This is Vegas

Developer: in-house
Format: PS3, Xbox 360 PC
Genre: Action

More adventurous than placing your life savings on Red 7



The mean streets of Liberty City, home to the Grand Theft Auto Series, plays host to many adult delights. But one area that perhaps it's not so hot on is casino action. Step forward This is Vegas - a bold twist in the familiar GTA and Saint's Row genre, that should have open world gameplay fans clamouring for a slice of the pie.

The premise is familiar anti-hero territory. You're a broke gambler, arriving in Vegas with all of 50 bucks to your name. The mission is simple. You need to become stinking rich in order to stop a fast food entrepreneur taking over all the casinos and turning Sin City into something more akin to Disneyland Paris.

Following the GTA theme there's a wealth of optional activities to undertake away from the main narrative. If you wish, you can pretty much spend your whole time drinking, dancing and above all else, gambling. If the money runs out then there's a world of illicit activities to keep the cash rolling in including street racing, working as a vigilante to take down muggers and becoming a bare knuckle champion in an underground fighting tournament.

Hit the slots for a quick pay-off, beat the dealer at the Blackjack tables, or take a chance at some real money in a high-stakes game of Texas Hold'em. Not feeling lucky? Cheat by marking and counting cards, put crooked dealers in your pocket and keep an eye out for security while you rob the casinos blind.

In a similar style to other crime caper titles, you need to raise your reputation with various factions in order to progress. Whether running casinos, winning Poker tournaments, partying with celebrities or risking your life in underground street races will get you more cred, more money, more women and more power if you make sure you impress the right people.

Can This is Vegas deliver on what it promises, or is it just be one big over-ambitious bluff? We'll know for sure in February. But with veteran publisher Midway involved, our advice is simple: Don't bet against The House.