The 7 Best Minigames Inside Video Games

Developers find many innovative ways to make gameplay more engaging. So is the case with mini-games, which are essentially short games contained in video games.

Typically, they provide a breather from a tense and action-packed storyline. Sometimes, mini-games are so good that players may end up spending more time there than in the main game. What follows is a breakdown of seven of the best mini-games out there.

Karaoke – Yakuza series

The Yakuza games feature in-depth plotlines and fun side quests that you wouldn’t normally expect from a crime drama.

As any Yakuza fan will surely tell you, Karaoke is a pivotal part of the game’s experience. This is a rhythm-based mini-game that features several characters singing catchy and moving songs along with music videos.

Players have to press the corresponding button in time as the music plays. While this might sound like a simple premise, it does require a good sense of rhythm.

Some of the most iconic songs include 24-hour Cinderella, Judgement -Shinpan-, and Baka Mitai (I’ve been a fool).

Tea Time – Fire Emblem Three Houses

The sixteenth installment in the series, Fire Emblem Three Houses maintains the turn-based tactical gameplay of previous titles while integrating social simulation.

As the protagonist, Byleth, the player can build relationships with other characters through support actions. Tea parties allow Byleth to invite students and staff from Garreg Mach Monastery to one-on-one tea time.

Once the tea is served, the player must choose one of three conversation topics. The guest will react positively to a topic of their interest, while they’ll end up disappointed with uninteresting topics.

Overall, it’s a fun way of testing your knowledge about the characters and an effective way to impact the Support level between Byleth and a specific student, teacher, or Garreg Mach staff.

Gwent – The Witcher 3

Gwent is a collectible card game that can be played within The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. It is simulating the clash of two armies on a battlefield and includes cards from five factions: Nilfgaard, Northern Realms, Monsters, Scoia’tael, and Skellige.

Players’ main objective is to ensure that the total strength of their cards is superior to that of the opponent’s.

The card game became so popular and beloved among Witcher fans that developers CD PROJEKT RED released a standalone version, Gwent: The Witcher Card Game, in 2018 followed by the spin-off Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales.

Casino – Dragon Quest XI

While you’ll typically find fun virtual slots at sites such as https://www.casinoaus.net/online-pokies/, you can also try your luck and strategies at the two ones featured in Dragon Quest XI.

There, players can play popular games such as slots and other similar games. Although it isn’t possible to win gold, you can still expect exciting rewards like powerful gear and extra costumes for party members.

Players who would like to place a wager will need to get the quest first by finding the little girl near the entrance to the Octagnonia Casino. Once there, after exchanging gold for tokens, the different games will be accessible.

Poker – Red Dead Redemption

Passing the time by playing poker is only fitting in a Western-themed game about cowboys and gunslingers. Poker is a money-making method in Red Dead Redemption, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Read Dead Online.

In-game, the rules are those from no-limit Texas Hold’Em. Having a general understanding of these rules beforehand is a huge advantage as RDR only outlines the primary information.

While this isn’t exactly a way to become rich in the game, it can give Arthur extra cash. It also serves as a fun diversion from the gritty storyline.

Golf – GTA 5

Golf is one of the numerous activities to enjoy in Grand Theft Auto 5’s massive map. The mini-game has been featured in previous series entries such as GTA Vice City Stories and The Ballad of Gay Tony. However, in GTA 5, there’s a significant improvement in the gameplay and overall mechanics.

It also resembles the actual game much more. Essentially, the player must hit the golf ball in the direction of the green and put it into the hole in the least number of strokes possible.

Orlog – Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

In this dice-based mini-game, the objective is to defeat your opponent by taking away their “health” as symbolized by a set of 15 stones.

Each round of Orlog has three phases: roll, God Favor, and Resolution. While the game may seem confusing at first, its mechanics are straightforward once you get the hang of it.

Similarly to Gwent, the Orlog mini-game is so engaging that you may forget about the main Assassin’s Creed Valhalla storyline as you continue rolling the dice.

Wrapping up

Sometimes the games slow down and you need to wait longer between leveling-ups. These mini-games are designed to keep you in the game, and not get bored while waiting for something to upgrade for instance.

There’s little chance you’ll like the mini-games more than the games themselves, but they are there to give you fun rewards and interesting loot sometimes. So these mini-games are definitely something you want t look out for.