10 Coolest Video Game Features (That Are Utterly Pointless)

8. Loading Screen Minigames

Max Payne npcs
Namco Bandai Games

Some of the best minigames or game features are those you can play, but that don't give the player any additional resources or further the game in any meaningful way. Red Dead Redemption's card games give money, fishing in Fire Emblem: Three Houses gives, well, fish, but I'm talking the fun games you play for no mechanical benefit.

Bandai Namco's habit of putting minigames on a loading screen was a fun way to pass time – such a shame they patented it for nearly two decades so nobody else could do it.

If you've ever played the PS2 voice-interaction action game, Lifeline, then you know just what I'm talking about. When the interface worked satisfactorily you could have a lot of fun with Rio.

Aliens attacking the space station you're trapped in? Sure...but I know I can guess more State Capitals than her this time!

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Author of Escort (Eternal Press, 2015), co-founder of Nic3Ntertainment, and developer behind The Sickle Upon Sekigahara (2020). Currently freelancing as a game developer and history consultant. Also tends to travel the eastern U.S. doing courses on History, Writing, and Japanese Poetry. You can find his portfolio at www.richardcshaffer.com.