Vegas Stakes

Last updated

Vegas Stakes
VegasstakesSNES boxart.jpg
North American box art
Developer(s) HAL Laboratory
Publisher(s) Nintendo
Composer(s) Kimitaka Matsumae (SNES)
Manami Matsumae
Platform(s) Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Game Boy
ReleaseSuper NES
  • NA: April 10, 1993
  • EU: 1993
  • JP: September 10, 1993
Game Boy
  • NA: December 1995
  • EU: 1995
Genre(s) Casino
Mode(s) Single-player, multiplayer

Vegas Stakes, known as Las Vegas Dream in Japan, is a 1993 gambling video game developed by HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. It was released in North America in April 1993, in Europe the same year and in Japan by Imagineer in September 1993. A port for the Game Boy was released only in North America in December 1995. The Super NES version supports the Super NES Mouse, [1] while the Game Boy version is compatible with the Super Game Boy, and features borders which use artwork from the Super NES version. It is the sequel to the NES game Vegas Dream .

Contents

The game sees the player go to Las Vegas to gamble with $1000. Using that $1000, the player must try to win $10 million at different casinos.

Gameplay

In the Super NES version, the player can choose to play either a single-player or multiplayer game. The multiplayer mode is not included in the Game Boy version. In the single-player game, a computerized friend accompanies the player around various casinos. In the multiplayer game, poker cannot be played since everyone could see everyone else's cards. At the beginning of the single-player game, a car is seen driving to Las Vegas. The various "friends" of the player are introduced as Cliff, Maria, Isabelle and Richard. All are eager to begin gambling. The "friends" are not present in the Game Boy version.

The player is given $1,000. The player's goal is to win $10 million. If the player loses all the money, the game ends, and an image is shown of a man showing his empty pockets.

The game features blackjack, poker, craps, roulette, and slot machines. [2] [3] When the player wins $100,000, the Laurel Palace casino is unlocked. [2] A total of five casinos are featured in the Super NES version, [3] while four are featured in the Game Boy version. [2]

Aside from gambling, the player will also have interactions with the traveling party, and with random casino patrons. The player can make or lose money, depending on the response given to these patrons. In one example, a patron may attempt to pickpocket the player's character by pretending to wipe a spot off the character's shirt. [2] [3] There are no random encounters in multiplayer mode. Several additional patron interaction situations exist in the Game Boy version.

At the end of the Super NES version, the player gets to type in what they plan to do with their winnings. At the end of the game, a couple drive up to a casino with the player's name on it. Also at the end of the Super NES version, the game tells the player what they typed in came true.

Reception

Vegas Stakes on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System garnered generally favorable reception from critics. [7] Readers of Japanese publication Super Famicom Magazine voted to give the game a 19.2 out of 30 score in a public poll. [12] Nintendo Power praised its realistic gambling games, four-player mode, and compatibility with the Super NES Mouse, but criticized the lack of variety in the games and live interactions with other opponents during multiplayer. [9] A writer for Computer and Video Games commended the audiovisual presentation, but felt that its gameplay became dull after the first half hour. [5]

Electronic Gaming Monthly 's five reviewers stated that "Nintendo gives casino life a great video game feel". They noted that the game's recurring incidents at the casino added humor and variety. [6] ProGames's Chu-Chi commented that the game was "very satisfying" for fans of the genre, highlighting the unique characteristics and dialogues of each character. He also gave positive remarks to the visuals, sound, challenge and overall fun factor. [11] AllGame 's Scott Alan Marriott regarded Vegas Stakes as "an excellent example of how to do a casino game on the console format", noting the inclusion of surrounding in-game characters, adventure element and diverse game selection. However, Marriott expressed disappointment with the game ending once the main goal is met. [4]

The Game Boy version carried similar response as the original Super NES release. Nintendo Power's six editors praised it for being a solid recreation of the Super NES version, as well as its accessible controls and adventure element, but was criticized for featuring "only four games of chance". [10] GamePro 's brief review found it fun, giving positive remarks to its variety of games, "crisp and clean" visuals, and "cheesy" music for being fitting. [13] IGN 's Monica Wilbur commended its suitable graphical presentation, audio and replayability, writing "if playing classic games of chance with virtually no risk attached sounds like a good way to pass the time, Vegas Stakes offers a solid gameplay experience." [8]

Retrospective coverage

Retrospective reviews for the title have been more mixed since its Virtual Console re-release. Nintendo Life 's Marcel van Duyn recommended it for gambling fans, noting that the random character events and optional advise from the player's companion added variety and extra interaction to the game, while commending the detailed backgrounds but criticized the music for being "annoying". [14] Eurogamer 's Dan Whitehead found its multiplayer component more interesting than the main campaign, but he ultimately expressed that "if you peek over the fence at Xbox Live Arcade, and take a look at fully-featured online gambling games like Texas Hold 'em , you can't help feeling that games like this just highlight the shortcomings of the Virtual Console while adding little of value." [15] IGN's Lucas M. Thomas commended the overall presentation, visuals, audio, gameplay and lasting appeal, but stated that more variety and different versions for some of the included casino games would have been welcomed. [16] GameSpot 's Frank Provo wrote that "When it originally came out for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1993, this collection of five parlor classics was one of just a few gambling compilations available for home consoles. However, now that Nintendo has made Vegas Stakes available once again on the Wii's Virtual Console service, there are a near-infinite number of gambling collections out there for a multitude of platforms, and most of them provide a wider selection of casino staples than the ones included here." [17]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Super Nintendo Entertainment System</span> Home video game console

The Super Nintendo Entertainment System, commonly shortened to Super Nintendo, Super NES or SNES, is a 16-bit home video game console developed by Nintendo that was released in 1990 in Japan and South Korea, 1991 in North America, 1992 in Europe and Oceania and 1993 in South America. In Japan, it is called the Super Famicom (SFC). In South Korea, it is called the Super Comboy and was distributed by Hyundai Electronics. The system was released in Brazil on August 30, 1993, by Playtronic. In Russia and CIS, the system was distributed by Steepler from 1994 until 1996. Although each version is essentially the same, several forms of regional lockout prevent cartridges for one version from being used in other versions.

<i>Dr. Mario</i> 1990 video game

Dr. Mario is a 1990 puzzle video game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Entertainment System and Game Boy. It was produced by Gunpei Yokoi and designed by Takahiro Harada. The soundtrack was composed by Hirokazu Tanaka.

<i>Super Mario World</i> 1990 video game

Super Mario World, known in Japan as Super Mario World: Super Mario Bros. 4, is a 1990 platform game developed by Nintendo EAD and published by Nintendo for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). The player controls Mario on his quest to save Princess Peach and Dinosaur Land from the series' antagonist Bowser and the Koopalings. The gameplay is similar to that of earlier Super Mario games; players control Mario through a series of levels in which the goal is to reach the goalpost at the end. Super Mario World introduces Yoshi, a ridable dinosaur who can eat enemies.

<i>Yoshis Cookie</i> 1992 video game

Yoshi's Cookie is a 1992 tile-matching puzzle video game developed by Tose and published by Nintendo for the NES and Game Boy platforms in 1992. A Super NES version was released the following year, developed and published by Bullet-Proof Software.

<i>Tetris Attack</i> 1995 video game

Tetris Attack, also known as Panel de Pon in Japan, is a puzzle video game developed by Intelligent Systems and published by Nintendo for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. A Game Boy version was released a year later. In the game, the player must arrange matching colored blocks in vertical or horizontal rows to clear them. The blocks steadily rise towards the top of the playfield, with new blocks being added at the bottom. Several gameplay modes are present, including a time attack and multiplayer mode.

<i>Super Metroid</i> 1994 video game

Super Metroid is a 1994 action-adventure game developed by Nintendo and Intelligent Systems and published by Nintendo for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. It is the third installment in the Metroid series, following the events of the Game Boy game Metroid II: Return of Samus (1991). Players control bounty hunter Samus Aran, who travels to planet Zebes to retrieve an infant Metroid creature stolen by the Space Pirate leader Ridley.

<i>Warios Woods</i> 1994 video game

Wario's Woods is a puzzle video game developed and published by Nintendo. It was released in Japan and North America in 1994 and Europe in 1995 for both the Nintendo Entertainment System and the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. A spin-off of the Mario series, players control Toad in his mission to defeat Wario, who has taken control of the Peaceful Woods. Gameplay revolves around clearing each level by using bombs to destroy groups of enemies. The game also features a multiplayer mode that allows two players to compete against each other.

<i>Pilotwings</i> (video game) 1990 video game

Pilotwings is a flight simulation video game developed and published by Nintendo for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. The game was originally released in Japan in December 1990, shortly after the launch of the Super Famicom in the country. It was also released as a launch title for the SNES in August 1991 in North America, with a European release following in 1992.

<i>Kirbys Adventure</i> 1993 video game

Kirby's Adventure is a 1993 action-platform game developed by HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). It is the second game in the Kirby series after Kirby's Dream Land (1992) on the Game Boy and the first to include the Copy Ability, which allows the main character Kirby to gain new powers by eating certain enemies. The game centers around Kirby traveling across Dream Land to repair the Star Rod after King Dedede breaks it apart and gives the pieces to his minions.

<i>Tetris & Dr. Mario</i> 1994 video game

Tetris & Dr. Mario is a 1994 puzzle video game compilation published by Nintendo for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. It contains enhanced remakes of Tetris (1989) and Dr. Mario (1990), which were originally released for both the Nintendo Entertainment System and Game Boy in North America. Both games include split-screen multiplayer and a "Mixed Match" mode that transitions between the two games.

<i>Pac-Attack</i> 1993 puzzle video game

Pac-Attack, also known as Pac-Panic, is a 1993 falling-tile puzzle video game developed and published by Namco for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System and Sega Genesis. Versions for the Game Boy, Game Gear and Philips CD-i were also released. The player is tasked with clearing out blocks and ghosts without them stacking to the top of the playfield — blocks can be cleared by matching them in horizontal rows, while ghosts can be cleared by placing down a Pac-Man piece that can eat them. It is the first game in the Pac-Man series to be released exclusively for home platforms.

<i>Axelay</i> 1992 video game

Axelay is a 1992 scrolling shooter video game developed and published by Konami for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. Set in the fictional solar system Illis where an alien empire known as "Armada of Annihilation" invades its planets including the Earth-like Corliss (Mother), players take control of the titular D117B space fighter craft as a last resort to stop the alien invasion by recovering its lost weaponry. The gameplay mainly consist of both vertical-scrolling and horizonal-scrolling stages in the same vein as Konami's own Life Force, with players choosing three different weapon-types that increase in number as they progress through the game.

The Virtual Console is a defunct line of downloadable retro games for Nintendo's Wii and Wii U home video game consoles and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems.

Disney's Magical Quest is a Disney platform game trilogy released by Capcom. The games star Mickey Mouse and either Minnie Mouse or Donald Duck, who must defeat Pete. The gameplay is similar amongst all games in the series: the player must move as in a typical platform game, defeating enemies either by jumping on them or by grabbing and throwing blocks at them.

<i>Alien 3</i> (video game) 1992 video game

Alien 3 is a run and gun game based on the 1992 film of the same name. It was released for the Genesis and Amiga in 1992, then for the Commodore 64, Game Boy, Game Gear, Nintendo Entertainment System, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, and Master System.

<i>The Firemen</i> 1994 video game

The Firemen is an action video game developed and published by Human Entertainment for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. It was first released in Japan in 1994, and then in Europe and Australia in 1995. In The Firemen, the player controls firemen who fight fires and save civilians. A sequel was released for the PlayStation in 1995 titled The Firemen 2: Pete & Danny.

<i>Space Invaders DX</i> 1993 fixed shooter arcade game

Space Invaders DX is a 1993 fixed shooter arcade game developed and published in Japan by Taito. It has been re-released for several consoles since, including the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, PC Engine Super CD, and Sega Saturn — several of these conversions use the name Space Invaders: The Original Game. The player assumes control of a laser base that must fend off waves of incoming enemies, who march down in formation towards the bottom of the screen. It is the fifth entry in the long-running Space Invaders series. DX contains four variations of the original Space Invaders, in addition to a multiplayer mode and a "Parody Mode" that replaces the characters with those from other Taito franchises. Home ports of DX received mixed reviews for their high price point and general lack of content.

<i>Contra III: The Alien Wars</i> 1992 video game

Contra III: The Alien Wars is a 1992 run and gun video game developed and published by Konami for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). It is the third home console entry in the Contra series after Contra (1988) and Super C (1990) for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). In PAL regions, it was retitled Super Probotector: Alien Rebels and the player characters were replaced with robots. The player is tasked with fighting off an alien invasion of Earth across six stages. Four stages feature side-scrolling action traditional to the series while two are presented from an overhead perspective. It is the first Contra title to have been directed by Nobuya Nakazato who later directed other games in the series. He designed Contra III to feature more comical elements, a more cinematic soundtrack, and tighter stage design than its predecessors.

<i>Sailor Moon</i> (1993 video game) 1993 video game

Sailor Moon is a side-scrolling beat 'em up video game originally developed and released by Angel in Japan on August 27, 1993 and later in France and Spain in November 1994 by Bandai for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. It is the second game to be created by Angel based upon Naoko Takeuchi's Sailor Moon shōjo manga and anime series, the first for the Super NES and one of the few Sailor Moon titles that had an official international release.

<i>Vegas Games 2000</i> Casino simulation video game

Vegas Games 2000, known as Vegas Games: Midnight Madness, Midnight in Vegas in Europe and Vegas Games on Game Boy Color, is a gambling simulation video game. It was released on Microsoft Windows in 1998, then released in 2000 on PlayStation and Game Boy Color. New World Computing, who developed the original PC version, had previously developed Vegas Games and More Vegas Games for Windows in the early 1990s.

References

  1. ↑ "Let's Get Technical". GamePro . No. 76. IDG. January 1995. p. 14.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Vegas Stakes". Nintendo Power. December 1995. pp. 90–93, 105. Retrieved June 1, 2016.
  3. 1 2 3 "Super Casino Games: Vegas Stakes". Nintendo Power. Nintendo of America. June 1993. pp. 20–22. Retrieved June 1, 2016.
  4. 1 2 Marriott, Scott Alan (1998). "Vegas Stakes (Super Nintendo Entertainment System) - Review". AllGame . All Media Network. Archived from the original on 14 November 2014. Retrieved 25 June 2022.
  5. 1 2 "CVG Review: High stakes gambling hits SNES - Vegas Stakes". Computer and Video Games . No. 142. EMAP. September 1993. p. 92.
  6. 1 2 Semrad, Ed; Carpenter, Danyon; Alessi, Martin; Williams, Ken; Weigand, Mike (November 1993). "Review Crew - Major Mike's Game Roundup: Vegas Stakes (Nintendo / Super NES)". Electronic Gaming Monthly . No. 52. Sendai Publishing. p. 45.
  7. 1 2 "NEW GAMES CROSS REVIEW: ラスベガスドリーム (スーパーファミコン)". Famitsu (in Japanese). No. 248. ASCII Corporation. September 17, 1993. p. 37.
  8. 1 2 Wilbur, Monica (June 23, 1999). "Game Boy: Vegas Stakes". IGN . IGN Entertainment. Archived from the original on June 20, 2004. Retrieved June 25, 2022.
  9. 1 2 "Now Playing - Vegas Stakes (Super NES)". Nintendo Power . No. 47. Nintendo of America. April 1993. pp. 103–104, 107.
  10. 1 2 Pelland, Scott; Swan, Leslie; Bafus, Jeff; Jon; Dan; Munson, Terry (December 1995). "Now Playing - Vegas Stakes (Game Boy)". Nintendo Power . No. 79. Nintendo of America. pp. 105, 107.
  11. 1 2 Chu-Chi (1993). "SNES: Vegas Stakes — Cansado de gritaria no jogo de truco? Se seu negocio e jogar em grande estilo, Vegas Stakes e o game para voce". ProGames (in Portuguese). Vol. 1, no. 2. Editora Escala  [ pt ]. p. 17.
  12. ↑ 超絶 大技林 '98年春版: スーパーファミコン - ラスベガスドリーム (Special) (in Japanese). Vol. 42. Tokuma Shoten Intermedia. April 15, 1998. p. 415. ASIN   B00J16900U.{{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
  13. ↑ "ProReview: Portable Systems - Vegas Stakes (Game Boy)". GamePro . No. 80. IDG. March 1996. p. 69.
  14. ↑ van Duyn, Marcel (September 1, 2007). "Vegas Stakes Review (SNES) - Always bet on black". Nintendo Life . Nlife Media. Archived from the original on January 23, 2021. Retrieved June 25, 2022.
  15. ↑ Whitehead, Dan (September 3, 2007). "Virtual Console Roundup: Bonk 3 and Vegas Stakes". Eurogamer . Gamer Network. Archived from the original on June 25, 2022. Retrieved June 25, 2022.
  16. ↑ Thomas, Lucas M. (December 6, 2007). "Vegas Stakes Review - Discover the joys of addiction". IGN . Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on February 26, 2018. Retrieved June 25, 2022.
  17. ↑ Provo, Frank (December 14, 2007). "Vegas Stakes Review — Five no-frills casino games for $8 is a raw deal considering you can play all of these games free at many Web sites". GameSpot . CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on June 25, 2022. Retrieved June 25, 2022.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.