REVIEW: STRIP POKER, A SIZZLING GAME OF CHANCE
by Richard Karsmakers
Originally published in ST NEWS Volume 1 Issue 6, launched on
November 15th, 1986.
Recently I went to Amsterdam, to Commedia, in order to fetch
some essential nourishment for the computer-freak: New software.
Commedia had already sold "Strippoker" from the big usergathering
in Utrecht (in September) on, but they weren't able to supply us
with the game any sooner. But it turned out that it was quite
worth waiting for!
The purpose of the game is to play draw poker. Every time you win,
you get more money. But when your money runs out, you have to sell
a piece of clothing (like your pants or your top) in exchange for
$100. Your opponent (female) will have to do the same. The target
is to undress your opponent before she can undress you. It sounds
simple, but I can assure you: It isn't!
I have succeeded in undressing Suzi (that's the most handsome
girl, the one to the left), but I haven't quite managed to do so
with Melissa, who seems to play much better. I have only seen her
undies (which are quite nice, though). Douglas McFarland sure is
one hell of an artist!
Now, here are some basic rules of draw poker. To write this down,
I didn't only make use of the user manual that comes with the
game, but also I made use of the December 1984 issue of the
popular scientific magazine (in Holland) called "KIJK".
1. There are no jokers or wild cards
2. You can open the betting with any kind of hand
3. The value of the hands (from highest to lowest) are as follows:
Royal Flush (A,H,V,B,T from one colour; chance is 1 in 649739)
Straight Flush (five consequent cards of one kind; chance is
1 in 72192)
4 of a kind (4 the same cards from different colors, e.g. 4
tens; chance is 1 in 4164)
Full House (three equals plus two equals; chance is 1 in 693)
Flush (five cards of the same colour; chance is 1 in 508)
Straight (five consequent cards; chance is 1 in 254)
3 of a kind (3 the same cards from different colors, e.g. 3
tens; chance is 1 in 46)
2 pair (two times two equals; chance is 1 in 20)
1 pair (two equals; chance is 1 in 1,4)
High card
I used to know a failsafe way to undress any computerized poker
player back on the Commodore 64, but I am afraid I have forgotten
how to do that. But I will tell you in an upcoming issue of ST
NEWS if I remember it!
"Strippoker" is a very nice game, graphically very entertaining,
and not very easy to play. That assures you of many hours of
enjoyment (or bad moods if you don't succeed in undressing any of
the girls).
The Atari ST version was made by Todd Kepus and Arthur Walsh. The
program is published by Artworx Software Company, Inc., 1844
Penfield Road, Penfield, New York 14526, U.S.A. and can be
obtained through Commedia, Eerste Looiers Dwarsstraat 12, in
Amsterdam (Holland). It sells there at 99 Dutch guilders.
We have heard some good news for Strippoker fanatics: Rushware
GmbH is now publishing "Hollywood Poker" for the ST (and Amiga),
with digitized girls. Nothing more is known about that one at the
moment, but we hope to publish a full review of the program in the
next issue of ST NEWS!
Undoubtedly, Artworx will also make conversion of their
"Strippoker" version 2 and 3. I can vagualy remember one of the
names of the two girls in version 2, which was Candy. The girls of
"Strippoker II" are much more attractive. And then there's
"Strippoker III", for the ladies amongst us. I cannot remember any
of the male opponents' names, but I think this might take care
that the ST becomes one of the few hobby computers that even women
like working (and playing) on!
Game rating:
Title: Strip Poker
Published by: Artworx
Authors: Todd Kepus and Arthur Walsh
Graphics: 8.5
Playability: 9
Hookability: 8.5
Sound: None
Overall rating: 9
Remarks: Although one could say that the girls look a
bit too perfect, I hope Artworx will continue!
Disclaimer
The text of the articles is identical to the originals like they appeared
in old ST NEWS issues. Please take into consideration that the author(s)
was (were) a lot younger and less responsible back then. So bad jokes,
bad English, youthful arrogance, insults, bravura, over-crediting and
tastelessness should be taken with at least a grain of salt. Any contact
and/or payment information, as well as deadlines/release dates of any
kind should be regarded as outdated. Due to the fact that these pages are
not actually contained in an Atari executable here, references to scroll
texts, featured demo screens and hidden articles may also be irrelevant.