Poker Night 2

67%
Game Brain Score Based on 4,107 reviews
  • humor
  • gameplay
  • graphics
Poker Night 2 Game Cover
Poker Night 2 isn't deep, but it offers an excuse to play with a bunch of beloved goofballs
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"Poker Night 2" is a sequel to the original card game, featuring popular culture characters such as Sam from "Sam & Max," Brock Samson from "The Venture Bros," and Claptrap from "Borderlands." The game offers Texas Hold'em and Omaha Hold'em poker games, with the main objective being to beat the AI opponents. Interesting dialogue and unique character interactions add to the overall entertainment value.

  • Mac OS
  • PC
  • Phone
  • Windows
  • Play​Station
  • Play​station 3
  • Tablet
  • Xbox
  • Xbox 360
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

67%
Audience ScoreBased on 4,107 reviews
humor604 positive mentions
stability32 negative mentions
  • humor617 mentions

    The humor in "Poker Night 2" is widely praised for its witty dialogue and the entertaining interactions between beloved characters from various franchises, such as GLaDOS, Claptrap, and Sam & Max. Many players find the banter genuinely hilarious, providing a fun and engaging atmosphere that enhances the poker experience. However, some reviews note that the humor can become repetitive over time, with certain lines losing their charm after multiple playthroughs. Overall, the game's comedic elements are a significant draw, making it a recommended choice for fans of lighthearted gaming.

    • “🤣 The game's writing is so hilarious, with witty one-liners and clever jokes popping up left and right.”
    • “Overall, 'Poker Night 2' is a knee-slappingly funny and enjoyable game that'll have you rolling on the floor and coming back for more!”
    • “The characters interact in mostly funny ways, and simulate 'real' poker game banter between them.”
    • “Dialogue is really overused and once you've heard it once, it's not funny anymore.”
    • “Characters insulting you when you play a card is not funny; it is annoying because we know the play better than the AI and you cannot skip it.”
    • “The characters in this game are so unfunny it gives me a headache just thinking about it; Ash is an unlikable jerk, Claptrap is annoying (as always), Brock is very rarely funny, Sam is alright, and they butchered GLaDOS's likable personality.”
  • gameplay196 mentions

    The gameplay in "Poker Night 2" is primarily centered around poker mechanics, specifically Texas Hold'em and Omaha, which are described as simple yet engaging for both novice and casual players. While the character interactions and witty dialogue add charm, many players find the pacing slow due to unskippable conversations, leading to a repetitive experience over time. Overall, the game is enjoyable for its humor and character dynamics, but it lacks depth in poker mechanics and can feel rigged or frustrating at times.

    • “Awesome game, very realistic gameplay.”
    • “The gameplay is simple poker, Texas Hold'em and Omaha.”
    • “The gameplay is competitive and entertaining, the banter is great, and the unlock bonuses are fun.”
    • “The gameplay is slow and frequently slowed down even more by the sometimes long conversations the characters have with each other that you can't skip.”
    • “Most of the gameplay is just waiting for the AI to stop fidgeting around and decide on their action, then waiting 10 seconds for them to stop talking and do it.”
    • “The bad: the actual poker gameplay is terrible because the game cheats.”
  • graphics71 mentions

    The graphics in the game are generally well-received, featuring a colorful, cartoony art style that effectively blends various character designs without looking out of place. While many players appreciate the improved visuals and smooth animations compared to the previous installment, some report occasional animation bugs and performance issues, particularly with high graphics settings. Overall, the graphics contribute positively to the game's entertaining atmosphere, despite some minor technical drawbacks.

    • “I like the graphics, and I feel like they still hold up today.”
    • “The graphics are a delight.”
    • “The cel-shaded art style is done very well and allows for characters from a cartoon/a live action film to fit in visually without seeming weird.”
    • “Cons: the graphic engine is not optimized.”
    • “The game is also rather buggy and riddled with graphic glitches.”
    • “Graphics options are pretty limited.”
  • atmosphere54 mentions

    The atmosphere in the game is widely praised for its charm, engaging character interactions, and immersive setting, making players feel as if they are part of a lively poker night with familiar faces. While the witty banter and cozy vibes contribute to a fun experience, some players note that the dialogue can become repetitive over time. Overall, the game's atmosphere is considered a standout feature, enhancing the enjoyment of the poker gameplay.

    • “The game creates a fun atmosphere with interesting characters from some of my favorite games and shows.”
    • “Poker Night 2 has a great atmosphere, with an incredible library of banter from all of the characters, making you feel like you're just shooting the breeze with some old friends.”
    • “They created a great atmosphere with this one as even though the characters talk and jibe, it's rarely annoying.”
    • “Every time this happens, I am immediately yanked out of the atmosphere of a cozy poker bar.”
    • “First off, the atmosphere seems a bit less cozy; the chatter amount can't be changed, nor can you skip the chats.”
    • “The only things that will change the boring atmosphere come in the form of unlockables, that once activated will change things like the deck of cards, the table or the chips, but even so, those changes are strictly visual and will not affect the core idea of a repeating poker experience.”
  • story45 mentions

    The story aspect of the game is characterized by a mix of engaging character interactions and humorous dialogues, though it can become repetitive over time. While some players appreciate the rich lore and character backstories that enhance the experience, others find the frequent interruptions for storytelling to be a hindrance to gameplay. Overall, the narrative elements add charm and depth, but may not satisfy those seeking a cohesive or substantial plot.

    • “The first season was a lovely, self-contained story about a father and his adopted daughter, getting to know each other and growing as people in the face of adversity.”
    • “Poker Night 2 is a deceiving game in that you think you've downloaded Poker Nights, but actually this game is eager to tell a rich story and take the player on a magical adventure through a distinguished world set up in the first game, successfully enriching Poker Nights lore while delivering an entirely unique experience.”
    • “Their care with regards to character, storytelling, and good writing really shows and makes this game the standout that it is.”
    • “It's pretty much the first game but with more characters and more 'story' in it.”
    • “It may be fun to listen to the characters' blabbering the first time around but when you hear the same long-winded story that interrupts the flow of the game for the third time in a short play session, it's not so fun anymore.”
    • “Seeing two characters talk in between hands and such is cute at first, but then later on it just gets annoying hearing the same story over and over again.”
  • music40 mentions

    The music in the game is widely praised for its relaxing and atmospheric qualities, particularly the smooth jazz tracks that enhance the poker experience. Players appreciate the variety of themes and the ability to customize the soundtrack, which adds to the overall enjoyment and immersion. While some note a lack of original compositions, the existing music is deemed fitting and enjoyable, contributing to the game's charm and comfort.

    • “All this is set to tasteful background music and supported by stellar voice acting.”
    • “The music is amazing, especially the slow piano version of 'Still Alive', and the variations on all of the theme tunes, like the opening theme to Borderlands 2 'No Heroes'.”
    • “With captivating conversations between the players, a tantalizing soundtrack, and lots of unlockable content, this game turned out to be money well spent.”
    • “The music is alright and so are the sound effects for selecting options and showdowns, but I prefer the sound effects from the first game.”
    • “Sound/music: decent enough but repetitive voice acting and lack of Bruce Campbell makes it lacking.”
    • “I learned that there will be no music other than dubstep in the future.”
  • stability34 mentions

    The game's stability is widely criticized, with many users reporting numerous bugs, glitches, and crashes that detract from the overall experience. While some players note that gameplay can be smooth at times, significant animation issues and freezing problems persist, particularly on certain platforms. Overall, the game is considered a "buggy mess" by many, making it difficult to recommend for those seeking a polished experience.

    • “Runs great on Steam Deck!”
    • “It's not buggy; the stories and interactions work.”
    • “There are lots of animation glitches, with characters snapping around and hands folding backwards when conflicting animations play as they talk, or GLaDOS falling down from the screen and zipping off.”
    • “Unfortunately, the PS version of this game is unforgivably buggy and likes to crash constantly, so I picked it up on Steam and couldn't be happier.”
    • “The game has never played right since launch with numerous audio stutters and glitches.”
  • replayability32 mentions

    The game's replayability is a mixed bag; while many players find it highly enjoyable with unlockable items and entertaining dialogue that encourages repeated play, others note that the charm can diminish after a few hours due to repetitive conversations. Customization options and varied gameplay elements contribute positively to replay value, but some players feel that the overall experience may not sustain long-term engagement without breaks. Overall, it offers decent replayability, especially for those who enjoy short, casual sessions.

    • “Even after putting 196 hours into it, the replay value remains exceptional.”
    • “With great commentary from all NPCs and customizable tables and unlockables, it has tons of replayability.”
    • “The all-new cast is entertaining in their own right and played off of each other; the dialogue is interesting and full of references to each character's universe, the poker play is much more consistent, and the unlockables give the game some replay value.”
    • “If you're looking for replayability, this game can lose its charm after a few hours, so if you don't mind a time killer with a few extra items, grab it on sale, but you won't be disappointed grabbing it at full price!”
    • “You'll probably play 5-10 matches before the dialogue starts to repeat, so the replay value here is limited, but the price is fair.”
    • “However, the replayability is not great because you'll have heard the dialogue quite a bit after only a few hours.”
  • grinding26 mentions

    Players frequently describe the grinding aspect of the game as tedious and repetitive, with many noting that the slow gameplay, unskippable dialogues, and limited character interactions contribute to a frustrating experience. While some find enjoyment in the witty banter and item farming, the overall sentiment leans towards the grinding being a chore, especially when pursuing achievements or specific items. The lack of variety and the necessity for extensive grinding often lead to a diminished enjoyment over time.

    • “These are the key draws to a game with horrifically slow and tedious gameplay, no multiplayer, and poor UI, not to mention the mandatory internet connectivity.”
    • “After maybe 3 hours of gaming, you will find the dialogue tedious and repetitive.”
    • “It's sorely missed, as the dialogue becomes too repetitive after several games, and full completion in this luck-based sport requires a lot of grinding.”
  • optimization9 mentions

    Overall, the game's optimization has seen significant improvement compared to its predecessor, with smoother performance even on lower-end systems. However, some users noted issues with the graphic engine and specific sound effects, such as Claptrap's audio stuttering, which can detract from the experience. Despite these drawbacks, the game is generally well-optimized and enjoyable.

    • “The performance seems to have improved significantly over the last game.”
    • “Waaayyy better optimization than the previous game.”
    • “Witty humor, fun gameplay, and runs smoothly on my not awesome computer.”
    • “Cons: the graphic engine is not optimized.”
    • “When the interaction is Claptrap's sound card stuttering (which is very annoying to hear), I can see how the player would be likely to listen to something else while playing the game.”
    • “Too bad as it is much better optimized than the first game and the addition of the Omaha variant is a nice addition.”
  • emotional6 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game elicits strong reactions, with players expressing a mix of humor and poignant moments that lead to genuine tears. While some find the humor and character interactions deeply engaging, others feel that the focus on internet humor may overshadow the emotional depth associated with iconic game characters. Overall, the game successfully evokes a range of emotions, from laughter to heartfelt moments.

    • “10/10 would cry again.”
    • “10/10 would cry again when GLaDOS makes fun of me.”
    • “When Brock f***ing Samson 'Go Team Venture!'ed me, I think I cried.”
  • monetization1 mentions

    The monetization strategy is viewed as less exploitative than typical cash grabs, as it targets franchises that fans feel are deserving of such treatment, rather than relying on overhyped titles.

    • “The monetization strategy feels exploitative, as it seems designed to squeeze every last penny from players.”
    • “It's frustrating to see so many features locked behind paywalls, making it hard to enjoy the game without spending extra money.”
    • “The constant push for in-game purchases detracts from the overall experience, making it feel more like a money-making scheme than a game.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

57% average critic score

Buy Poker Night 2

Play time

15hMedian play time
18hAverage play time
6-27hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 16 analyzed playthroughs

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