Hidden Gems: Mini-Games That Deserve Their Spotlight in Video Games

Minigames have existed for several decades. They enhance our preferred realms and imbue them with vitality. They can also provide the player with a respite from the primary videogame. An exceptional minigame will remain memorable and they will be a subject of discussion long after you complete the game. On occasion, they can ultimately become the distinguishing characteristic of the game overall.

Notable minigames, such as The Witcher 3’s Gwent and Final Fantasy 8’s Triple Triad, have already been developed into standalone products. This raises the question: what additional intriguing mini-games merit their own recognition and spotlight?

Yakuza 0: At the Disco

The Yakuza series has an array of exceptional minigames, ranging from a baseball team management game to a gang-oriented real-time strategy and club management simulations, any of which might stand alone as independent titles. Nonetheless, the series exhibits a distinct affinity for rhythm-based games. Among all rhythm-based games, the disco game in Yakuza 0 is perhaps the finest.

Like any rhythm game, one must push the button appropriately, ideally in sync with the music. However, it is necessary to emphasise the section of the grid where the button prompt is displayed before pressing it. Additionally, the more grids you navigate, the greater your score multiplier becomes. Upon comprehension, it becomes quite straightforward yet remarkably enjoyable and captivating.

This mini-game could certainly stand alone, incorporate a single-player campaign, and expand the music selection, and it has the potential to become a significant success.

Red Dead Redemption: Poker

The poker minigames in Red Dead Redemption are frequently considered the pinnacle of minigames. This reduces to two elements. Initially, poker variants such as Texas Hold’em enjoyed immense global popularity with the help of sites like BonusFinder.co.uk.

In addition to conventional video gaming, poker players engage in competitions on virtual platforms through tournaments and table games, occasionally aspiring to become professionals.

Secondly, poker is a game that the protagonist, John Marston, would have likely engaged in during the frontier era. This minigame better integrates the game’s narrative within the context of the American Southwest frontier realism.

Resident Evil 4: Mercenaries

Resident Evil 4 was a pivotal game, instrumental in popularising several elements of over-the-shoulder third-person gameplay.

In addition to the exceptional story mode, the Mercenaries mini-game enhanced the title by challenging the selected character with a succession of perilous tasks. Amplifying the action to its maximum, Mercenaries has become an integral component of Resident Evil, particularly due to its iteration in RE4, including the latest remake.

Night in the Woods: Demontower

I want to extol Demontower, a game concealed within the protagonist’s laptop in the esteemed narrative adventure Night in the Woods.

In Demontower, you engage in combat as you navigate through shadowy dungeon levels while commanding a charming pixelated feline. You can acquire various weapons and attain distinct conclusions contingent upon your gameplay style. Demontower is not only another “minigame” from the developers of Night in the Woods. A member of the publishing team stated that it originates from a completely distinct developer. In the most authentic sense, it’s more than a mini-game; it’s a game embedded within another game.

Persona 5 Royal: Tycoon

Atlus enhanced the original Persona 5 by introducing a minigame titled Tycoon in Persona 5 Royal. Inspired by a real-life card game, Tycoon comprises four rounds that conclude based on the cards dealt. Players or characters sequentially play cards of progressively higher value to secure a cycle and accumulate points.

The key aspect of Tycoon is its easy going nature. In contrast to conventional card games such as poker, less contemplation is required throughout your turn. It is just a question of selecting the card (or cards) with the least value you believe may secure a victory. The game monitors all points and logistics on your behalf. Engaging with the Phantom Thieves is a pleasant and soothing pastime if you can endure Morgana’s discontent upon your inevitable victory over him.

Cyberpunk 2077: Pachinko & More

CD Projekt Red’s exploration of the Cyberpunk world was intricate. Following a chaotic and error-ridden launch, the developer dedicated considerable work to rectifying the game via patches. An upgrade provided significance to the arcades and pachinko machines dispersed around the map.

This enabled V to engage in supplementary activities in Night City beyond automobile racing, shooting contests, and boxing, such as Trauma Drama, Araska 3D, or Roach Race. In addition to incorporating several allusions to CD Projekt Red’s titles, these minigames were enjoyable, with Arasaka Tower 3D bearing a strong resemblance to early ’90s boomer shooters.

GTA 4: Darts, Bowling, Arcades & More

Rockstar is renowned for incorporating several alternative activities into their games that players may engage in alongside the primary quest. Grand Theft Auto 5, RDR2, and Bully exemplify this freedom, yet the fourth instalment in the GTA series has the most engaging minigames.

In GTA 4, the intricacy of Liberty City is prominent, supplanting the extensive terrain of San Andreas with a dynamic metropolis teeming with activity. Players may partake in darts, bowling, arcades, and billiards, in addition to seeing cabaret and stand-up performances. Engagements with friends and romantic partners with distinct destination preferences enhance the game’s immersive experience.