In a world full of video and computer games, there are also mini-games in all shapes and sizes, some of which are unimaginable. However, over time, some of these “smaller editions” have managed to set a global standard for the genre. Some of these mini-games have become so popular with their fans that they are considered games in their own right. Others skilfully recreate real-life scenarios, such as playing cards at a casino blackjack table. Many of the latest console games on the market are full of mini-games, impressively confirming our assumption that mini-games are adored by gamers all over the world. In this article, we will therefore be looking at the best mini-games that have ever existed.
A standard is set for mini-games
Super Mario 64 was available to buy for the first time back in 1996, and the little moustache quickly became the most influential and best video game of its time. It also completely revolutionised the look and feel of 3D games. Simple graphics were rendered exceptionally well for the first time, which is certainly one of the reasons why a huge following quickly developed around this mini-game. The success of this game was also no fluke or even a “one-hit-wonder”, as Super Mario enjoyed many sequels, including the fantastic mini-game series “Mario’s Party”, which has had more than eleven sequels to date and also spawned countless other spin-offs.
Minigames become products in their own right
Some video games are so well put together that even the mini-games derived from them can produce independent and completely self-contained games. This was the case with “The Witcher III”, for example, and it was the same with its mini-game “Gwent”. This is a card game in which the player is asked to collect cards, and on this journey through the entire game there are unique cards to discover in many different locations. At first glance, this mini-game seems to be just a side-show to the main game, but it quickly becomes so addictive that it can also act as the main reason to search for new areas The stand-alone game “Gwent: The Witcher Card Game” is therefore highly addictive, although it is a little more complicated than it needs to be. This mini-game, which evolved from the main game, has been rated by many enthusiastic players as one of the best mini-games on the market.
Casino minigames
When visiting a real land-based casino, it is easy to get the impression that you are actually in a venue that is completely filled with countless mini-games. No wonder that the gaming industry soon turned its attention to this profession. And it wasn’t long before the first online casinos, such as https://www.staycasino.bet/en-AU, were opened, which currently present an enormous range of casino games to their customers. Nevertheless, it was quite a challenge, but also quite an achievement, to integrate the same atmosphere as in a real gambling temple into a video game. This was realised in the “Diamond Casino” in Grand “Theft Auto V”, among others, in which we encounter a variety of casino mini-games. In this well-balanced casino world, you can try your luck at various types of standard casino games, almost exactly as you would expect from an actual online casino like those featured on RateItCasino. The extremely popular game “Red Dead Redemption” from 2018 also offers its own version of standard casino table games in mini format. Classic casino games such as blackjack, poker, and dice poker can be tried out here. As this computer game is set in the Wild West of the 19th century, you will also encounter many bandits and crooks at the gaming table, and you are sure to come across a number of alternative competitive scenarios such as the “five-finger fillet” or arm wrestling.
New age minigames
Even though computer games are so advanced these days, there always seems to be a special niche for mini-games. One of the newest and most popular mini-games is “Astros Playroom”. This game comes free with the new Playstation 5 and has been recognised by renowned critics as one of the very best in the genre of free games. And then there’s Minecraft – perhaps the most versatile video game of all time – where players can design their own mini-games. In a limitless world full of different possibilities, some creative and very talented players have already created amazing mini-games made up of a wide variety of game scenarios. Not only can points be collected in parking manoeuvres, but “Death Run” is also about saving your own virtual life. But basically, it doesn’t matter how action-packed, realistic or simply entertaining the mini-games actually are, we’ve already got used to playing them. They can be a welcome addition but also a distraction from the larger game missions or in many cases they are the sole purpose of the game itself. But one thing always remains the same: they were created to entertain us.
Google Doodles: Mini games for in between
Over the years, Google has presented several games as small doodles in its search engine. Here we present the best games that you can still play today. The links marked with a symbol or coloured underline are affiliate links. If a purchase is made via these links, we receive a commission – at no extra cost to you! You can play these little Google Games for free and easily in your browser:
- PAC-MAN: To celebrate the 30th birthday of the classic game PAC-MAN, Google made a little doodle out of the game. As in the old days with the slot machine, you first have to insert a coin to start the game. You can then collect the coins and escape from the ghosts.
- Snake: There was another classic for the Chinese New Year – Snake. Although the game only lasts around 30 seconds and it is impossible to die, the aim here is to achieve a high score. The snake is controlled using the arrow keys.
- Hurdle Run: This mini-game is reminiscent of sports adventures on the Gameboy. You propel the runner by alternately pressing the left and right arrow keys. The faster you tap, the faster you reach the finish line. If you are still capable of multitasking, you can really clear the board. To progress as quickly as possible, you have to jump over the hurdles using the spacebar. There might even be a medal waiting for you at the end.
- Hold the goals: This doodle turns you into a goalkeeper and you have to keep the box clean. Always be on your guard against the dangerous goalscorer, run and jump for all you’re worth. Depending on how well you do your job, you will be rewarded with a medal afterwards.
- Basketball: You have 24 seconds to shoot as many baskets as possible. Hold down the left mouse button briefly to determine the distance of the shot. Then let go to throw the ball. A little skill is required here.
- Build bridges: Two people in love are separated by a chasm. Build a bridge of birds and drag them to the right position with the mouse to position them. This sounds a little bizarre and boring at first, but it is extremely tricky and involves time pressure.
- Ice machine: In this doodle, you drive a sweeper over the ice of a figure skating rink to make it smooth again. You receive points depending on your progress. But be careful: stay away from the banana skins and hurry, otherwise you will run out of petrol and the game will be over.
- Canoe: Press the left and right arrow keys alternately to move the canoe. The faster you do this, the faster you will progress. If possible, drive through the marked fields to collect even more points. If you achieve a high score, you can also win a medal.
- Star Trek: Google has created a little click adventure here. Using individually marked buttons, you can discover the Enterprise within the doodle and thus take part in a short story.
- Number code: To mark the 100th birthday of Alan Turing, a British mathematician, Google designed this exciting Doodle. The aim is to decipher the code and thus master all six levels. The game is challenging and can only be conquered with logic.
