Texas Cheat 'Em is a game that has an interesting angle to a already tired genre on the downloadable front: card games. While a traditional Texas Hold 'Em game is already available on the 360, developer Wideload Games added an inventive feature: the ability to cheat. While this supposed depth is fun in the beginning, it gets old pretty quickly and this game does not have enough tricks up its sleeve.
The game allows players to, among other things, steal opponents chips, change your cards for better ones and take a peek at opponents' hands. The ability to cheat isn't unlimited, so you must pick and choose when to use your abilities. Other players have the same ability as you, so it is important to keep your eye on what is happening even when it is not your turn. Tutorials are aplenty, making sure players know what's going on.
A "ho-hum" single player mode is available but it is not much fun waiting for the computer to make its next move. Any enjoyment from Texas Cheat'Em will be from the online play. Up to eight real life people can compete and the action is frenetic.
Another factor holding this game back is the presentation and visuals. There is nothing dynamic about this game and playing can become downright boring because of the lack of visual effects.
It seems like this title could have been a mode or an add on to an existing game. The last poker game to come the XBLA game was free for a limited time. The same cannot be said about this one. The $10 asking price is too much to plunk down for this shallow card game.
Note: This game was reviewed on the Xbox 360.
Pros: Fresh, new idea to card game genre
Cons: Not enough variety to warrant $10 price tag
Sound: 4.0
Control: 3.5
Graphics: 2.5
Fun Factor: 3.25
The Info - Platform: XBLA and PS3, Publisher: D3 Publisher, Developer: Wideload Games, ESRB: T, Players: 1-8, Price: 800 MS Points or $10
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