As someone who navigates the world as an adult gamer with all the disgusting adult responsibilities that come with that status, I find that there are few extended periods that I can carve out to play games at length. That…probablymakes a hefty contribution as to why I love indie games so much. I really appreciate the ability to sit down and play a game from start to finish without having to block out my calendar to do it.
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Fill the void Hollow Knight let behind with these excellent titles!
I imagine I’m not alone in this plight because adult life is relentless. So, in a bid to help all you reluctant grown-ups continue having profound and memorable gaming experiences, let’s go over some of the best options when it comes to great games that you can beat in a single afternoon.
Listen, I’m not going to get into a war of semantics over what constitutes an afternoon, but we need to draw a line somewhere. So, I will only be including games that can be completed in 5 hours or less, as verified by the general consensus onHowLongToBeat.
20Lil Gator Game
Metacritic Score
How Long to Beat
If you’re a fan ofZeldagames likeBOTWandTOTK, but you don’t have the time to dive into Hyrule, thenLil Gator Gameis the next best thing. This game is a callback to the Mascot Platformers of yesteryear and focuses on offering child-like whimsy and imagination-fuelled fun in abundance.
It’s a brilliant and pocket-sized open world that will make you feel like a kid again. I don’t know about you, but that’s all I can ask of a video game.
19Mail Time
Let’s double down on Mascot Platformers immediately withMail Time, a game that is essentially one big fetch quest where you deliver mail and prove that you are the most efficient and cutest mail lady in existence.
The platforming and cute visuals are great, but the silly, irreverent writing is the star of the show here. Honestly, I would die for Soks; he’s a treasure. So, for a quickfire cuteness overload,Mail Timeis just the ticket.
Games likeGrow Home, Getting Over ItandOnly Uphave all tried to offer a novel game about climbing. However, I would argue that no game has offered a more authentic and captivating climbing experience thanJusant.
It’s a wonderful take on the platforming genre that really forces you to think about your routes and footholds. Plus, it has a wonderful silent narrative, too. It’s a real all-rounder and well worth spending an afternoon with.
ConsideringCOCOONwas heralded last year as one of the best modern puzzle games of all time, it may be a little surprising that this game can be blitzed through in an afternoon. But believe me when I say thatCOCOONgoes for an ‘all killer, no filler’ approach.
This puzzle game is a presentational marvel, and offers inception-like puzzles through the many colored orbs you’ll find that will really speak to anyPortalfans out there. The story is about as abstract as it gets, so don’t expect too much in that department. But don’t worry, the amazing puzzles more than make up for that.
16Yoku’s Island Express
As someone who has played quite a few Metroidvanias in my time, you tend to know what to expect from the genre. Usually, it’s a combination of 2D hack-and-slash combat, tough bosses, and incremental upgrades. Well, if you’re tired of the same old story, then might I suggestYoku’s Island Express.
This short-but-sweet Metroidvania offers pinball-based gameplay, allowing you to explore Mokumana Island and earn your stripes as the new island postman. It’s cute as a button, offers a sweet story, and will make you wonder why no one else thought of using pinball in their games before this one.
As anyone who has lost a loved one will know, grief is a confusing, painful, and transformational process. Navigating it can be a tumultuous time, but even with the heavy subject matter front and center,GRISexplores the five stages of grief in a truly unique and beautiful way.
This artsy platform puzzler is a deeply affecting and emotional journey that will stay with you long after the credits roll, and when you finish this one, you can join the rest of us who areexcited about this developer’s next title, Neva.
Not that it’s a competition, but if it was,Venbawould win the award for the shortest game on this entire list. Yet, despite this rapid pace,Venbais probably one of the most deeply affecting, sweet, and touching stories you’ll encounter within gaming.
This game tells the story of an immigrant family struggling to maintain their traditions and customs while raising their child in Canada. And, in a bid to keep that link to home, your player character Venba aims to do this via cooking. It’s not quite as hectic asCooking Mama, but it’s such a beautiful, personal story that we doubt you’ll mind.
13A Short Hike
While not everyone was a fan of theDreamcastera, I certainly was, andA Short Hikeis a game that will immediately transport players back tothatera of gaming — when polygons were nice and chunky. In principle, this game couldn’t be simpler. You, a little bird called Claire, need to head up to Hawk Peak to get cell phone reception.
But to get up there, you’ll need to collect feathers and coins, help the Islanders, and become a climbing aficionado. It sounds pretty intense, but it’s actually as short and chill as the title would suggest. It’s one of those little gems I constantly ask my buddies to play, and now I’m going to pester you. PlayA Short Hike!
12Viewfinder
I’ve always loved games that allow you to use photography and POV to solve puzzles and affect the world around you. I guessPokémonSnaphas a lot to answer for in that regard. But, of all these games, it would be hard to argue againstViewfinderbeing the most unique and audacious of them all.
This game sees you use your Polaroid camera to take snapshots and then use them to create paths, alter reality, and bend the world around you to your will, all leading to a wonderful time attack crescendo. It’s one of the finest uses of fractal design in gaming I have ever seen, and it’s well worth playing for any puzzle fan.
Speaking of games tailor-made for shutterbugs, we have another one in the form ofTOEM, a quirky little monochrome puzzle game that sees you work through a series of levels and complete photography-based tasks in a bid to earn enough bus fare to make your way to the mountains and seeTOEM, the natural phenomenon of this world.
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It’s a little bit likePaper Marioin the sense that everything changes when looking through your lens, and that change of perspective leads to some truly clever and satisfying puzzle solutions. Much like another one of my favorite games, ‘In Stars and Time’, I have heard some people have been put off by the monochrome art style. But if you’re able to get past that, you’ll be in for a treat.
