s not a problem, and you can hit those tables or try your luck on the Wheel of Fortune. No, not the one with the turning letters. If there are games that you are unfamiliar with, you will find that the rules are all included as well and can be accessed after pausing the game. Here you will also be able to see what stars you’ve earned and what certain games require.

But, what about all that money that you’ve earned? It can be spent at the boutique on new clothing and accessories for your character to give him or her a more unique look. And, what if lady luck just hasn’t been with you? You can always take out a loan from the cashier, though you will need to repay it. I’m going to tell you again though . . . . slot machines . . . fast cash.

Don’t expect much as far as graphics, and although they aren’t horrible, much of the visual aesthetics is spent on the game themselves, not necessarily interiors or characters. This isn’t a game however that is looking for over-the-top visuals, but instead just good, solid gameplay, and that’s exactly what it delivers.

Payout Poker & Casino is about as much fun as you can have gambling without risking the title to your home or car, and the fact that it’s not just about poker is great for those of us who really have yet to understand why everyone is suddenly so fascinated with the game (though I’d chalk it all up to the media forcing it to everyone and people following along like sheep.) This is a game where two hours can breeze by without even realizing it, something I can testify to with my seemingly endless slot machine marathon. Payout Poker & Casino is the Vegas Stakes of the PSP and it’s one of the safest bets on the system.

-mike-