Very good game
A thoroughly enjoyable game that I can certainly say has kept me occupied for a while today. I will have to buy the full version, because I loved the predecessor and now that you've added some great features to this version, I just won't be able to help but get my money's worth from it.
You've taken some of the advice I offered in the review of version 1 as well - more voices do make for a better state of play, since each opponent has their own differences. The ability to change the look of the player is good, though I would say that the ability to choose the trim colours on the hats would be useful as well, since even someone as obsessed with green as I gets bored of it from time to time.
This game even has a plot, when you're trying to prove that poker is a game of skill and not a wholly evil game. It's not like anyone ever starts a fight in this version, either. You've added a trophy cabinet, as opposed to the old case of coins, which I think is a nice touch, since you can see how far you have progressed towards the silver or even gold medals (are there platinum ones? I won't be able to find that out for a few weeks otherwise :P)
This is definitely the sort of game that needs Newgrounds Medals, as that would get more people into poker and is the next big thing for your marketing boys ;)
While I like the vocal talent introducing the saloons, would it sound better if they actually gave the individual saloon name, as opposed to "Welcome to the saloon of Amarillo", for example? It did sound a little jerky in places, when announcing pot amounts, so that could be smoothed out a little.
As for the gameplay, the major issue has been addressed - you can now see a hand being played out when you skip it, in double quick time, so you can see who got out, when, without having to watch all the tedium, if you're only in for a short game.
Great stuff, this will keep me coming back for more.
[Review Request Club]