I mean “not gambling games” very strictly, this post is intended to be about games that give the aesthetic, impulsive feedback and addictively risky gameplay feel of gambling without actually being gambling meaning that either the games are free or you buy them and keep them, no microtransaction crap tolerated in this thread at all.
I think it is very unethical to actually make a gambling video game, so I want to highlight games that explore these territories without hurting the player.
The kind of games I am thinking of are.
The Original Peggle games/other original Popcap Games (NOT EA’s slop)
to a less extent Peglin and Roundguard.
Luck Be A Landlord
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1404850/Luck_be_a_Landlord/
Balatro
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2379780/Balatro/
Games I haven’t tried/aren’t familiar with but look like they fit the bill.
Scritchy Scratchy
https://store.steampowered.com/app/3948120/Scritchy_Scratchy/
Raccoin
https://store.steampowered.com/app/3784030/RACCOIN_Coin_Pusher_Roguelike/
Dice A Million
https://store.steampowered.com/app/3430340/Dice_A_Million/
Whatever it means to you though I am interested in your answers!
Yeah, Pokémon red and blue especially. Gold and silver too. Did they all have it?
I don’t think the gambling in Pokemon is limited to the game corner. For example, choosing to attack when you’re confused or paralyzed can be seen as a “gamble.”
I think it was after Diamond/Pearl that they were forced to remove the game corner so they could be deemed suitable for children…
The thing is that I remember playing the game corner, especially the one in gen 3. It taught me that casinos are very boring and frustrating places which I’ll inevitably get tired of after a few minutes. I’ve never used a real-life casino in part because, if it’s anything like it was portrayed in Pokémon, why would that be a fun activity?