Well, here we are, jumping back into the fray with Casino Kid 2 on the NES. Remember the good ol’ days of role-playing adventure and labyrinthine dungeons? We’ve got none of that here, just cards, chips, and the stench of shattered dreams.

Quite the pitch! Yes, Casino Kid 2 is definitely a pivot from our usual epic RPG sessions. The premise is rather intriguing, though, with our young protagonist, officially the best gambler in the US, taking on the world’s best. It’s very 1993 for games to have such a niche sequel, isn’t it?

Indeed. We find ourselves crisscrossing the globe—New York, Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro—taking on national gambling champs. It’s like a tour of disappointment.

Oh, don’t be so harsh. Let’s talk about the game mechanics a bit. We start with a choice of blackjack, poker, and roulette. I must admit the variety is refreshing after the first game was solely blackjack and poker.

True, the variety is good. Yet, let’s not forget poker here feels less like Texas Hold’em and more like an existential crisis waiting to happen. The AI opponents are brutal and the rule enforcement is… well, let’s say it’s about as fair as a rigged carnival game.

I couldn’t agree more. At least there’s some semblance of strategy involved, but the randomness can be exhausting. The multiplayer aspect is almost non-existent, just backseat gambling advice which could start some serious sibling rivalries.

Oh, for sure. And the graphics? It’s… well, it’s NES. It’s basic and rather uninspiring. The avatars look like they were drawn in the dark. I’ve seen Mega Man bosses look more animated, literally.

I wouldn’t dare compare it to Zelda or Final Fantasy, but it does have a certain charm. It’s functional for a card game. What did you think of the music?

If by ‘music’ you mean repetitive jingles worse than in an elevator, then yes, it’s top notch. Looping background tracks that remind me why the mute button exists.

Speaking of charm, can we talk about the final boss? Spoilers ahead, but facing the Casino King is laughable at best. You beat the entire world’s best gamblers only to come face to face with… an underwhelming card dealer. The payoff feels cheaper than that knockoff Mario game we found last summer.

The journey ends with a fizzle, not a bang. To quote our beloved RPG scripts, it’s the ‘Most Underwhelming Final Showdown’. Though we did get a good laugh from it, considering he’s got the charisma of a loaf of bread.

True enough. On a more factual note, Sammy Corporation developed this little gem. They are more known for their pachinko machines and arcade games. Casino Kid 2 is a unique but odd leap into home console games.

Interesting shift. Shame Casino Kid 2 didn’t exactly ride the wave of stellar advancements, huh?

Absolutely! Nonetheless, they’ve made something uniquely… memorable. For those drawn to the casino life but lacking trip cash, here are a few tips: always strategize your bets in poker, and watch for patterns in blackjack. Roulette is just a mad dash of luck—I’d suggest holding onto hope more than skill.

A brilliant summation! Jokes aside, Casino Kid 2 provides a nostalgic peek into the world of NES card and gambling games—quirks and all. It looks like our gambling escapade will end here, but it was a wild ride while it lasted.

Indeed it was! Despite its flaws, it’s always fun diving into a piece of gaming history. Now, let’s swap this cartridge out for something a tad more… epic, shall we?

Absolutely! Time to save Hyrule once more!

 

You can also read the Villain View of Casino Kid 2 here!

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