When playing video games or, as part of your online casino gaming, on slots, you may come across cute little features called “mini-games.” These games are sometimes referred to as “microgames” or “subgames,” and the concept of these games inside games has been around since the 1980s (or possibly earlier). Some games, such as “Olympic Decathlon,” consisted of smaller games that fitted into a larger game that featured an overall theme. Below is a look in more detail at what mini-games are and why they’re so popular, and at some of the best minigames to have graced the screens of players.
Minigames: Games Inside Games
Mini-games, which are part of a larger game, may or not be related to the main story of the game in some way. They may feature a component that helps the player to move further forward in the game if they can complete the mini-game successfully. They may even be multiplayer minigames.
Often, mini-games are short and somewhat arcade-style in their gameplay. Their purpose is to offer the player extra engagement, one of the biggest challenges video game makers face as players seek better and better experiences. Mini-games also provide players with relief from the intensity of achieving the aims of the main game. That’s why they’re so different from the main game.
The Popularity of Mini-Games
The incorporation of mini-games into a title creates excitement for players when the game is due for release. They can’t wait to get their hands on the game when it finally comes out.
Mini-games are also a stellar opportunity for makers to showcase the skills of the development team. If a company is thinking of creating elements of a game for separate releases or incorporating them more heavily into a title, a mini-game is an excellent way to try them out.
The Ultimate Minigames Around
One industry within gaming that uses mini-games to engage players is the online casino industry. Just like video game makers, online casino operators engage players with all the means at their disposal. Offering mini-games and games that feature them is a part of this. Below are some of the best casino mini-games out there at online casinos. Note that in the world of online casinos, you may find mini-games in a separate section of the website rather than within another game.
Icefield Yeti
Icefield Yeti features in the mini-games sections of several online casinos. All the player has to do is create an account with the operator and log into it (or log into an already existing account). If the player is new, they may even receive a bonus.
“Icefield Yeti” is a simple game in which the main objective is for the player not to fall into the ice while walking the Yeti across it. The player must choose the right tray to land on. In each row, there’s one loss-making tile, and the player will increase their winnings with each step. If they land on the right spot, they’ll win the round.
Chicken
“Chicken” (or “The Chicken Game”) is an enjoyable online mini-offering suitable for experienced players and novices alike. It’s possible to play this game in demo mode or for real money. Players must set up an account with the operator or log into an existing one, visit the mini-games section of the casino, select the game and then the number of bones under the platters, and place their wager to start playing.
In the game, the player will see 25 hidden images on a platter. Under each platter is either a roast chicken or the bones of a roast chicken. The object of the game is to find images of chickens under the platters. It’s possible to set the intensity of the game by increasing the number of bones under platters. Doing so also increases the potential winnings.
Dino
The Dino game is one of the most entertaining mini-games you’ll find at an online casino. The game, which is a “crash” game, is also one of the most popular. Players simply have to set up an account at an online casino, make their first deposit and then find the game in the casino’s mini-games section.
The object of the game is for the player to cash out their winnings before a meteor strikes the dinosaur. The longer the dinosaur runs, the more multipliers the player receives. In each round of the game, the player can place two wagers at a time. The game even boasts a live, in-game chat, and there’s an auto cashout feature.
Mini-games provide extra engagement and some light relief from the rules and strategy or larger games or from more serious gaming. If you’ve not tried mini-games, they could also be a good way to get into casino gaming and then start to explore the other offerings of online casinos.