5 Games within Video Games We Can’t Get Enough of

Better known as “mini games,” these games within other games are usually a welcome distraction if the main game is proving to be frustrating. These mini games are quite common, but there are some particular gems that are worthy of attention. Here are our top five favorites.

Fishing Games: Various Zelda titles

Fishing activities in the various Legend of Zelda games could make up their own article. The first appearance of a fishing mini game was Link’s Awakening in 1993, and they’ve pretty much been a staple of the series ever since. Depending on the version, you might get rewards such as an empty bottle, Rupees, or even a piece of heart. So, what’s so great about fishing? For one, it’s not usually that difficult so it’s very satisfying without being too frustrating. Another reason? It’s quite calming. The gentle sound of the water, the relaxing ambiance, the music. Most mini games are nowhere near this chill.

Shooting Games: Evil Within 2

If you’ve ever played Evil Within 2, you’ll know what it means to be stressed. Like its predecessor, Evil Within, this survival horror game has twisted, terrifying creatures, memorable villains, and not nearly enough ammo to keep you comfortable. What’s equally stressful? The optional shooting range with the target practice and exploding panels chain game. These are both quite challenging. Especially if you’re trying to get the top tier of rewards. And yet…they’re strangely addicting. Getting into the rhythm with the target practice is intensely satisfying and very fast paced. And the chain game is enough like Candy Crush to keep you playing more than you intended. Even Sebastian, the protagonist, will make a joke about having played too long. It’s frustrating, challenging, and yet you’ll find yourself doggedly at this mini game for hours.

If you prefer games on the spooky side, check out Little Nightmares 3.

Slot Machines: Borderlands 2

Featured in multiple Borderlands titles, the slot machines in Borderlands 2 are particularly fun. These games are basically futuristic first person looter-shooters with unique graphics and a very wicked sense of humor. This humor is likewise represented in the slot machine mini games where you exchange money for randomized weapons, loot, or even a live grenade, depending on how well you do. Yes, the live grenade will damage you so be sure to jump! Because the games have a chance to drop some rare and unique rewards it’s easy to spend a lot of your time trying your luck. In that way, it’s a lot like the online slot machines that are wildly popular these days, except you could actually win real money and not have to worry about explosives. If that’s your cup of tea, here are some of the top slot sites for you to peruse. It goes without saying that you should practice responsible gambling when you play on these sites.

Machine Strike: Horizon Forbidden West

It seems a lot of sequels have really good mini games, right? Forbidden West, the sequel to Horizon Zero Dawn, takes place in a post-apocalyptic, far future world that has reverted to tribal ways and yet still has advanced killer machines and technology with which to contend. Hence the name of the mini game is Machine Strike. It’s a grid-based tactical game that pits you against various NPCs of increasing difficulty. You build a set of machine pieces with varying abilities and stats and progress through the rest of the game, playing different NPCs in different areas. It’s far more complex than many mini games, but that’s what makes it so fun to win.

Demon Tower: Night in the Woods

Night in the Woods is an extremely unique game. You play as Mae, a college dropout who returns home to find things much different from when she left. You get to explore, unravel mysteries, have existential conversations, evade a murderous cult, and play mini games, such as Demon Tower. Demon Tower is a 2D roguelike mini game where you have to dash and strike your way through several levels, defeating enemies and facing bosses. A quick run through could take you roughly 35 minutes but it all depends on if you get stuck as it can be a bit challenging. Still, there’s something rewarding about the simple old school graphics and sound effects that sucks you in. Like, majorly. It’s no surprise why Demon Tower is so loved. Here’s an article on how Roguelike games can be therapeutic.