As the links between video games and online casino continue to be taken to new levels, the Game Play series discovers how key characters within the gambling industry embarked on their gaming journey.
In this edition, Alex Baliukonis of BGaming spoke to us about his journey within gaming and why Titanfall 2 truly hits the spot.
Are you a PC or console gamer? What was your first home gaming experience?
I’ve gone through different phases in my life, but right now I’m firmly on the console gaming side. My first gaming memory, though more as a spectator than a player, was Duck Hunt on the NES. That’s also where I learned what “cheats” were (if you know about the trick with shooting the ceiling light, you know what I mean).
The first games I played were 102 Dalmatians: Puppies to the Rescue and Mortal Kombat 4. I’d play the Dalmatians game when my parents were around, but when it was just my dad and me at home… That’s when Mortal Kombat came out.
What is your favourite game of all time and why?
Titanfall 2, hands down. Just think about it, we’re lucky enough to live in a time when there’s a game where you can wall-run, zipline across the map while shooting a sniper rifle mid-air and then call down a giant mech from the sky, climb inside, and sword-fight other mechs.
The 12-year-old inside me would’ve exploded from joy just hearing about it.
What mobile game have you spent the most time playing?
Hard to say for sure, but it’s probably either Doodle Jump or Tower Blox. Both are perfect “brain chewing gum” games.
Nowadays, people might call them roguelikes or roguelites (each round starts fresh with random elements), but if I start saying that online, Twitter will quickly remind me where I belong, so let’s stick with “brain chewing gum.”
Which mobile game are you currently playing?
Right now, I’ve got Balatro (the best game of last year, no doubt), Archero 2, and The Daily Puzzle on my phone.
I’ll keep this short because if I start talking about Balatro, the internet might run out of storage space for all my thoughts.
Last video game completed?
Perfect timing with the Doom: The Dark Ages release, I was close to getting platinum, but one trophy was bugged. Even a second playthrough didn’t fix it, so technically that one’s not finished.
Of the smaller titles, I recently finished Atomic Bay and Blue Prince. Both were incredible —visually striking and cleverly designed.
Atomic Bay reminded me of Limbo and Inside, but with physics-based puzzles and gadgets. Blue Prince is a procedural puzzle game where the only real progress is what you manually write down in your notebook.
Favourite video game character?
That’s like asking a cinephile for their favorite movie, almost impossible. But if I had to choose one, it would be Samus Aran.
If I hadn’t discovered Metroid as a kid, with all that free time and stronger nerves, I might’ve never touched Metroidvanias. Now, I can’t get enough of the genre.
Favourite all-time slot?
I’m a huge fan of Potion Spells by BGaming. It’s fast, dynamic, visually stunning, and just the right amount of volatile. The art blends beautifully with the mechanics, truly a well-crafted experience.
