This is Vegas Preview

Ah, Vegas - America's playground. Sin City. Once you hit the tables and feel that rush of glitter-induced adrenaline, you'll wonder how you ever managed without it (at least, that's what I hear). Surreal Software and Midway Games are planning to introduce a satirical take on Vegas and its thrills. Yep, their upcoming game This is Vegas represents a stylish spoof of what goes on in Sin City. (That city in itself is a spoof of actual cities. - 2Lions)

Midway explained this will be "an open world, lifestyle action experience, where players will live out their Vegas fantasies by fighting, gambling, driving and partying their way through the most decadent, fast-paced and wildest city in the world." They're pitching it with the tagline "Put the Sin back in Sin City." Now, that seems as straightforward as they come. But This is Vegas also appears to have a few unique and interesting characteristics that may help set the game apart from other action adventures on the gaming scene. (This just flashes "Grand Theft Auto in Vegas" all over the place. - 2Lions)

Players step into the shoes of a character who arrives to Vegas to make his fortune. Upon your arrival you discover that an influential businessman warmed to the idea of turning Vegas into a boring family-friendly tourist trap, so naturally, you won't stand for it. Your task will be to set up your own affairs and try to establish a powerful empire. It's also in your interest to bring back the famous adult playground spirit into the city.

Now, how on Earth does one go about achieving this?

Are you kidding?

It's Vegas, so gamble away. The goal is to do get your mitts on as much cash as possible, by hitting high stakes tables and taking part in a variety of different betting delights. But that's not all. Your character will feel the need to crash parties at the hottest clubs in town, making VIP connections and so on. Seducing lovely females is part of the day's work as well, and some of them are, as Midway uncovered, extremely dangerous vixens, so you better watch it.

You won't count for much unless you take part in fast underground circuit races. That will be one of the main ways to grow your reputation. Before becoming a major "player" and a good racer, most of the top cars will be inaccessible. While some cars can be snatched in the street, others can be earned as a reward and parked in your personal garage.

Other missions, or gigs as they're called in this game, will be hurled your way. Most of these gigs are designated by various old-school Vegas factions. Of course, players may also look forward to grabbing collectibles along the way, as they move through the game's open world.

The beginning is never easy. As expected, you'll need to bet your way to glory, getting into the spirit to gambling classics like poker, slots, blackjack and such. Through it all, This is Vegas maintains the atmosphere of a living environment, so when the player sits at a blackjack table, everything around works as it would in real casinos. Gambling enthusiasts pace every which way, some of which sit down beside you at the table to join the game. Now, in this game, playing blackjack doesn't necessarily mean you have to abide by the rules of the house. If you're good enough, there are ways you can bend those rules and cheat the house. Using a marked deck or sunglasses gives you an unfair advantage. Making sure you're not caught while doing this, is also an important part of the experience. Casino owners tend to notice suspicious gamblers with shades. When they catch you cheating, they'll either throw you out or they might even attempt to "remove" you from the premises... permanently. The level of punishment for being caught depends greatly on the category of the establishment you're visiting.