Snappy titles seem to be the status quo for Rockstar DLC; between both of
Grand Theft Auto IV's expansions and last month's
Legends and Killers pack, they know how to keep it simple and sweet, while preserving the essence of the offered content. Just from the name of this DLC pack alone, most
Red Dead veterans should be able to gather that this mode offers some gambling action. If you played Texas Hold 'Em or Liar's Dice as
Red Dead Redemption hero John Marston, you probably guessed (correctly) that both games would be great fun to take online. Nothing is lost in the transition, even though it kind of feels like Rockstar was planning this addition well before the game's release. It's gratifying to call bluffs and spot-on bids; even more so when your successes earn you difficult Achievements.
This pack is far more than gambling, however. With Liars and Cheats, Rockstar adds a number of challenging new gang hideouts, as well as two new competitive modes. Grand Prix is an almost straightforward horse race. Remember the Nigel West Dickens missions that forced you to abide by the rules (and the law)? Grand Prix throws all of that to the wind; each racer gets a limited supply of ammo; just enough to take at least one guy out. The other mode, Stronghold, is a competitive mode that bears a resemblance to Call of Duty's Search and Destroy or Battlefield Bad Company 2's Rush. One team attacks certain objectives, the other team defends. The attacking team is always slightly better-armed than the defending team, which keeps games exciting and intense.
