Mini-games are small, separate challenges within a video game designed to be quick and easy to play and offer a break from the main game. They are typically used as bonus rounds or extra features in video games, allowing players to earn additional points, rewards, and a change of pace from regular gameplay.
Mini-games can cover various genres and styles, such as puzzles, casual, strategy, and casino-style games. Adding realistic casino games like poker helps make these virtual worlds feel more authentic and immersive. The close resemblance of some video poker mini-games to real poker games, which are often played in person or virtually at online casinos and offshore poker sites creates an authentic experience. Filip Jovchevski states that some poker variants include Texas Hold’em and three or five-card variants. Some video games, like those highlighted in this article, feature these poker variants as a mini-game option.
Red Dead Redemption 2 is an action-adventure game centered around the exploits of Arthur Morgan, an outlaw navigating the decline of the Wild West as he faces challenges against rival gangs, the government, and other enemies. The video game received praise for its authentic representation of Texas Hold’em poker and its engaging interactions with various NPC opponents players encounter. The poker mini-game interface, graphics, and depth are very well executed, completely immersing players in the gameplay experience.
Super Mario 64 DS includes a mini-game featuring Luigi called Picture Poker. The game is very similar to the real-world poker variant of the five-card draw. In this game, you (the player) automatically bet coins and try to get a better hand than Luigi’s facedown cards. You do have the option to bet more coins or swap out some or all of the cards. After the hands are revealed, the player with the better hand wins a specific number of coins based on the rank of their hand. Much like a real fiat or crypto poker game played at a casino, there is a minimum bet. In this case, the minimum bet is determined by the player’s number of stars. Picture Poker can be played with either 3, 5, or 7 rounds, with the first player randomly selected. The winner receives coins from other players based on the strength of their hand.
Prominence Poker is one of the most challenging video games centered around a poker mini-game set in a fictional underground town. The game features realistic Texas Hold’em gameplay, allowing players to go in-depth into the mechanics and strategy of real poker. One of the game’s best features is that it resembles real poker, which is the ability to analyze our opponent’s body language to detect bluffs. This feature adds complexity and depth to the mini-game compared to others that are relatively simple diversions. Prominence Poker’s mini-game challenges are meant to be the focal point, providing players with an immersive and exceptionally strategic experience within the game.
Yakuza Kiwami is an action-adventure video game and is a remake of the original Yakuza game. The game features several mini-games, including poker, allowing players to take a strategic approach. Players can bet, raise, fold, or stand during gameplay. The poker mini-game aims to earn 20,000 chips through active participation. Each poker level becomes increasingly difficult, and the biggest challenge of Yakuza Kiwami’s poker mini-games is that you do not play against other players but against AI opponents. These AI opponents sometimes cheat by suddenly getting strong hands, leaving players with little time to strategize and outsmart them. Overall, the mini-poker games are engaging and frustrating but bring a great element of fun.
Tales of Vesperia is an action role-playing game centered around Yuri Lowell, a former Imperial soldier who creates a guild called Brave Vesperia. Unlike the poker mini-games mentioned above, Tales of Vesperia’s poker rounds can be played at the end of the game after fighting the character Flynn. After beating the round, players travel to Nam Cobanda Island to engage in poker that follows a five-card format. Players compete against themselves to earn in-game rewards, and your hand will determine your payout.