As we all know by now, the age of the short, level-based video game is well and truly over. People don’t want games with replay value, but rather games that take an aeon to complete. That means hundreds of side quests, sprawling open worlds, and minigames that you can theoretically play for infinity. One way that video game developers have scrambled to meet this need is through in-game gambling minigames.
Rather than thinking of dozens of fresh minigames with their own unique sets of rules, most major developers have opted to simply take classic real-world games and adapt them for their virtual worlds. Sometimes, this is done to great effect, with in-game poker and roulette games going on to become fan favourites.
Other times, they feel like cheap and lazy afterthoughts that do not add anything to the overall gameplay experience. Since we are only interested in the latter, here is our list of the gambling minigames that are actually worth playing.
1. Fallout New Vegas
Set in a post-apocalyptic Las Vegas, FNV truly does justice to its setting by creating an in-game gambling system that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking. You can play the entire gamut of classic casino games, from Texas Hold ‘Em to roulette. How well you treat other characters in the game will affect your luck levels, while your evil actions in the game will allow you to better tell when other players are bluffing. Which path will you take? If you would rather not waste time being a good citizen, the boffins over at https://www.gamerguides.com have come up with a way to game the system and win every time.
2. Red Dead Redemption 2
Strolling into a dusty saloon in the badlands of New Hanover, putting your boots up on the table, and playing a few whisky-drenched rounds of Texas Hold ‘Em is something that has been frequently praised as one of the best things about the RD franchise. Let the roaring fireplace transport you to a more soothing place, where the realistically-paced rounds of poker can transport you away from the carnage and chaos of the Wild West for a few blissful minutes. Of course, as the https://www.ign.com walkthrough explains, the poker in RDR2 is not always a soothing experience.
3. GTA San Andreas & GTA V
The standout component of the casino games in GTA: San Andreas and GTA V are that they encourage you to play to win. There are endless forums and message boards online dedicated to giving gamers tips to beating the virtual Las Venturas and Los Santos casino complexes. Given that GTA casino games closely mimic online casino mechanics, learning how to bet from real casino experts will help you beat your buddies in Los Santos.
Rather than trusting the whims of fans, gamers are betting off consulting real-life online poker guides such as those offered by the experts at https://www.howtobet.com. Naturally, sites like this also serve a purpose for those who are both beginner and enthusiastic bettors. Beyond that, it also shows the best casinos with reviews of each specific operators. Even more, it various guides to help beginner bettors.
4. Final Fantasy VIII
The endlessly creative minds behind the FF franchise can always be expected to deliver when it comes to thoughtful and challenging side content. One of the best minigames from the franchise that remains a fan favourite to this day is the Triple Triad game from FFVIII. This high-tech version of higher or lower takes place on a 3×3 grid, where you are tasked with out-guessing an AI over whether the next card in the sequence is of higher or lower value. This devilishly simple game contains plenty of thought-providing dialogue and features, making it an absolute must for fans of the series.
These are some of our absolute favourite gambling minigames ever. While there is no shortage of in-game poker and slots distractions, only a few have ever been able to turn this trope into a truly meaningful addition to the game.