Stacked

by Myelin Media

Product Features

• Learn the basics as well as advanced strategies in this poker simulation game
• Exclusive version of the Poki Artificial Intelligence system
• Detailed points system ranks players based on performance
• Endorsed by Texas Hold 'Em champ Daniel Negreanu
• Multi-table tournament system for realistic online poker action

Product Details

• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000BBGW6O
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.5 x 1.8 inches ; 9 ounces
• Media: CD-ROM
• Release Date: June 1, 2006
• Average Customer Review: 2.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #18,201 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The first video game to bring next-generation gameplay and broadcast-quality production to Texas Hold 'em Poker. Learn everything from the fundamentals to advanced strategies from poker's premiere player and refine your game against the world's most advanced artificial-intelligence system before testing your skills in massive online tournaments.

Myelin Media takes its seat at the crowded table of 2005 poker simulations with Stacked. Running on an exclusive version of the Poki Artificial Intelligence system, the game's single-player modes are designed to adapt to the gamers' skills and style, and consistently present an engaging challenge. Online modes are also available, and co-producer MTV Networks supports Stacked communities with chat rooms, leader boards, and on-air promotion. Stacked is also endorsed by Texas Hold 'Em champ Daniel Negreanu, who lends his likeness and expertise to the project.

Features:

• Multi-table tournament system for realistic online poker action
• Have a casual game with friends or face Stacked masters including ESPN Player of the Year Daniel Negreanu
• Detailed points system ranks players based on performance
• Support for voice and text chat lets you bluff, boast, and allows for table chatter in your online game

Product Description

Stacked with Daniel Negreanu lets you face off with thepros!Product InformationRaise your game with a new generation of poker champions and the next generationof No Limit Texas Hold'em.  Exclusive learning artificial intelligencesystem that tracks your playing style and adapts its strategy inreal-time.  Player of the Year Daniel Negreanu guides you from the basicsof Texas Hold'em through advanced tournament strategies with full motion videoand a dynamic in-game tutorial system.Go online and compete in massive multi-table tournaments or invite friends tojoin you in a private game.Product Features Face off against Erick Lindgren David Williams Josh Arieh Evelyn Ng Juan Carlos Mortensen Jennifer Harman and eventually Daniel himself in detailed 3D environments modeled after real casinos. Live the pro life in career mode and customize your character before battling for Play of the Year honors. See how you stack up online with sanctioned tournaments statistical tracking and an in-depth ranking system.Windows Requirements Windows 98SE 2000 XP Pentium IV 1.5 GHz or faster 512 MB of RAM Approximately 2 GB free Hard Drive space 4X CD-ROM drive DirectX 9.0 compatible or higher Sound Card 128 MB Windows 98/2000/XP SVGA Video Card compatible with DirectX 9.0 or higher Online Play:  Broadband Internet access or LAN required 

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Stacked?....no, it's padded., June 9, 2006

By 

Paul R. Dietz - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

= Fun:3.0 out of 5 stars 

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Stacked (CD-ROM)

Given all the hype and the LOOONNGGG wait for this to finally ship, I must say I was a little disappointed with the PC version of this game.

Interface => B- / C+ It's kind of kludgy while trying to appear slick. There are some nice graphics and some semi-opaque window effects, but in actual gameplay, there are issues. Changing your "play"; call, raise, or fold is difficult because of the tiny icon on the screen. Using the up/down arrows is easier, but hard to control unless you choose to tap, tap, tap. Holding down either arrow causes erratic spurts and is frustrating.

Sound => B+ Not bad, especially if you turn off the music. The voice work is good and not overly repetitive. One bizarre thing is that my character has a German accent while all of the other players...computer and human...sound American.

Graphics => B+ Very good. The players move, scratch their heads, breathe, and generally look very good. My wife noted that a lot of the female character models were "in love with the low cleavage". (Not a completely bad thing from my viewpoint) The casino, table, and surroundings look fairly detailed.

Single play => B+ Quick Play, Career Mode, and Poker School. So far, I've only explored the first two. (Poker School requires you install > 350MB of AVI files of Daniel teaching poker, though you could have them read from CD at SLOW speed) Nothing remarkable, they do what they say. The game starts you with $2000 in chips. You can choose Cash Game, single and multi-table tourneys, as well as limit or no limit games. As you progress, you can "unlock" other casinos (2) and pro players like Negreanu (7). You can "play" with the Pro's likeness in Single Player mode, but not in Multi. So, if you are online with Daniel, it really IS him. (So the manual states. I'm guessing a hack will be out in weeks to mess this up)

Multiplayer => B+ Easy to select or create a game. I found a Cash Game in 15 seconds. I did not seem to experience any lag or delays, even at full tables. There were several tournaments listed, including MTV (a big sponsor tie-in) Showdowns. (there were 7 listed) and a couple of "generic" ones with $1000 chip buy-ins. Note: there is a Speed Play function in Single play not present here. So, if Betty from Omaha is thinking about her hand for 1-2 minutes, you wait. I did not see a clock function available (asking the dealer to put the stalled player on a clock). This needs to be added when they patch this! UPDATE: the Dealer will say "player, please make a play" if someone takes too long, but YOU cannot ask for a clock.

Artificial Intelligence => C So far, I can't give the vaunted POKI engine much in the way of kudos. I played a single table tourney in Single Play mode against "Mixed" opponents (choices are Easy, Normal, Hard, and Mixed) and I won quite easily. Now I am a very experienced tournament player and just finished a run of 7 consecutive final tables, so this is not a totally unexpected outcome. However, I did not feel particularly challenged by the game at that setting. Also, one of the features is Pro Tips / Ask Daniel. In certain game situations, a Tip will be triggered and you can see a pop-up window suggesting what to do. On ANY play where you are to act, you can Ask Daniel. The Pro Tip will always override Daniel, by the way. For the most part, I was underwhelmed. Being told "a check is OK here" with nothing else is just weak. Some of the Tips did have a VERY brief statement or explanation as to WHY you would call/raise/fold, but that's it. This needs to be improved in later versions/patch levels.

Value => B+ It's under $30 most places and does play well with some pleasing graphics to soothe the eyes. It's a good game that has the potential to be great.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars PC Version is ok, still has problems., June 3, 2006

By 

Thomas Carson (Richmond, Virginia USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

= Fun:4.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Stacked (CD-ROM)

Overall the game, graphics and sound are all really good in my opinion. Couple of drawbacks though, if you have a NAT internet connection (no idea what it is but the game detects it to see if you have one), you will not be able to join Online Multi Tournament Tables, but you can still play online in Single Table Tournies. Also, after about 15 minutes of playing, the game just closed, disappeared, all progress lost. Now this has only happened once in about 3 hours of gameplay, so it may be nothing. But it was something to be concerned about.

I have contacted tech support and as of yet, 24 hours later, there is no reply, but they do say it takes them 48 hours to respond to requests.

Overall I am not sure on this game, great idea, seems to have some problems though, perhaps a patch would fix things up.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best one so far..., August 14, 2006

By 

MattsRecycling (Centennial, CO) - See all my reviews

= Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Stacked (CD-ROM)

I play poker ALOT...and needless to say this is the best out there so far. It has one thing that I do NOT like. You cannot type in an exact amount that you may want to bet. Instead you have to use the slider.

Regardless, with that one exception it is by far better than WSOP.

This program is EXCELLENT for the novice/beginner. The "Poker School" videos included with Daniel are super. Even if you consider yourself a "well read" or experienced player, you can still gain some good experience and a little bit of fun here. The aspect of "Career Mode" adds to the aspect of unlocking other events and Pro-Players as you progress.

With all the books, videos and games out there that are trying to tap into the "newbie" crowd....buy this one! Books are great, but experience is better.

Find a local group of players or "club" in your area. Play as much as you can and as much as you can afford. Trade books and videos with each other. Over time, you will be a better player for it.