For its entry into the crowded 2005 poker video game market, 2K Sports offers a role-playing approach to the contemporarily fashionable pastime. Based on the international tournament and Travel Channel television series of the same name, World Poker Tour has players developing custom characters who begin at the low-ante tables and must win their way up to the big-money games. As they gain status, player avatars can flaunt their newfound wealth with the purchase of accessories that help them to stand out from the crowd.
Winning won't always be easy, however, as players must compete against AI opponents based on real-life champs like Antonio "the Magician" Esfandiari, Michael "the Grinder" Mizrachi, and Phil "Unabomber" Laak. Billabong, Double Flop Hold 'Em, Omaha, Pineapple, Super Hold 'Em, Shanghai, Tahoe, Texas Hold 'Em, and other standard rules sets are available. Games are played in re-creations of World Poker Tour venues, such as Commerce Casino, The Bicycle Casino, and Aviation Club de France. Commentary is provided by virtual versions of television hosts Vince Van Patten and Mike Sexton.
