The retro niche in gaming will never be a disaster. We are even seeing a rise in the popularity of classic games, which is strange considering the technological advancement today.
However, something about these retro classic games with pixelated graphics makes you feel good. It could be nostalgia or a desire to remember the good old days. The gameplay of classic and retro games could be better than modern-day standards.
But the feeling that rises from that teleportation back in time is irreplaceable.
This is why modern casino game developers often develop classic games. You have pixelated and simple gameplay, a trip to memory lane, and some gambling. What’s better than that?
We’ve got you covered if this inspires you to search for a good retro game. The casino industry has a lot of history, and we can see that through the wide selection of classic games we still have nowadays.
Many online casinos feature classic and retro games with modern technology backing things up. If you want to try some blackjack games online.
So, you have two choices. You can either buy a true retro game or try one online that is a modern one made with retro style.
Which games are the best to play right now? Here is a list that might inspire you.
Retro Casino Games to Relive the Glory Days
High Stakes Gambling – Game Boy
Only the OGs remember the gambling games we used to have on Game Boy. High-stakes gambling is one of the best casino games we’ve seen. Why? Well, it is one of the few casino games with a story.
It throws you into the middle of the Great Depression era as an undercover FBI agent. The goal is to dismantle the mafia by winning a bit at the casino. Okay, that doesn’t make much sense, but this doesn’t mean the game could be more could be more fun.
Regarding the type of games, you have all the classics like blackjack, poker, and slots.
The graphics are quite retro and dated, but this adds charm and makes the game even more fun to play.
Casino Kid – NES
Ever heard about Yuki Ishigaki’s manga series “$1,000,000 Kid”? Well, if not, this is the game you’d want to try.
This is a game where you are centered in a fictional city called “Lost Wages.” Hmm…Sounds familiar to Las Vegas, right?
Never mind that the game aimed to win enough money to defeat the King of the Casino. This game featured an evil boss disguised as the King of the Casino. When it comes to the type of games, you have all the classics like blackjack, roulette, and poker. You can also enter the casino lobby and browse all the games in 2D fashion.
Golden Nugget 64 – Nintendo 64
Nintendo isn’t known for creating gambling or casino games, as its console is aimed at a younger audience. However, in 1998, they released a game called Golden Nugget 64, which was actually developed by Electronic Arts.
This is one of the first casino games that offered a multiplayer virtual casino experience and came with a bunch of different games like baccarat, roulette, poker, craps, and more.
You start with $1000, and there are no evil bosses or underworld mafia. Instead, the goal is to engage with different casino games and win more money. They are quite decent in terms of gameplay and graphics, especially for that time. The best I’ve seen was before the 2000s.
So, if you have a Nintendo 64 at home and want to try retro gambling, head over to your local retro game store and check if they have Golden Nugget 64.
Vegas Stakes – SNES
Next, we have Vegas Stakes for the NES. This is a sequel to Vegas Dreams, although the game didn’t improve that much.
It was developed by HAL Laboratory, and even though this name doesn’t ring a bell, they are responsible for creating the Kirby franchise.
This was one of the first games that came with virtual CPUs and AI opponents that actually changed their gameplay strategies based on various outcomes.
Caesar’s Palace – Sega Genesis
Lastly, we have a game inspired by the luxury hotel and heart of gambling in Las Vegas – Caesar’s Palace. Since this game was more promotional than designed to revolutionize gaming, it is not that good. It featured a few different games like slots, blackjack, and roulette, and every bit of free space was slapped with Caesars Palace advertising.
The graphics are also not really good, but they give you that ultra-retro vibe. After all, this is a game released in 1993, so we cannot expect anything better.
Why Play Retro Casino Games Today?
Besides the nostalgia factor, retro casino games offer a simpler and often more straightforward gaming experience. They are perfect for short, casual gaming sessions without the need for an internet connection or extensive tutorials. Plus, they are a great way to appreciate the evolution of video game design and storytelling.