For many gamers, the weirder the topic, the better. After all, as video games become more commonplace, the same titles tend to see coverage in the media. First-person shooters like Counter-Strike and Call of Duty are well-known, along with team-based strategy games like League of Legends and Overwatch.
But just because these titles are the subject of major eSports and gaming publications, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a wild and wonderful range of genres just behind the curtain. And in terms of game theme, no genre is as diverse as slots. In fact, most platforms that offer slots online cover all the bases to generate more appeal.
For example, LuckyLand Slots has its own in-house game roster covering genres like sci-fi, fantasy, adventure, pop culture, and horror. The platform even covers more niche interests, like baking and fashion. Clearly, even when it comes to casual gaming, players want thematic range.
And there’s a surprisingly long list of oddball subgenres available to gamers today. Keep reading for some of the most unique.
Roguelike Dungeon Crawlers
There’s a lot to break down here. Let’s start with the term ‘roguelike’. Roguelike is a type of game that describes a dungeon crawl, in which players must navigate their way out of a subterranean dungeon. Each level requires a new procedure based on a tight grid, which reflects this genre’s origin as part of tabletop games like Dungeons & Dragons.
The term roguelike originated from one of the first games in this genre, titled Rogue (1980). Since then, there’s been expanded variation in the genre. Aside from dungeon crawlers, there are also space roguelike games that take place in outer space. One recent hit in the genre is Hades (2020).
Lemmings-Like
Similar to Rogue’s influence on the roguelike genre, Lemmings (1991) helped steer the Lemmings-like genre. The original game required players to create an automated route to safety for a series of mindless creatures stuck in a dangerous setting. Things get a bit more complicated, as gamers can also assign roles to the mindless creatures, then help them navigate a series of dynamic obstacles.
Lemmings-like games are a great option for those who enjoy puzzles. As the game advances, the number of obstacles and variables increases, presenting new and more complex challenges. Get started with a newer release like Eets (2010) or, considered one of the best in the genre, Flockers (2014).
Kaiju
Throughout the 1970s and 80s, Japan’s gaming sector contributed to some of the industry’s most long-lasting elements, from the NES console or characters like Mario. Unsurprisingly, the country has a series of highly unique genres, including Kaiju. Kaiju requires gamers to destroy a city in the role of a giant monster… or save it from destruction.
Originally, the genre grew in popularity during the arcade era. However, more companies have shown new interest with releases like Daikaiju Daikessen (2020) and Earth Defense (2017). Whether you’re looking for a retro title or a new release, there’s a Kaiju title that will suit your needs.
Vehicular Combat
If this genre sounds a little intense, keep in mind that many Mario Kart releases are at least partly considered vehicular combat games (in addition to racing games). But the genre also covers more hardcore titles, including Hard Truck Apocalypse (2005). In vehicular combat games, players must destroy their enemies while manning a car, boat, or another type of craft.
While it might sound like a new concept, the genre stretches back to the early 1990s. At the time, arcade-style games like Twisted Metal put a new spin on traditional racing formats. Other gaming experts consider 1976’s Death Race to be the first venture into vehicular combat territory.
