The 7 Most iconic Casinos In Video Games
Video games come in all shapes and sizes, themes and categories. Some have realistic graphics that get you all fired up and immersed in the atmosphere, whilst others take a more ‘surreal’ approach, with almost neon dreamscapes and fantasy colour combinations (I’m looking at you, Fall Guys).
One of the more interesting elements that have been added to multiple games is the intense and fast-paced environment of casinos. As we all know, the nature of casinos in the real world is full of action and excitement and in-game this is no different. The in-game counterparts have the same kind of excitement you can find on online slots.
Here are 7 of the most iconic and memorable casino environments you can find in video gaming:
The Jewel Resort Casino, Granblue Fantasy
Released by CyGames, Granblue has garnered a cult following with gamers. As with any JRPG, the whole point of the game is to progress through the story, power up your characters with cool equipment that have status effects and power, and then use said weapons to beat the big baddies.
Players travel to the titular Jewel Resort Casino during the 8th chapter of the game and find it packed to the rafters with characters.The casino allows the player some time to rest from the furious fights they’ve been having, with the casino being luxurious and smoky – heck, they can even get to enjoy some of the mini-games on offer.
There were some enjoyable gambling mini-games to play in the casino – including poker, bingo and even slots. Winning on any of these games earned the player some chips, which could be traded for various prizes – everything from supplies you could use in battle to an exclusive Revolver, the ‘Jewel Modele’.
Tops Casino, Fallout New Vegas
The Fallout Series is one of the most loved sandbox games out there. Fallout: New Vegas was a spin-off from Obsidian Entertainment and as the name suggests, was based around the Vegas Strip in Nevada.
Following on from the previous Fallout games, New Vegas is set in a post-apocalyptic America. This leads the way for an environment that has not just barren wastelands but pockets of survivors, mutant animals and plenty of radiation!
Among the barren wasteland of Fallout New Vegas, you’ll find part of the infamous Vegas Strip. Some casinos and facilities still stand here and the main attraction is the Tops casino. It’s in this quaint establishment that you’ll be able to enjoy some of your favourite casino games and win bottle cops, the currency of the post-apocalyptic world.
You’ve got the choice of slots, roulette and card games – be careful about pointing your gun at people though, as they don’t like it! The team behind Fallout New Vegas have done a great job of keeping the feeling of a real casino here and it’s almost like you’ve actually stepped foot in a huge casino like Caesars Palace in the real Las Vegas.
Casino Night Zone, Sonic The Hedgehog 2
Sonic is one of the most recognisable and much-loved video game franchises on the planet. Coming from Sega, the sequel to the smash-hit original Sonic took our lovable blue hedgehog to all new environments – including a casino themed zone.
This zone was a huge stand out in the game thanks to the whole aesthetic – palm trees and neon lights surround the area, with a cityscape glowing in the background. The music also added a whole new level to the atmosphere.
You can rush through the level straight to the end and it’s an exhilarating experience. There aren’t many obstacles in the level that will slow down your momentum, so you can whizz through the level at almost top speed.
Mr Kings Dice Casino, Cuphead
With its incredible and striking theme, Cuphead was an instant hit with players. The 1920s cartoon aesthetic lends to many memorable moments during the game – with one of them being the casino level.
The whole casino is your enemy and for the boss level, fighting against cocktails and casino chips. At the end of the level, you’re up against the proprietor of the casino himself – Mr King Dice.
With a dice for a head and looming over you for the entire fight, he uses an army of cards to attack you. Absolutely nail-biting and riveting stuff, the whole casino level is one that is unforgettable.
The Diamond, Grand Theft Auto Online
Being one of the best selling games of all time, Grand Theft Auto’s online component has plenty for players to do in the fictional city of Los Santos. From holding up banks to car races, one of the newest and most popular additions is the in-game casino – The Diamond.
One of the only video games to ever feature a casino in-game where you could spend real money, Rockstar studios pushed the boat out in bringing casino realism into their game. Players can soak in the casino atmosphere, get a few drinks and even try their hand at some of the games.
Games wise, players can enjoy three card poker, roulette, blackjack as well as other games. You can even get yourself in-game VIP treatment – with limo service, a penthouse apartment and a special VIP lounge.
Saloons, Red Dead Redemption 2
Another game coming from hit studio Rockstar Games, Red Dead Redemption 2 aimed to be one of the most realistic games ever released – it had physics, lighting and weather effects that are some of the best players had ever seen.
One of the small additions to the game that really ramps up the realism is the casino element – with games of chance that would be enjoyed by patrons of the Wild West being able to be enjoyed by players. These games include casino staples such as Blackjack and Poker as well as some more out there games such as dominoes and five finger fillet (Mind your fingers!).
Lucky Simoleon, The Sims 3
Whilst The Sims 3 is a firm favourite amongst fans, It’s not as well known for its casino expansion. Being the seminal game of living a virtual life, the expansions add everything from pets to jobs and even a casino.
With the Lucky Simoleon casino add-in, you’re absolutely spoiled for choice in games. Not only can you enjoy poker, blackjack, roulette and slots, but you can also actually build your own casino with whatever layout you like!
