As games have grown more immersive, the virtual worlds we play in have grown more realistic. And what kind of a world doesn’t have games? In video game design, there’s a long tradition of games within a game, whether it's alternative modes, mini-puzzles, games that add to the reality of the world, or completely separate titles. Some of these mini-games are fun and addictive enough to claim a few hours. Others keep you coming back for more, or even transcend their parent game. Here are a few of the best mini-games to play for yourself.
Not seeing anything you like here? Don’t forget to check out our other guides, like the Best Mobile Phone Games or the Best Games for the Nintendo Switch. For hardware, check out our Best Keyboards and Best Controllers guides.
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Witcher 3 (2015)Gwent
Photograph: CD Projekt RedWitcher’s Gwent might be the most addictive and engrossing strategy card game ever to grace an RPG. It’s beautifully balanced and enormously fun, with familiar characters and artwork from the world you’re exploring as Geralt of Rivia. You play as one of two opposing armies who combat each other with different cards and abilities.
Playing Gwent adds a layer of depth to Witcher lore (it is mentioned in the original books), but it also serves as an entertaining game in its own right. Gwent eventually spawned a stand-alone game, but I prefer the elegant in-game version, which was quick to learn but offered enough depth to be tough to master.
Witcher 3 is available at Amazon and GameStop (PS4, Xbox, Switch)
Wolfenstein: The New Order (2014) and The Old Blood (2015)Wolfenstein 3D
Photograph: ID SoftwareWolfenstein wins the meta mini-game award with the wonderful nightmare sequences in The New Order and The Old Blood. If you choose to get 40 winks in certain choice locations, you'll trigger nightmare sequences for BJ Blazkowicz. These nightmares are some of the most unforgiving, classic Wolfenstein 3D levels, where you'll have to beat Nazis, attack dogs, SS troopers, and eventually big boss Hans Grösse. Fun fact: Wolfenstein 3D was the very first first-person shooter game!
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