I usually don't find myself playing cards that often. Whenever I hit Las Vegas, I'll prefer something of a more high-tech nature for my entertainment. You see, years ago, I decided to give high-rolling a try, and while I found the rush of excitement to my liking, I wasn't too appreciative of the financial downfall I took. So it kind of swore me off really taking money and putting it where my mouth was in terms of gambling. However, I admit, I've taken a bit of fascination to the growing sport of Texas Hold 'Em Poker. It's a variation on poker where the player holds two cards, and, in dramatic fashion, five cards are laid on the table, and the best-of-five come into play. The highest hand takes the pot after the build-up is complete, and then it's on to the next hand. It's simple in how it's built, but it's how it's executed where the flair comes in. Cocky players, newcomers, they all come in and play their way, and it's become so big that we see poker tournaments and such on TV all the time.

Now we'll see a wide variety of Texas Hold 'Em Poker-based video games coming our way, from Stacked! to Golden Nugget to the first title down the line, World Series of Poker from Activision. It's licensed on the TV show of the same name, focusing on high-risk players who enter a game and then place their bets accordingly depending on their hands. The difference this time, of course, is that you can only see your hand in play as the cards come down, and it's a matter of judgment calls in how to hold 'em and how to fold 'em. The computer opponents can be wily, though- maybe a bit too much for their own good.

That's one thing that really bugged me about World Series of Poker, the little things that the computer does so well over you. Granted, I can understand that Left Field wanted to implement some challenge in a poker game, but it's ridiculous how you have a hand built up so high, they re-raise on you, and next thing you know, you're all in and get shut down by a seedy higher hand by some Texan lady or high-attitude player. Their behavior in terms of raising and folding seems to be on the down side a little bit. It's never really to the point that it distracts you entirely from play, but it can really shoot you down in a moment's notice- especially in a tournament where all you want to do is build through your ranks.

Past that, the only other real annoyance I had with the game was its presentation. It wasn't anything miserable, mind you, but there were times it looks like a few corners were cut with character designs and quotes from the players. They don't randomize enough, saying things too often like "You better be careful, I'm gonna call you sooner or later" over and over. However, it's a mild issue. The fact that randomly generated players come in is a nice touch, and change up all the time so you don't read a person too easily. The presentation leans a little on the side of the TV show, complete with camera cutaways, dealer actions, reactions from the players (good and bad, courtesy of a neat little picture-within-a-picture display), and a ticker that tells you who the high table winner is and who leaves. Lon McEachern lends his talents to the game, speaking mildly and giving the occasional praise or criticism, but there's no sign of Norman Chad. He's been replaced by some schlub who isn't too bothersome, but you know it's not Chad. Ahh, well.

Where World Series of Poker is bound to win you over is with its options, which is almost like a treasure chest to hardcore poker players. First off, you're given the ability to build your own player, which actually has a comedic effect to it. You can just go ahead and build yourself, or really invent a personality of sorts. Mine is a Larry the Cable Guy-like dude who has a way with the ladies. Well, okay, there's no ladies to have the way with, but if there were, he'd rule. The options are pretty wide open for creation, and it's surprising to find it in a game such as this.

There's also the ability to create your own custom tournament, choosing the type of players you play against as well as subtleties. It's an enjoyable quirk that I'm sure poker faces everywhere will want to delve into. For those a bit lazier than that who just want to play, you can instantly start up a Texas Hold 'Em match or take part in a number of events in Career Mode, where you attempt to build your great poker legacy (or, of course, lose and end up in 1,761th place). Everything from the Tokyo Showdown to the High Roller Challenge is included for your pleasure, and the fact you can choose from so many is good.

The gameplay is nothing scientific. It's Texas Hold 'Em Poker, plain and simple. There are some tactics that come into play, allowing you to "bet all", "fold", "check", and even raise if you think your full house rules everything, and the interface is very easy to get into. Playing against the computer opponents can get tiresome, however, so it's nice that you have the option to play against multiple players either with System Link or online via Xbox Live. It's great to see Activision open the door to online possibilities and not just keep everything in a contained house.

World Series of Poker isn't going to set your world on fire. It's got a mostly generic presentation that lacks any sort of keen current generation polish, and there are times that computer opponents can just be ridiculous with their tactics and taunts. However, thanks to the additions in creativity and the options to play against others in the same living room or online, it still delivers greatly. And it's only $30 on the wallet, which is definitely a safe bet considering that you can easily drop $10,000 in a single hand. This option doesn't look so bad after all.