Many of the biggest video games feature card games as a mini-challenge that complements the main action.
Card games are steeped in history and played by people from all walks of life, so it seems only natural that many classic titles would crossover into video games. The likes of poker and blackjack are often familiar to gamers, so it can bring a sense of normality into the virtual world while providing a break from the main quest.
If you’d love to play Texas Holdem and the like when jamming on an Xbox One, PS4, or PC, here’s a list of top video games that feature card games.
Final Fantasy VIII
If you are an avid gamer, you have likely played at least one title in the Final Fantasy series. You might, therefore, be familiar with Triple Triad, which features in Final Fantasy VIII (1999). The virtual card game spans across a 3×3 grid and requires its players to take turns against the computer to secure the highest value cards.
Once a player lays down a card, it will then be compared to a card in the next square, and the one with the highest value. The aim of the game is to place most of the cards of your specific colour onto the board to win the prize. The game has also been recently remastered, and it is one to add to your to-buy list.
Red Dead Redemption
Red Dead Redemption is a western action-adventure game, which was created by Rockstar San Diego, who are the makers behind the hit Grand Theft Auto series. A successor of Red Dead Revolver (2004), it is set in the year 1911, throughout the decline of the American frontier. The video game follows John Marston, a former outlaw, who must bring his former gang members to justice to save his wife and son, who are being held hostage by the government who are seeking his services.
During the game, players will have an opportunity to play one or more rounds of poker, which are presented in a Texas Holdem format. You’re also able to cheat your fellow virtual poker players to walk away with a large pot of money. However, there will be repercussions if you’re caught, as the video game players might need to enter a duel with an opponent.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Released in 2015, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt became a much-loved addition to the series. Based on fantasy novels of the same name by Andrzej Sapkowski, the action role-playing game allows players to become a bounty hunter, set goals, and pick destinations.
It also features Gwent, a unique card game, which plays an important role in the video game. Plus, it provides another activity to enjoy besides killing monsters. The virtual card game requires a player to collect cards to create a strong deck. It serves as a separate challenge alongside the story’s main arc.
Fallout: New Vegas
Betting elements feature heavily in Fallout: New Vegas, which was released in 2010. Players will need to walk through a post-apocalyptic Las Vegas, which is a shadow of its former self. While many casinos are still standing, they won’t feature a typical casino interior or poker games.
While there are strict rules in place when playing games like Omaha hi-lo in the real world, the virtual Vegas could lead to a player being cheated out of their cash, so watch out.
Despite the video game being released a decade ago, the graphics are still as impressive today as they were back in 2010, so it’s sure to grip you from start to finish. It is easy to immerse yourself into a derelict Vegas and the various classic casino games, such as blackjack, slots, and roulette.
Watch Dogs
Watch Dogs, an action-adventure game, was released in 2014 and developed by Ubisoft Montreal. It features a fictional version of Chicago, USA, and follows Aiden Pearce, a hacker who is seeking revenge following the murder of his niece.
A much-loved feature in the game is the poker play in the saloon, which is combined with a drinking game. A player will need to pay for every round, and overall, there’s a lot of poker tables that feature throughout the game. So, the game can provide a break from the main challenge and an opportunity to go up against opposing characters while building a large gaming bankroll.
Grand Theft Auto IV
Grand Theft Auto IV is one of the most popular action-adventure video games of all time and was released in 2008 by Rockstar Games. The game follows Niko Bellic, a war veteran, who must complete various missions, which are often behind the wheel of a car in Liberty City. In addition to driving various vehicles, Niko can enter an internet café to search the web and visit various websites, including an online poker site. While you can’t play the game, you can watch “The Venturas Poker Challenge” that is set in Las Venturas.
Far Cry 3
Released in 2012, Far Cry 3 is a first-person shooter game that is set in a tropical archipelago between the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean. At the start of the game, travellers are kidnapped by pirates, and it is up to Jason Brody to rescue his friends. While he will need to improve his fighting skills and acquire weapons as the game progresses, Jason can also play no-limit hold ‘em in secret rooms across two islands for different stakes.
So, if you want to play a fun card game when tackling an Xbox One, PS4, or PC game, the above titles are certainly worth your time and money.
