World Championship Poker 2 raises the stakes @ Gaming Target

Written by John Scalzo on May 10, 2005

News: Crave signs 7 of poker's greatest to World Championship Poker 2.

Crave Entertainment today announced World Championship Poker 2 Featuring Howard Lederer for the PS2 and Xbox this fall.

Crave also announced that the title would feature seven exclusive poker pros: Howard Lederer, Greg Raymer, Clonie Gowen, Amir Vahidi, Paul Darden, Robert Williamson III, Matt Savage and it also includes Annie Duke, who is not exclusive.

World Championship Poker 2 creates a new way to play video game cards as it is almost a poker RPG with some very deep storylines and modes of play:

Developed by Point of View, World Championship Poker 2 features a much more detailed one player game, where you now have to work your way up the ranks, starting in your mom's basement. Once you start winning and accumulating money, you can spend your winnings on increasingly better pads, and furnishings. Hit a losing streak, and you may have to hock your stuff to stay in the game. Other features of WCP2 include:

14 types of poker, including Texas Hold'em, Five Card Draw, Seven Card Stud and Pineapple

Different levels of simulation - "Real Deal" for the more experienced card shark and "Power Play" for the casual players

Active tell and bluff systems.

Third-person "TV" mode (including the popular in-bumper "card cam") or first-person mode to watch human and computer opponents more closely for signs of tells and bluffs

RPG-like upgradeable skill system

Detailed character customization feature - really put yourself in the game

More attitude - truly colorful color commentary including player controlled taunts, bluffs and tells

Poker tutorials, as well as hints and tips on strategy

Dynamic one player game - upgrade your pad and host online tournaments. Hock your stuff if you're desperate for funds for the next tournament

Both versions support online play with the PS2 version allowing players to use the EyeToy to really sit in on the game and Xbox version weighing in with Live Aware, Voice Chat and Scoreboards.

Both versions will retail for the budget price of $19.99.