mini-game
Short embedded activity
A mini-game is a short, self-contained game embedded within a larger video game, typically offering a break from the main gameplay or serving as an optional challenge.
Mini-games often have simpler mechanics than the parent game and may involve puzzles, races, or arcade-style activities.
I spent hours on the fishing mini-game instead of finishing the main quest.
The term also applies to brief standalone games, especially casual mobile games or party game segments.
Activity filling idle moments
- simpleFree of complexity
- accessibleAble to be reached
- touchscreenInput-sensitive display panel
- mobileCapable of movement
family-friendly · relaxing · bite-sized · drop-in · snackable
Payment for service
- unlockableCapable of being opened
- extraAdditional, beyond necessary
- collectibleObject worth amassing
- secretConcealed information
optional · diversion · intermission · break · interlude · filler · padding · variety
Puzzle demanding clever thought
- riddlePuzzling question to solve
- logicScience of valid reasoning
- matchingIdentical in appearance
- sliderAdjustable interface element
pattern · jigsaw · trivia · quiz · cipher · sequence · maze · sorting
Something blocking the way
- difficultyState of being hard
- speedrunOptimized rapid game completion
- survivalRemaining alive against odds
- enduranceSustained effort capacity
precision · countdown · checkpoint · retry · achievement · completion · unlock · mastery
Tilting lever for control
- highscoreTop recorded result
- retroEvoking recent past
- coin-opRequires inserted currency
- cabinetEnclosed storage furniture
leaderboard · power-up · shoot-em-up · beat-em-up · platformer · side-scroller · combo · lives
time-killer
Activity filling idle moments
- simpleFree of complexity
- accessibleAble to be reached
- touchscreenInput-sensitive display panel
mobile · family-friendly · relaxing · bite-sized · drop-in · snackable
reward
Payment for service
- unlockableCapable of being opened
- extraAdditional, beyond necessary
- collectibleObject worth amassing
secret · optional · diversion · intermission · break · interlude · filler · padding · variety · detour
brainteaser
Puzzle demanding clever thought
slider · pattern · jigsaw · trivia · quiz · cipher · sequence · maze · sorting · connect
obstacle
Something blocking the way
- difficultyState of being hard
- speedrunOptimized rapid game completion
- survivalRemaining alive against odds
endurance · precision · countdown · checkpoint · retry · achievement · completion · unlock · mastery
joystick
Tilting lever for control
cabinet · leaderboard · power-up · shoot-em-up · beat-em-up · platformer · side-scroller · combo · lives · continue