Poker Smash

 Xbox 360
Poker Smash Image
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 13 Ratings

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  • Summary: [Xbox Live Arcade] Poker Smash is an action-packed puzzle game with a poker twist. Poker Smash expands on the traditional match-three puzzle mechanic with elements of one of the world's most popular card games: poker. Make vertical and horizontal matches by forming poker hands, and play in[Xbox Live Arcade] Poker Smash is an action-packed puzzle game with a poker twist. Poker Smash expands on the traditional match-three puzzle mechanic with elements of one of the world's most popular card games: poker. Make vertical and horizontal matches by forming poker hands, and play in seven different game modes, including multiplayer. Fast and fluid controls paired with radical features such as super-slow motion and card-blasting bombs make this game a whole new puzzle experience! Match-three gameplay with a twist. Create poker hands and form chains to rack up the big score. Seven game modes: Intense game modes include action, timed, puzzle levels (55 of them), practice, custom playlist, split screen head-to-head, and multiplayer tournaments. In addition to the traditional leaderboards, Poker Smash features never-before-seen rivalry tracking and even movie recording with shared playback. The next-gen 3-D graphics feature eleven different highly detailed environments and background themes, coupled with thirteen new original soundtracks for play. [Microsoft]… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. 1UP
    100
    From the cleverly designed puzzles to the ability to speed up or slow down the scrolling of the cards at will, every part of this game feels painstakingly adjusted for maximum enjoyment.
  2. GamesRadar+
    90
    Poker Smash is one of the best puzzle games you’ll find on Live Arcade, and for a mere 800 points, you just can’t go wrong.
  3. Official Xbox Magazine
    90
    Unless you absolutely loathe poker or puzzlers, buy this game. [Feb 2008, p.75]
  4. Giant Bomb
    80
    It takes the roles of poker hand ranks and applies it to the well-based puzzle game. Then it slaps on some good, evolved control mechanics. It’s a high-quality puzzle game that you should look at.
  5. Console Monster
    77
    A very addictive game with great graphics.
  6. GameSpot
    75
    Poker Smash is an exciting and fast-paced puzzle game that puts an interesting twist on a fairly standard gameplay formula.
  7. Xbox World 360 Magazine UK
    60
    Lacks the appeal of a "Hexic" or a "Lumines," but a surprisingly solid puzzler nonetheless. [Apr 2008, p.96]
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See all 21 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. MegWhiteley
    Mar 22, 2012
    10
    Poker Smash is really interesting, is very addictive, because the gameplay is awesome, this mash up with the poker and the puzzles is amazing.Poker Smash is really interesting, is very addictive, because the gameplay is awesome, this mash up with the poker and the puzzles is amazing. The controls, graphics, music are amazing, this title is a jewel, amazing game.… Expand
  2. Sean
    Feb 7, 2008
    9
    First off, don't listen to the 'Eurogamer' review. Second, this game is easily one of the most addictive XBLA games I'veFirst off, don't listen to the 'Eurogamer' review. Second, this game is easily one of the most addictive XBLA games I've played. But, then again I am a fan of the puzzle genre. The premise is simple: Colored card tiles start at bottom and move to top. You need to make poker hands with the before they reach the top or it's game over. Of course, like any puzzle game, each level gets faster and faster, but they do give you a "slow mo" meter that you can use if you're in trouble. And bombs, which can be placed on any one card to eliminate it. More bombs are earned by filling up a "combo meter".
    That's really the basis of the game. There are other game modes such as 'Puzzle' (in which you have to solve puzzles to eliminate all the cards on the board), timed mode, and multiplayer. The Trial Game gives you a good idea of what you're getting, so give it a try. I'm definitely putting this one up there with Lumines and Hexic HD.    … Expand
  4. Odog4ever
    Feb 19, 2008
    8
    I didn't know how to play poker before trying the demo but now I'm hooked! This game is polished, nice clean graphics, decent music.I didn't know how to play poker before trying the demo but now I'm hooked! This game is polished, nice clean graphics, decent music. The multiplayer is really fun although I don't like how they handle it when you lose. (You just sit there will the remaining players continue to play instead of being guided back to the lobby)… Expand
  5. HarveyWallbanger
    May 5, 2008
    5
    Poker Smash is fun to play until you watch the top 100 videos posted by the best players in the world, and you realize how pathetic your ownPoker Smash is fun to play until you watch the top 100 videos posted by the best players in the world, and you realize how pathetic your own skills are. The scoring system is entirely biased towards creating long chains, which is more easily done with simple "match 3's". Spending time developing skill at creating higher value hands is totally worthless compared to chaining a long string of 3-of-a-kinds together.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

38
#38 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2008
99
#99 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2008