Poker is a classic of the casinos. The game perfectly blends luck with strategy, and requires people to plan ahead, as well as on the spot. It is this dynamic gameplay that makes poker such a huge hit. It is also why pop culture is frequently using poker to portray characters as smart, savvy, or clever. In video games, poker is often used to convey a character’s level of intelligence. But, what are the games that let you play poker? In this article, we will attempt to find that out.
Online Casinos
We are starting off with a beat of a cheat entry. Online casinos are not games per se. Rather, they are websites that host various casino games, all of which will appeal to different people. The iGaming industry, as it has come to be known, is particularly popular in New Jersey. You will note that a lot of online casino NJ websites host a wide variety of games, and poker is chief among them.
The most popular one, of course, is Texas Hold ‘em. Named after the American state where most theorize the game was created, Texas Hold ‘em involves a dealer giving each player two cards, before revealing the “community” cards on the table, one by one. As players place wagers, the dealer reveals more and more cards, until there are five on the table.
Of course, Texas hold ‘em is not the only option here. Fans will find that online casinos contain examples of Omaha, Stud, and various other poker variants. Furthermore, for the gamblers who don’t enjoy poker, online casinos also have a variety of slots and table games, which are staples of the gambling industry. In other words, these sites are perfect for anybody interested in casinos, poker, and more.
Red Dead Redemption
Now that we’ve looked at online casinos, it is time to get to the actual games; and what better game to start out with than Red Dead Redemption? The sprawling, western epic created by Rockstar Studios throws the players into a brutal, cold, and most importantly, realistic environment, where they have to deal with the harsh truths of the old west.
It is precisely that dedication to brutal realism that makes RDR such a beloved modern classic. It is also that aspect that makes it a perfect game for poker players. You see, one of the staples of the old west were the numerous saloons, where a cowboy could rest, relax, and gamble. The team at Rockstar did a fantastic job at conveying how poker would have been played in the era.
To a lot of poker players, strategy and planning are a crucial part of the game. Red Dead Redemption takes both of these factors into account, thus creating a surprisingly realistic mini-game, that enables the player to truly feel like they are seated in a dingy saloon, surrounded by rough cowboys playing a round of the classic, and beloved card game.
In many people’s minds, Red Dead Redemption is the best poker game on the current market. The reason is, as we mentioned, the team’s dedication to making every part of the game realistic, which extends to the gambling mini-games, like poker. However, Red Dead Redemption is far from the only game that will appeal to fans of the classic card game.
Far Cry 3
The first-person shooter genre has always had a pretty large appeal in the world of games. However, while most people are aware with the war-themed representatives of the genre, like Call of Duty, Modern Warfare, etc., there are also those games that combine elements of survival, RPG, and even horror. An example would be Far Cry 3.
Set on a tropical island, populated by a terrorist faction, the game sees a gang of college students getting kidnapped by the criminals. After one of them escapes, he sets out on a journey to save the rest, and discover something more about himself. Throughout the game, the player can discover a series of mini-games, including a very cleverly designed poker game.
After conquering the Valsa Docks, Brody will get the option to play the Texas Hold ‘em mini-game. At this point, you can probably assume that most of these games will be dealing with the Texas Hold ‘em version of the game, as that is the most popular iteration in the 21st century. The interesting part about this mini-game is that, while it is optional, it also plays a pivotal role later in the story.
Balatro
The video game indie market is an immensely growing, and successful aspect of the video game industry. The rapidly advancing technology, as well as the quick and easy access to online video game stores has made it possible for independent game developers to publish unique ideas that would otherwise never succeed in the Triple A industry.
Balatro is one such game. A roguelike, deck-building game, Balatro requires players to defeat “blinds,” while simultaneously collecting Joker cards. The way to do this is by playing poker hands, in order to earn more money. Using that money, the player can then purchase better cards, improve their deck, and set out on the adventure again.
Unlike the two games we discussed so far, Balatro is almost certain to appeal to poker fans. At its core, the game is basically just a never-ending round of poker, with the benefit that no real cash is being wagered on the outcome. For anyone who like the idea of playing poker at a casino, but is not a fan of the risk, Balatro is the perfect choice.
Things to Consider
The gaming industry and poker are not as distant as one may believe. After all, many of the popular video games we love today are inspired by the traditional table games that have been played throughout history. Poker, especially, has had a significant influence on many of the most popular video games today. The ones discussed in this article are just a few of the examples that have, in some way, been inspired by the classic card game.
