Gamers have never had more options when it comes to choosing their next title. With mobile gaming taking off worldwide, even casual gamers who stick to their smartphones have hundreds of thousands of gaming options in the Google Play and Apple App stores. Throw in new hardware trends like VR and there’s even greater selection available.
But this sheer availability of titles hasn’t made the job of finding a hidden gem any easier. The more options on the market, the harder it is to find a title that really suits your needs and interests. You may find the perfect mobile game but discover that there’s no PC port that lets you use a new keyboard, or vice versa. Similarly, you may enjoy a game’s premise but want to find a similar title that includes multiplayer options.
If you’re a gamer who’s feeling a little bogged down by the number of titles to look through or can’t quite find that niche genre that’s touching on all your interests, then consider trying out one of the gaming categories listed below. Though they don’t fall into the limelight often, each has its own unique merits, features, and fandoms—no shooter games, no sports sims, no RPGs.
Virtual Casino Games
Casino games are one of the world’s most popular gaming categories—even if they’re not officially clumped with other traditional video games. This is actually a shame because casino titles are some of the oldest games in the world, descended from medieval card games like pochen and early forms of blackjack.
Games like slots, which are the most popular game under the casino umbrella, have immense appeal for video gamers. That’s because they include visual and audio design on par with major video game studios. Similarly, those who understand RTP meaning, which stands for ‘return to player’ rate, are able to target games that offer transparent and accessible info on payouts. If you’re looking for an exciting new way to game, then slots might be a great fit. Be sure to look for games with RTPs of over 95%.
AR-Capable Mobile Games
When Pokémon GO burst onto the scene in 2017, it put AR mobile gaming on the map. For the first time, thousands of gamers were able to interact with a functional AR platform. The premise of catching Pokémon was also inventive and novel. However, other developers have pushed this idea even further. For example, Jurassic World Alive revamps the Pokémon experience by adapting it for dinosaurs. Others, like Zombies, Run! put a brand new (and slightly terrifying) spin on fitness and workout apps.
Image credit: cottonbro studio via Pexels
Indie Games
Just like casino gaming, indie developers and gaming studios are one of the most successful and invisible sectors in the industry. That’s because indie games that burst onto the scene and gain a large amount of followers tend to drop their ‘indie’ tags. For example, Cuphead (2017) and Hades (2018) are both hugely popular indie titles that you will find listed alongside industry heavyweights.
This is one of the main reasons why gamers start to focus on indie projects. After playing a fantastic game, many are stunned to learn that it came from indie developers. If you want to dive into the world of indie games, then jump on Twitch or YouTube and find streamers who focus their efforts on promoting the best indie titles on the market.
Roguelike Games
If you’ve encountered roguelike games before, you’ve probably been struck by the level of hardcore fandom surrounding these titles. Players must navigate their way out of a dungeon one level at a time. Usually, the levels are automatically generated to include new challenges. The simple-sounding premise is ideal for those with logical and analytical minds, which has made it a favorite for puzzlers over decades.
If it sounds too brainy, think again. The indie game mentioned above, Hades, is technically a roguelike title as players must fight their way out of the Underworld. But the game also received critical acclaim for things like visual design, narrative, voice acting, and replay value.
Header image credit: cottonbro studio via Pexels
