Many functions and controls are fine-tuned in critically acclaimed games. Every button and combination is considered an option for a cool mechanic to be tied to. However, sometimes the developers include a function or a button just for fun.
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These useless functions have been more popularized with the rise of modern games and story-focused experiences. When you’re not designing complex fighting games, sparing a button for a cool reference or extra immersion is more acceptable than it seems. Here are the best of such useless buttons and functions.
10Petting Cerberus In Hades
Hadesbecame a powerhouse instantly when it launched. Due to the game’s perfectly fluid gameplay loop, interesting source material in Greek Mythology, and amazing art style, it became an indie game superstar. A rather cute character in Hades is the three-headed hell dog, Cerberus.
After each run, as you visit the House Of Hades, you can interact with several characters from Greek myths. You can also catch up with your pet, Cerberus. As any game with dogs should, Hades allows you to pet Cerberus for no benefit at all. Funny thing is, there is actually a relationship system in Hades, but petting Cerberus doesn’t affect it at all, proving how it was just a nice touch that didn’t have to be there.
9Meowing In Stray
Stray, the meme king of 2022, puts you in the shoes (paws?) of a stray cat in a dystopia-like world. You get to do all the cool cat things you could ask for, mess around, drop things from high places, and purr as you scratch a carpet. One thing that definitely didn’t have to be there but is welcome is a dedicated meow button.
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This is absolutely pointless and doesn’t affect the game in any way. In fact, most developers would have had the cat meow on its own with random frequency. However, by pressing circle/B on the controller, or the left Alt key on the keyboard, you can meow like there’s no tomorrow. There’s even an achievement tied to meowing several times, so go absolutely wild.
8Ragdolling In GTA 5
GTA 5is one of the most popular games of the last decade by far. The game is an amazing, satirical open-world action game, and it’s regarded so highly for a good reason. While the controls are not that complex, it’s surprising to see a completely useless button in such a big-budget game. The button in question turns your character into a ragdoll with no control over their body.
All you have to do is jump and press R on the keyboard or B/Circle on the controller while you’re still in the air. Doing so will turn the character you’re playing into a complete ragdoll, falling about at the mercy of gravity. This is a hilarious addition to a hilarious game, andRockstardeserves all the praise for it.
7Slaps In LittleBigPlanet
LittleBigPlanetis a series of wacky, adorable, and creative styles. The characters are dolls made of a burlap sack and brown knitting, and the level designs are just as wild. The game is a rather simple one, with platforming and cooperation being key, especially if you’re playing with friends.
It is possible to grab things though, even your companions. And if you’re feeling feisty, a flick of the analog stick will actually make Sackboy slap the other character next to you. Beware, though, as this will undoubtedly lead to some slapping wars between your group.
6Rock, Paper, Scissors In Portal 2
Portal 2is yet another incredible game that has been critically acclaimed. This is partly due to the amazingly designed puzzles, as well as the hilarious sense of humor the game has throughout. It’s not the norm for a puzzle game of all things to include a useless feature, but Portal 2 is not your normal puzzle game anyways.
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In co-op, you can actually initiate a game of Rock, Paper, Scissors with your friend who you’re playing with. This has no bearing on the game and is never used for anything, but you just can. There’s even an achievement that requires you to win three rounds without a loss in between.
Red Dead Redemption 2is the second Rockstar Games entry on this list, proving once again how dedicated they are to giving a polished experience. Red Dead Redemption 2 gives you an expansive western experience, and apparently, that comes with the iconic spinning of a pistol in your hand.
This can be done by double-clicking your holster button, andArthur Morganwill spin the gun on his finger before holstering. This is a completely useless feature but will make you feel a hundred times more badass and increase your immersion of playing through a western tale to no end.
4Quips In Marvel’s Spider-Man
Sometimes, a useless button is just that, included to make the game a tiny bit more fun. Sometimes, as was the case in Marvel’sSpider-Man, these useless features add a lot to the characterization of a protagonist. Spider-Man has always been synonymous with quips, as he likes annoying his enemies throughout their face off.
In Marvel’s Spider-Man, the Suit Power that comes with the Vintage Comic Book Suit is called Quips. By using it, you can inflict a tiny stagger, but more importantly, make Spider-Man quip like he always does. This is the least impactful Suit Power by far, but it’s the most enjoyable one too.
3Poking In The Worms Games
Wormsis such an intentionally funny game series that it almost makes sense for useless actions to exist. After all, the game revolves around worm warfare with exotic weapons; what’s the issue with an option or two that literally do nothing?
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The prod attack in worms does next to nothing. You simply poke a worm right next to you and give them the slightest displacement. Granted, this could be used to push them into the deadly water or onto a mine if you really want to disrespect the enemy, but there are way more efficient ways of doing that. Thus, poking still is the ultimate insult to injury if you’re winning. There’s also the skipping rope, which simply passes your turn, yet another useless item.
2Flipping Off Enemies In Mirror’s Edge
Mirror’s Edgewas an incredibly novel idea for a game. A first-person action game where you simply parkour to win was groundbreaking at the time. The game was fluid, fast, and heart-pounding. Which makes it that much weirder that there’s a way to completely kill your momentum.
As you’re in mid-air, you may use the quick turn button to land on your back, stopping your momentum completely. Then, you can use your right trigger on the controller or the left click on the mouse, and Faith will actually flip off nearby enemies. This is purely for style points, and the game is better for it,adding to the punk feelof the game overall.
1Narrative Commands
Sometimes, games try and blur the lines between games and movies. Especially in narrative-focused games, you sometimes sit down and watch the story unfold for minutes. Some games have decided to incorporate control into these dramatic moments, and it’s usually as funny as it sounds.
These are your iconic"Press F to pay respects"or “Jason!” moments that have been memed to death. Intercutting dramatic moments with a button press always breaks the immersion and leads to hilarious moments like these. A perfect example of this occurs in Shadow of Mordor, where in the beginning, you can press X while in stealth to kiss your wife…
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