Synonymous with titles these days are the implementation of various mini-games, oftentimes used to distract the player from the larger story at hand. Typically rooted within side quests and challenges, these small, light-hearted games are usually simple in their objective, easy to overcome, and wildly addictive to play.
With most developers obscuring the lines between reality and fantasy, the addition of casinos and gambling practices to their beloved franchises is a no-brainer, as allowing their fans to relish in a virtual world of riches for their enjoyment is a wager they're willing to stake on. Stretching across numerous familiar betting styles such as Blackjack, Poker, and Roulette, this group of titles stands out from the ever-growing gambling crowd, offering a uniquely memorable mini-game experience in the process.
5 Red Dead Redemption
Historically placed in the hall of video game fame is Rockstar's Red Dead Redemption, an outlaw-wielding RPG released in 2010. Lawlessly rampant, significantly enthralling, and downright immersive are all phrases fans would use to describe Red Dead Redemption's nature, certifying its position as a classic within modern gaming. Tasked with bringing criminals to justice, aiding countless strangers, and making an infamous name within the title's environment can only be achieved through gruesomely precise shootouts, intensely fast chases, and an adherence to the mesmerizingly deep storyline Rockstar has to offer.
Although vast in side quests, Red Dead Redemption's setting prompts an inevitable focus on gambling, as the late 19th and early 20th century's growing popularity in casinos and the high life was only just starting to take off. Established within its predecessor, RedDead Redemption 2's eminent betting system granted fans an exclusively entertaining mini-game selection, ranging from Blackjack and Poker, to Dominoes and Five Finger Fillet, with the ultimate reward of money and bragging rights. However, these miniature games can also be accessed within Red Dead Redemption 2's cherished campaign, as seen on the Grand Korrigan steamboat during the missions 'A Fine Night Of Debauchery' and 'The Noblest Of Men, And A Woman', allowing the player to partake in impressively formidable rounds of Poker.
4 The Sims
Dating back to the year 2000, gamers and fans of the simulation genre were gifted the widely renowned title that is The Sims: an incredibly customizable, life-replicating game developed by EA. Offering its players an array of life choices, career paths, and home renovations, The Sims games have dominated the simulation scene ever since, homing in on an extensively dedicated community, eager to expand their virtual families, adventures, and lives. Brandishing itself as a decorated franchise, the level of freedom permitted to devotees of these games surpasses what gamers thought impossible many years ago, solidifying its name as a modern-day classic within the industry.
Although this series prizes itself on endless amounts of customization, The Sims habitually contains most of its content in the form of DLC packs and expansions for players to purchase, often including bundles of themed furniture, exclusive locations, and even stylish attire. Prominently esteemed within the franchise is EA's third installment, The Sims 3, a title that's home to the Lucky Simoleon Casino pack. Upon buying this DLC, fans that are looking to stake their money are able to visit the lavishly Lucky Simoleon Casino, testing their luck on gambling mini-games such as Blackjack, Slots, Poker, and even Roulette. However, Sims that have the Unlucky trait within The Sims 3 may find it difficult to score a jackpot in this casino, so players should beware of this risky activity when looking to land big.
3 Final Fantasy
Arguably an exemplar within the RPG genre, Final Fantasy's existence has ultimately shaped and paved the way for future titles looking to delve into this game type, as Square Enix's hypnotic settings, storylines, and character designs are based purely on ingenious lore, riveting skill sets, and jaw-dropping fantasy-related elements. Initially released in 1987, the Final Fantasy series has accumulated well over ten main titles, acquiring an astonishingly faithful fan base in the process. Despite the vast amount of content a newcomer to the franchise might have to digest, Square Enix's Final Fantasy can assure their titles offer profound battle sequences, alluring character dialogue, and countless upgradable weapons, armor, and abilities.
Due to the sheer amount of installments, developers Square Enix boast a considerable list of explorable locations, especially seen within Final Fantasy 14. Discoverable within the city of Ul'dah, the Manderville Gold Saucer is host to a large proportion of Final Fantasy 14's exciting mini-games, grippingly showcasing a colorful, casino-like hub filled with various gambling classics. Stationed around a gigantic cactus, the Manderville Gold Saucer allows players to partake in their potentially lucrative Lottery event and even other various ancient practices such as Doman Mahjong. Although the title doesn't build its mini-games solely around financial gain but rather enjoyment, Final Fantasy still manages to capture the gambling essence through the use of light-hearted events.
2 Watch Dogs
Unleashed in 2014, Ubisoft's Watch Dogs took the gaming scene by storm, coursing through a slightly unmarked territory, being that of the hacking genre. Played as the scandalous vigilante Aiden Pearce, fans of Watch Dogs are able to run rampant through the streets of Chicago, infiltrating the likes of ATMs, traffic lights, security cameras, and even bank accounts. Emerging within a rather underappreciated genre was not the reason Ubisoft excelled, as their thorough storylines, customizable gadgets, upgradable weapons, and even traversal methods secured Watch Dogs' name as an exceedingly fantastic RPG title.
Despite an enthralling campaign mode, players are still encouraged to explore the map offered to them, as the level of freedom and independence is boundless. As a result of this, Watch Dogs has cunningly implemented countless activities to immerse players even further, including a diversified range of gambling practices to roll the dice on. Taking a chance on the Slot machine may suffice, or perhaps a challenging game of Poker may be more suited to certain players. Whichever it may be, Ubisoft's inclusion of these gambling mini-games depicts their innovative nature, separate from their unique hacking standpoint.
1 Grand Theft Auto
As far as popularity, playability, and performance go, Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto takes center stage, grossing over 10 billion dollars throughout its lucratively prominent journey. Dating back to 1997, Grand Theft Auto has placed its fans in the heart and soul of a lawless city, granting them unlimited potential to loot civilians and establishments, hijack cars and boats, and even have shootouts with law enforcement and rival gangs. Cementing itself as a household name, this franchise has ultimately seen the addition of multiple installments, all historical to modern gaming due to their widely wacky storylines, definitively devious characters, and viciously violent nature.
Temporarily concluding the series is Grand Theft Auto 5, an immersive classic set in a city inspired by Los Angeles. Whether an avid admirer of its vehicle gameplay or its vast sense of customization, Grand Theft Auto 5 offers fans an extensive list of things to do. Released within the online version of the title, an update dubbed 'The Diamond Casino & Resort', propelled players into the high life, brandishing a flashy new casino that fans could spend big in. Host to all the notable forefronts gambling has to offer, fans can stake their chances on Blackjack, Roulette, or Poker, with maximum bets set at 50,000 dollars. Although an inevitable addition, Grand Theft Auto 5's mini-game selection of the casino industry showcases the desired spirit gamers have with regard to testing their luck in the virtual world.