Poker Night at the Inventory from Skunkape Games
Poker Night at the Inventory is a remaster of a classic originally released by Telltale Games in 2010. Poker Night offers an intimate match of the titular card game alongside a group of fully-voiced, wisecracking opponents from across several gaming (or gaming-adjacent) franchises. This remaster offers improved graphics alongside superior AI for the four opposing characters and some additional unlockable cosmetics.
Sweet Nostalgia
I still remember first hearing about Poker Night when it first released in 2010; I was quite fond of Penny Arcade at the time and was delighted to see Tycho show up in a video game. I was aware of the Heavy Weapons Guy from Team Fortress, and I didn’t have a clue who the other two characters were.
I imagine this is an experience many shared; the characters are well-chosen to have a chance of being recognizable while leaving one or two as mysteries to many players.
Sixteen years later (time is terrifying), and I’m now, at least, far more familiar with Max and have finally had a chance to experience Poker Night myself. The game offers a relaxed setting for a series of poker rounds against the guest characters; cultivating this cozy space for banter and conversation is clearly the priority, rather than the poker itself.
Each of the four characters boasts a distinct personality, from Max’s violent whimsy to Tycho’s quiet intellect and occasional deep-cut gaming references.
A Better Hand
The poker itself is of the Texas hold-em variety and comes with all the swings of fortune, dud hands, and triumphant successes you would normally expect. The real game is in learning the tendencies of the characters so you can bet accordingly; each of them has their own tells and strategy.
Max is particularly unpredictable, so I learned to play cautiously until he is eliminated and then focus on the more consistent tactics of the others. I found myself in a final duel with Tycho more often than not (as he seems to favour a similar, cautious approach to my own), and that suited me, as his personality is the most enjoyable of the bunch.
The setting, visuals, and character design are all charming; each of the characters has been recreated with respect for the source material and allowing each of their personalities to affect the poker game in believable ways. Some of the voice lines can start to get a little repetitive, but overall, Poker Night conjures an inviting and often amusing atmosphere.
The Verdict:
Poker Night at the Inventory is a lovingly crafted comedy card game simulation with a simple but well-executed premise. The game itself is a classic; whether you enjoy poker will be a factor in whether or not this is for you.
The characters, however, bring a great deal to the table, and those who come for the game may find themselves sticking around for the personalities. With plenty of unlockable tables, decks, and accessories to work towards, there is a good deal of longevity for completionists.
Poker Night has heart, and it’s an easy recommendation for fans of the game or those familiar with at least one of the characters. I think it’s time for me to go and see what Penny Arcade has been up to in the last few years.
Poker Night at the Inventory is available via the Nintendo Game Store, PlayStation Store, and Steam.
Check out the trailer:
