Strip Pokeris a series of erotic video games developed by ArtworxSoftware Company. It ran from 1982-1995 over five games. The player is a presumed male who plays strip poker against attractive women. The games received generally positive reviews over the series history. Critics appreciated the game's sense of humour and for effectively using their 16-bit graphics to create titillating imagery. However, others felt that a video game was a depressing way for players to view such content, when alternatives like Playboy were available.
Production
Design
In the original game, Douglas McFarland did the graphics while Mitch Garnaat did the coding. In Strip Poker II, graphics were completed by Douglas McFarland, while he and Mitch Garnaat coded the title. It was reported in AUI that Karen Graham, one of the developers, was looking for male models for a version targeted at the female gamer. When asked about the controversy the game might cause, Graham said that while they were bound to receive complaints with the title, the male version due to be released in 1988 would have evened things out; this game was never released.
Release
Strip Poker: A Sizzling Game of Chance was released in 1982 on Apple II, Atari 8-bit, Commodore 16, Plus/4, Commodore 64, and DOS. Strip Poker II was released in 1988 for Amiga, Apple IIgs, Atari ST, and DOS. Anco handled European publishing while Artworx handled the American market. Strip Poker II was augmented by Strip Poker II+ and Strip Poker II data disks. The chain store WH Smiths refused to stock the title; however the title still managed to sell well. Strip Poker III was released in 1991 for Amiga and DOS. Strip Poker Professional and Strip Poker Professional: Rev B were released on DOS in 1994 and 1995 respectively.
Gameplay
The player, a male poker player, plays a card game against the computer who is represented by an attractive woman. As the player beats the woman in the game, she proceeds to take off items of clothing as a reward. The core models in the series are Suzi and Melissa, but other characters are available in certain games through expansion packs.
Critical reception
Tilt enjoyed Strip Poker: A Sizzling Game of Chance's graphics. Computer Gamer felt that picking up a Playboy would be a better alternative to playing this game. Meanwhile Micro praised the game's sense of humour. Video Game Critic felt the game would appeal to players who wanted to see titillating content that was old-fashioned and pixelated. Aktueller Software Markt had a mixed opinion on the game, questioning its purpose. Info noted that besides the obvious draw of the title, it was the only game on the Amiga that offered a reasonable version of poker. Tilt felt the digitised images of Strip Poker II were impressive considering they were only 16-bit. Aktueller Software Markt thought the game was on par with the original. Amiga Joker noted that games like this would always be in demand, and that it knew its audience. ACE criticized the game for it tackiness. The Games Machine panned the title as an "outrage of excessive sexism". Amiga Joker gave Strip Poker III a mixed review, commenting that it was not the best way for players to access such content. Conversely, Joystick gave the game a highly positive review, rating it 81%.
