As many casino enthusiasts will know, there are a plethora of casino games available for various different video gaming platforms. Due to the exhilarating nature of casino games, many gaming developers are now incorporating the casino into their latest releases.
In fact, some of the most realistic and enjoyable casino experiences exist within non-casino related games. It seems that giving the player the ability to play poker, in particular, has proved extremely popular with gamers. With this in mind, we’ve scoured the gaming landscape to bring you the best and most engaging poker experiences within non-casino related games.
Grand Theft Auto IV
As long-running action-adventure series go, the general consensus is that Grand Theft Auto ranks up there as one of the best. With the release of Grand Theft Auto IV back in 2008, players were treated to one of the most hilarious, if not overly derisive, poker experiences ever seen on the gaming small screen.
While you can’t actually play poker in the “Totally Wireless Internet Cafe”, you can watch a spoof of televised poker named “The Venturas Poker Challenge”, which hails the “fitness levels” of the games’ biggest stars and refers to them as sporting gods. As a gaming franchise, Grand Theft Auto is known for its cynicism and this makes for a thoroughly entertaining look at poker from a slightly different perspective.
Red Dead Redemption II
Red Dead Redemption II is a prequel to the 2010 modern classic Red Dead Redemption I and offers players a number of different side quests to the main story. With outcasts plotting their next move, players have the chance to play Texas Hold ‘Em against both the AI and fellow human opponents.
The poker scenes within the game are a real throwback to what was known as “Old West Gambling” and are a far cry from current online offerings. Nevertheless, the tips, tricks, and advice offered by Texas hold’em online sites certainly comes in handy when you sit down at the rugged wooden table ready to do battle with outlaws donning cowboys hats the size of flat screen TVs.
God Hand
As a beat ’em up game, God Hand is one of the last places you’d expect to find an engaging and interest poker experience. However, players can visit a hub in between stages which includes a practice arena as well as a casino where you can play slots, blackjack, and poker (it’s also possible to bet on Chihuahua racing if you so wish).
The poker is essentially an improved upon version of video poker but the interface is extremely professional looking and wouldn’t look out of place in a stand-alone casino video game. In addition to this, there is a real incentive to win as players can earn in-game currency and points which can be used to purchase more fighting moves.
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Poker Is Still a Huge Part of Pop Culture
The fact that poker has managed to make their way into non-casino related titles is proof that the lure of the casino is still a big part of pop culture. Casino games manage to integrate themselves so successfully into the video gaming scene because they provide the player with a welcome break from the main mission or quests in the game while also providing sufficient entertainment in their own right. Because of this, you should expect to see casino games within the video gaming industry for many years to come (not that we’re not complaining).
