With contemporary games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla taking 107 and 139 hours to beat respectively, players who prefer shorter turnaround times will likely have a challenging time looking for fast titles to beat. Fortunately, there are a few notable games that can be completed in less than an hour, without having to be a talented speedrunner.
From the story-driven indie game, Florenceto the hilarious sandbox adventure title, Goat Simulator, video games don’t have to take forever to make them fun and memorable. Players who don’t have much time to devote to their consoles should definitely check out these short games.
Florence (2020)
Florence is a story-driven indie game for the Switch that tells a heartfelt story centered on the title character. At the age of 25, she feels a bit lost and tired of her daily routines. This all changes when she meets a cellist named Krish, who quickly changes her days in both good and bad ways.
The visual novel is based on easy interactions to advance the story, so the player just has to enjoy the gripping events. It takes just over 40 minutes to complete the main story, as the simple puzzles don’t require much thought and the overarching story is over before gamers know it.
The Parable of Stanley (2013)
Known as a philosophical game that raises questions about choice and fate, The Parable of Stanley invites players to make crucial decisions to influence events. The player controls Stanley who hears instructions from a narrator, but can choose not to follow them. There are multiple endings depending on what gamers decide to do.
Depending on the choices players make, the game can be completed in less than an hour to more than seven hours. There are multiple endings to discover, depending on whether Stanley follows the narrator faithfully or chooses to go his own way.
A short walk (2020)
Set in the serene and lush landscapes of Hawk Peak Provincial Park, A short walk is a comforting video game with a deceptively simple premise. It follows a bird named Claire on her adventure through the area, initially trying to reach the top where there is cell phone reception. Along the way, however, she will encounter well-written characters who need her help and even entertaining mini-games that can distract her.
If players shoot straight to the top, the game can be beaten in just over an hour. Those who want to take their time can spend up to four hours meeting all the colorful characters and maximizing the mini-activities scattered throughout the game.
Tough Men at Sea (2017)
Set in 20th century Scandinavia, Tough men at sea is a charming indie adventure game that follows a trio’s journey through the water. Players will encounter creatures of folklore, fascinating people and dangerous locations, all depending on the path they choose. Gamers take on the role of narrator and signpost to guide the three men through the environments.
A playthrough can only take 30 minutes, but those who want another round can always restart the title and make different decisions. The unique minimalist design and effective comedy will keep gamers entertained from start to finish.
Flower (2013)
Often mentioned alongside the most engaging video games without dialogue, Flower challenges the norm by emphasizing the environment rather than a player character. Gamers are tasked with controlling the wind to influence the movement of the flower, which can revive arid landscapes and invite other plants to join the journey.
It will take a bit of rushing through its environments to beat it in an hour as it usually takes two to really appreciate the level of detail, sound design and wordless story it provides. It’s a title that has held up incredibly well and is still worth checking out.
The Innsmouth case (2020)
Inspired by the work of horror legend HP Lovecraft, The Innsmouth case is an interactive book detective adventure that puts players in the middle of a puzzling case involving a missing girl and magic. The remote fishing village hides countless secrets for the detective to discover, most of which are supernatural in nature.
It only takes half an hour to complete the main story of the truly original game. Fans of the kind of titles you can pick for yourself might go back and find more of the bizarre clues and shocking twists that were hidden throughout the game.
gone home (2016)
One of the best Annapurna video games of recent years, Went home invites players to investigate an abandoned house. The player’s character is a young woman who comes home in 1995 to an empty house and is then given the choice to look through the abandoned house to find out what happened. Notes, pictures and items will point her in the right direction.
If fans just want to beat the game as quickly as possible, walkthroughs can take them to the finish line in just under an hour. However, to be truly immersed in the experience, it’s best to spend two to three hours sifting through the clues that will slowly unravel the mystery of the family’s disappearance.
Refunct (2019)
Set in a serene world free from violence and death, Refunct encourages players to relax while bringing vibrancy and life to the environment. Gamers can walk and jump through the beautiful landscapes and listen to soothing music while performing simple tasks.
Half an hour is all gamers need to complete this game. It promises to be a peaceful escape from the noise that revolves around concentrating on relaxing and having fun. While players can spend as much time as they want going through the world, it will rarely take more than an hour to see all it has to offer.
Wheels of Aurelia (2016)
Located in 1978, Italy, Wheels from Aurelia follows the story of Lella who drives down the Italian highway, meeting companions and hitchhikers along the way. Players can join their dialogues and decide to take someone for the ride, which could change the way the game ends.
Gamers can complete the title in as little as 15 minutes, but can also choose to explore additional content that can stretch that time up to an hour. The cool visuals are in stark contrast to the kind of conversations Lella has, which can revolve around topics like the mafia and fascism.
Goat Simulator (2014)
Goat Simulator is a comedy game that needs no introduction. Players live out their dreams and become a mischievous goat who can destroy the city. It can spin like a rag doll, catch fire, fly a jetpack or helicopter, and more, all in an effort to have fun and roam.
The main objectives of the game can be completed in as little as an hour if players ignore all possibilities to do crazy things in the environment. Realistically, however, gamers could spend countless hours trying to see all the wild stunts and tricks the goat is capable of in the hilarious game.
0 Comments