Google is known for hiding fun secrets in its products and services, and many of these are video game related. It makes sense that Google's developers are video game fans!

We've rounded up some of the best video game-related Google Easter eggs that you need to try. Whether it's playing Pac-Man on the Google logo or making your entire browser spin, these are sure to put a smile on your face.

google pacman logo

May 21, 2010 was the 30th anniversary of Pac-Man. To celebrate the birth of one of gaming's most iconic characters, Google turned its logo into a playable version of Pac-Man. While it's not uncommon to see mini-games appear on the Google homepage nowadays, this was the first occurrence of a playable Google logo.

In fact, the Google team thought it was so cool that they decided to keep it as the search engine's logo for two days. According to Marcin Wichary, then senior UX designer and developer at the company, the pairing of Google and Pac-Man seemed natural because "they're both deceptively straightforward, carefully hiding their complexity under the hood" and "there’s a light-hearted, human touch to both of them."

While playable Pac-Man no longer graces Google's homepage, you can still relive it via the Google Doodles Archive. Just hit Insert Coin and get munching.

2. Do a Barrel Roll and Spin the Google Search Results

"Do a barrel roll" is an internet meme spawned from Star Fox 64, a 1997 Nintendo 64 flying video game in which a character called Peppy Hare repeatedly instructs the player to make the maneuver.

Someone at Google obviously found this meme amusing, to the point where if you search for "do a barrel roll" your entire screen will rotate 360 degrees. This Easter egg has been around since 2011 and it's delightful that it still works today.

3. Play Chrome's Endless Runner When You're Offline

chrome dino game

Have you been happily browsing the internet on Chrome, only for your internet to drop? It's annoying. To alleviate that issue, Google built an endless runner game into the browser. You must run, jump, and duck your way to victory as a little dinosaur, scoring the highest score you can achieve—before your internet resurrects and you can get back to work.

As detailed on The Keyword, the dinosaur theme came about as a play on the prehistoric age when, shockingly, where was no Wi-Fi. "The only restriction we placed on ourselves was to keep the motion rigid, reminiscent of vintage video games," said Alan Bettes, one of the game's creators. Now, hundreds of millions of people play the game every month.

By the way, you don't need to go offline to play the game. Just type chrome://dino/ into the address bar and you've got hours of endless fun at your fingertips.

4. Go on a Text Adventure in the Developer Console

google console text adventure

Text adventures represent the origin of adventure games. Long before we had fully realized 3D worlds, developers told stories through the power of text; users would type their responses to guide the story.

Google has built its own text adventure. To discover it, perform a Google search for "text adventure" and open the developer console (Control + Shift + J on Chrome). Here you'll find that a story awaits—press Y to begin.

5. Travel the World and Play Snake on Google Maps

google maps snake

Are you old enough to remember when Snake was the de facto mobile game? While nowadays there are plenty of exciting mobile games to kill time, all some people had was Snake on their Nokia; guiding the ever-growing line around the board to collect objects.

To honor the classic, Google created a version of Snake playable on a low-res version of Google Maps. You select a location, then guide a vehicle (like a red London bus or a Tokyo train) around the map, collecting passengers. To have a go, visit Play Snake on Google Maps.

If you fancy the retro version, do a Google search for "Play Snake." At the top of the results, click Play to begin a modern and fun take on the Nokia-popularized game.

google play solitaire

Solitaire is a card game that dates back to at least the 1700s, so it obviously doesn't originate from video games. But it's known to many as the classic time waster included on Windows computers. Unfortunately, it doesn't come with the operating system anymore, though you can bring back classic games on Windows.

Or you can turn to Google! Simply search for "Play Solitaire", click Play from the section at the top, and you can play the card game in your browser, on an easy or hard mode. A perfect way to take a break.

google green hill zone

Green Hill Zone is the first level of the first Sonic the Hedgehog game, with blue skies and rolling green hills. It has featured in many Sonic games since and has become almost as iconic as the speedy hog himself.

If you're a Sonic fan, search "Green Hill Zone" on Google. Look to the knowledge panel on the right-hand side of the search results and you'll find a retro Sonic hanging out. Click him to make him spin (turn your sound on!), after which he'll tap his foot and relax on the ground. Click him enough times and he'll transform into Super Sonic.

super mario bros google

Not a Sonic fan? Is Mario more your style? Don't worry, Google has you covered. Search for "Super Mario Bros" and you'll notice a flashing question mark block within the knowledge panel. Turn your sound on and click it; you'll hear the satisfying iconic sound as the coin pops out. Click the block 100 times and you'll hear the famous one-up noise instead.

There Are Plenty More Google Easter Eggs to Discover

When it comes to Google Easter eggs, these are just the tip of the iceberg. While we've covered the best ones relating to video games, Google has crammed in plenty more fun secrets into its services. For another fun one, try searching for "Google in 1998."