Time is Money
While we’re all for games that can span hundreds of hours and are filled to the brim with content, sometimes it’s nice to just sit back and enjoy a short yet oh so satisfying experience. In terms of making every moment count, you can’t go wrong with these epic titles!
#5: âUndertaleâ (2015)
A retro-styled RPG, âUndertaleâ follows a young human caught in an underground world filled with monsters and odd creatures which they must overcome one way or another to return to the surface. The game allows the player to choose whether to pacify the monsters they encounter or kill them, in a battle system that directly affects the gameâs outcome and many of its events; giving âUndertaleâ a great deal of replayability, despite its short length. With its unique style, memorable characters, in-depth narrative, and catchy music, âUndertaleâ is a game youâre gonnaâ have a good time with.
#4: âShadow of the Colossusâ (2005)
Another adventure puzzle game, âShadow of the Colossusâ tells the story of a young man who tries to bring his love back from the dead by killing a group of giant creatures. The gameâs simple story and intuitive gameplay make it very accessible, but the challenge of discovering each of the colossiâs weaknesses makes it rewarding as well. All this, combined with the beautiful visuals and environments, and the soaring soundtrack, help make âShadow of the Colossusâ an epic experience that you can immerse yourself in for a day.
#3: âInsideâ (2016)
Few games have depicted a story quite as effectively through their gameplay as âInside.â The player controls a young boy who traverses a series of haunting and dangerous locales, solving puzzles and uncovering many disturbing events all while evading pursuers. Though we considered choosing âLimbo,â a similar game made by the same developers, ultimately we decided on âInside,â as we feel that its greater emphasis on storytelling, its more impressive visuals, and its higher degree of polish makes it a more rewarding experience.
#2: âPortalâ (2007)
For what might have been a glorified physics demo, âPortalâ is freaking amazing. This game changing Valve title sees players put through a series of puzzle challenges using a portal gun. Players must move a items or themselves to solve conundrums and reach their goal, all at the behest of a surprisingly snarky A.I. with a distinctive voice. The portal mechanic offers a challenging and fun experience, makingâ Portalâ a game thatâs short, but as sweet as that promised cake. Portalâs clever puzzles and witty antagonist has made it iconic in the gaming community.
#1: âJourneyâ (2012)
This game joins âInsideâ as one of the best games to tell a story through gameplay. âJourneyâ follows a robed character in a desert as they must traverse their way towards a light on a mountain. The action is simple and fun, while the music and atmosphere are gorgeous. In addition, the ability to meet up with other players and interact nonverbally with them is a stroke of genius. âJourneyâ may not be a long trip, but itâs one well worth taking, maybe even several times.
Be sure to check out the video below to see our picks for the Top 10 Best Indie Video Game Stories.Â