Top Ten Mini-Game Distractions

Many videogame releases feature mini-games as a distraction, or as has come to pass in more games recently, an intentional and cleverly positioned change in pace from the core gameplay. Final Fantasy is a series that has earned note for the former, with every instalment in the main bloodline having featured at least one mini-game of some sort, and the likes of Mass Effect and Heavy Rain have used them as devices to chart progress or punctuate tense moments. Either inclusion can offer respite for a weary player, but key to successful implementation is the reward that players receive. Some arbitrary note or statistic is all well and good, but when they lead onto further exploration and adventure, it’s clear that the developers have thought carefully about their placement.