Zynga Poker // Screenshot credit: Tami B.
The top Facebook game developer, Zynga, has just released a brand new game - Poker Blitz. This game is by far the best poker game we've seen on Facebook yet, but it's not for the reasons you might expect.
Poker Blitz uses the same type of avatars in looks as Farmville, but the rest of the game is a huge leap ahead in terms of art quality and polish. The game is responsive, snappy, and feels good. Poker Blitz is a combination of Texas Hold 'Em and Bejeweled Blitz, in that the rounds are shorter than typical Texas Hold 'Em and there are powerups and leaderboards. For the diehard poker fan, there may be disappointment that the game does not follow typical Hold 'Em rules. Poker Blitz is easy to learn, easy to play, and will undoubtedly spread fast with not only the game's quality but also Zynga's ability to cross-promote to their other titles.
Poker Blitz integrates many features that enable players to spread the game virally on Facebook. Players have a level and are encouraged to share it with their friends when they gain a level. There are trophies to earn and share, gifts to send to friends. Power-ups work by enabling players to use a special ability such as trading their cards in for a luckier hand, or revealing one of the opponent's cards. The game isn't exactly multiplayer, games are played solely against the dealer. Players can form teams, however, and their scores are accumulated. There are leaderboards, and teams that get over a million dollars are eligible to win a special prize (right now, it's an iPod Touch).
There are more features promised that aren't in yet. There is a lobby feature that appears to be coming soon, the ability to create a dream home, and a better way to view all trophies earned. There also doesn't seem to be any way to pay Zynga for anything, as there is nothing to buy. It will be interesting to see how they monetize this poker game. Right now, players can only play 5 games per hour, and each game lasts for 60 seconds (with the ability to extend each round by doing well in the round).
Overall, this game shows immense promise for bringing a poker game to the masses. It is quick, fun, easy to learn, and social. Hardcore poker players may not be too fond of it, but Zynga typically goes for mass market appeal. This games should have no problem being wildly successful, as it already has a great and polished start.
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Comments
Hmmm I don't play games on line but this looks like something I'd love!
Looks like fun!
The report is inaccurate in as much as you can't play 5 games an hour. You get one new game token for 60 seconds play every hour.
So you have to wait several hours before you can have a few plays although friends can send you tokens to play (max 1 per day)
The max number of tokens you can store to play depends on the number of friends added to your team. The max number starts at 3 and goes up as you add people. You get a refill up to your max number at the start of each level.
hallo
i have to
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