A reader names a host of games that can not only be beaten in an afternoon but are just as good as their more time-consuming equivalents. Whether you’re someone with limited gaming time or just looking for a palette cleanser between hundred-hour role-playing games, it’s often nice to sit down to play a game knowing you can see everything it has to offer in just a few hours. So here are my top 20 games that can be completed in five hours or less.
Played from a top-down perspective, Ape Out challenges players to lead a Gorilla through a series of maze-like levels whilst evading or killing the many enemies that stand in the way. The unique graphical style, reactive jazz soundtrack, and fast-paced gameplay make for an enjoyable couple of hours. As the title suggests, you play a ninja with just 10 seconds to clear each level of enemies.
It certainly requires some quick fingers but thanks to the tight controls and well-balanced learning curve it always had that ‘one more go’ factor. A leisurely game in which the ultimate goal is to reach the summit of a mountain. A Short Hike allows players to explore the game world at their own pace, interacting with the various inhabitants, as they choose.
Even with little in the way of challenge or traditional gameplay I couldn’t help but be won over by its charms. A cleverly designed, and often very funny, commentary on the nature of video games and story structure. There is little in the way of traditional gameplay to be found here, .