There are many great games available thattake time and patienceto appreciate, with complex systems and/or a slow-burning pace that can’t always be enjoyed immediately. Many of these titles can sometimes take hours before they reveal themselves entirely, and for some players, this isn’t feasible.
However, there remains a great number of titles that excel more immediately. These games feature smooth learning curves, satisfying gameplay, and a unique style that immediately tells the player what they’re all about. As a result, most players are sure to know whether these games are for them within two hours of play.
InNeon White, players barrel through a variety of short and snappy levels as fast as they possibly can, making use of weapons to take out demons and utilizing special movement abilities. The focus on speed is perhapsNeon White’sgreatest strength, though it could be argued that it gives the game an acquired taste.
Thankfully,Neon Whitewears its heart on its sleeve. Not only will players get an immediate feel for its speed-running gameplay, but those who want to cut straight to the gameplay can easily skip through its narrative with little to no consequence. After just two hours, most players will likely know if they want to continue.
It’s unlikely to take two minutes for players to determine ifPost Voidis for them, let alone two hours. This franticfirst-person shooter immediately stands outwith its bold and vivid art style, frenetic soundtrack, and snappy gunplay. Its psychedelic style may be an acquired taste, but its breakneck pace ensures players can quickly decide if it’s for them.
In the game, players barrel and slide through labyrinthine levels, blasting through enemies at a non-stop pace. Driving the experience forward is a constantly draining health system that forces players to stay on the move. This facilitatesa crazed loop of split-second decisionsand lightning-fast reactions, championing sheer instinct and adrenaline above all else.
Dredgeis a calm open-world fishing game that excels with its intuitive but repetitive mini-games and tranquil exploration. In the game, players explore an archipelago haunted by myriad eldritch horrors, taking in the atmosphere as they fish for profit throughout day and night.
While its gameplay can be repetitive, there’s a certain tranquility in sailing its waters. Furthermore, the game featuresan enigmatic atmospherethat meanders between spooky and relaxed. Combined with an immediately immersive ambiance and a quick, snappy tutorial, players will quickly know ifDredgeis for them.
Cobalt Coreisa roguelike deck builderwith charming pixel-art visuals and a soothing soundtrack that offers an immediate sense of style. Thankfully, however,Cobalt Corealso features intuitive, engaging, and thematic gameplay that gets straight to the point.
While a competent deck builder in its own right,Cobalt Corealso features a tactical twist that makes its spaceship battles all the more thematic. In the game, players battle enemy ships via a variety of cards, but are also able to maneuver their own ship on a single axis. This provides gameplay that’s both deep and easy to learn, and players will soon discover if they enjoy its clever twists on the genre.
Fallen Acesis an innovative blend of immersive-sims and first-person brawlers, offering an action-heavy experience that allows for plenty of player expression. Supporting the finely-tuned gameplay is a well-crafted pulp comic-book art style and painstakingly detailedfree-form level designs.
Its stylish visuals certainly help, butFallen Acesis also an immediately fun experience. Thanks primarily to intuitive controls and an immersive introduction, players are sure to know ifFallen Acesis for them after just one level.
Tactical Breach Wizardsisan intuitive turn-based tactics gamewith a unique urban-fantasy setting. The game excels with its stylized visuals, witty writing, and - most importantly - its unique squad-based tactics.
InTactical Breach Wizards, players battle enemies in turn-based combat using a variety of expressive character abilities. Each level is more of a puzzle than a combat encounter, giving the game a somewhat acquired taste. However, players are sure to know if it’s for them within two hours thanks to a quick introductory level/tutorial and a design that quickly expands on its ideas.
Animal Wellis an atmospheric 2D Metroidvania that excels with its immersive ambiance and truly exotic world. Best of all,Animal Wellwastes no time in teaching the player its intuitive mechanics, operating at a fast pace without ever feeling rushed.
With its stylish visuals, ambient soundtrack, and simple controls, players will soon discover ifAnimal Wellis for them. There’s plenty to discover in its interconnected world, but players will likely know whether they want to explore it further by the two-hour mark.
Hi-Fi Rushexplodes with vibrant color and youthful charm right out of the gate, thrusting players into a buoyant narrative wrapped in unique rhythm-based action. Best of all, the stylish visuals, driving soundtrack, and finely-tuned gameplay are all on display from the very start.
With a short and sharp tutorial, it’s not long before players are battling through enemies to the beat of the game’s many tracks. The story, simple but deftly woven, is also quick to pick up, with a cast of lovable characters that pave the way for an exciting and feel-good adventure.
