Video games fall into two categories: those that are focused on a sole objective or mission and those with other things to see and do aside from the mission. For example, in the New Pokémon Snap game, players are tasked with taking photos of Pokémon to learn more about them, thereby having a sole objective. On the other hand, in Police Quest homicide, detective John Carey can choose to play the 1979 minigame Asteroids aside from his main objective, thus allowing for a new form of entertainment within the game itself. Sometimes, the minigames can be as engrossing as the main game, and even make it a better experience for the gamer. Developers have tried many different types of minigames, and here are our top picks from big consoles.

1. Golf in Grand Theft Auto V

Golf is a sport that is loved by people from all over the world, and so is racing. Grand Theft Auto V combined two amazing sports when golf was added as a minigame. If a racer is feeling flushed from the competition on the road, the players can drive to the entrance of the Los Santos Golf Club and pay the $100 entrance fee to begin a game of golf. The golf course is made up of 9 holes ranging from Par 3s and Par 5s, and you can play with different golf club members of various skill levels. Many racers like to go for a game of golf as a reward for completing missions or as a well deserved breather from the action-filled gameplay.

2. Poker within Red Dead Redemption

Red Dead Redemption has multiple minigames, as other Rockstar releases usually have. But out of all the minigames to choose from, Poker is probably the most entertaining one.

The popular Texas Hold’em variety was used in Red Dead Redemption, the variety most likely known to most players. Poker was a standard Wild West game found in virtually every saloon, which meant the minigame added to the overall feel of a true cowboy experience. Red Dead Redemption is already an amazing action-adventure game and when combined with the most popular card game, it becomes is a perfect combination of entertainment on the American frontier. Perhaps this is why a popular minigame in an already amazing game attracts so many players that end up wanting to play more.

3. Gwent within The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Witcher is a popular series of fantasy action role-playing games, but when Gwent was added to The Witcher 3 as a minigame, its popularity skyrocketed even more! It is so intertwined with the game that some of the missions require the players to win a game of Gwent to move on. Gwent is a fast-paced dwarven card game about the fight between two armies locked in combat on a battlefield with the players serving as the generals and the cards are their forces. The combination of Gwent as a card game mixed in with The Witcher exploring the open world provides a relaxing form of entertainment amidst the wild and dangerous adventures. Just like how humans enjoy cards, dwarves and elves in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt love playing cards too!

4. Dead Ops Arcade within Call of Duty Black Ops

Call of Duty Black Ops is a first-person shooter game, but with the addition of the Dead Ops Arcade game, it’s a twin shooter game. The Dead Ops Arcade game is a hidden minigame in the third Zombies map. A player can unlock the minigame by typing “DOA” or “3ARC UNLOCK” into the CIA computer. The mix of these two games into one is a very effective strategy to amplify the player’s enjoyment because both games, at their core, are really one and the same – shoot and try to survive for as many rounds as possible. Unlike other minigames that completely change the pace of the primary game, this minigame gives the player a familiar objective but with a different perspective.

---

Games are a wonderful form of entertainment, but the monotony can be overwhelming at times, and you just want a breather to refresh your love for the game. Try these games, and their mini-games, and experience double the excitement with a single game!