Game: Governor of Poker
Console: Nintendo 3DS
Developer: Youda Games
Release Date: 10th April 2014
I first encountered Governor of Poker as a flash game online, and was thus surprised to see it on the Nintendo eShop even as a cheap download. Nonetheless, I decided to try and find out if anything had been added since I last experienced the game. Players attempt to take over Texas by gaining a reputation at the poker tables, winning houses and saloons in high stakes games and tournaments, and beating the odds to become the most prolific player in the desert.
The one thing which is most important in making an enjoyable poker game is well programmed AI. A variety of tight, loose and above all intelligent players is essential to enjoyment, if players are to feel that they've actually achieved anything in beating the computer. In Governor of Poker, the computer opponents play with little care, betting on any and every hand that takes their fancy, making it difficult to players to judge good calls, raises and folds. This makes the game much harder to enjoy, as the majority of gameplay is poker.
The graphical presentation is cartoon like, and this undermines the serious vibe that most poker games like to portray. The issue with this whimsical presentation is that it matches the carefree attitude of many of the AI opponents and compounds it. Cartoon sound effects and wild west music also help to remind players that this was once a flash game.
Overall there are far better handheld poker games available (maybe not on the 3DS), and serious poker players will much prefer these. Governor of Poker doesn't really appeal to casual poker players as there are several hours worth of poker grinding involved in beating the game. With such a slim target market left, it's tough to see anyone who the game appeals to, despite competent programming.
Rating: 45/100
Grade: D
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