At the beginning of the 12 months, I at all times like enjoying by way of shorter video games. I do know that in only a few weeks, a nonstop flurry of recreation launches will occupy all my time, so I wish to slot in as many as potential whereas I can. Shorter video games may have an vital place this 12 months as chasers between AAA releases, lots of which appear to be prolonged RPGs this 12 months.
Last 12 months had loads of hidden gems that you just in all probability haven’t performed but, so in case you have a few hours to spare this 12 months in-between the releases of video games like Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and Dragon’s Dogma 2, then take into account checking any of the next seven video games out. We’ve additionally listed how lengthy it ought to take you to beat every one based mostly on stats from HowLongToBeat.
Sonic Superstars
Sega
How lengthy to beat: 5 hours
The first recreation I’ve crushed in 2024 is Sonic Superstars. Even although I gave Sonic Frontiers a low rating, I don’t hate Sega’s iconic blue hedgehog. In truth, for those who’re uninterested in Super Mario Bros. Wonder and are simply searching for a brief, but satisfying platformer to play in your Switch, working by way of certainly one of Sonic Superstars’ phases as Sonic, Knuckles, Tails, or Amy is an entertaining approach to spend a while. Although it stops and begins its fast-paced platforming with stage gimmicks and particular stage portals too typically, at its finest, Sonic Superstars lives as much as the legacy of titles like Sonic Mania. It options co-op as effectively, so you’ll be able to play along with your youngsters or different family members.
Sonic Superstars is accessible now for PC, PlayStation 4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch.
Venba
Visai Games
How lengthy to beat: 1.5 hours
While it’s one of many shortest video games on this listing, Venba was additionally among the finest video games of 2023. Anyone who comes from a household of immigrants will determine with some a part of this transient, but charming story about conserving tradition alive throughout generations by way of components that transcend language, like cooking. For those that love a compelling narrative-focused indie recreation, Venba is a feature-length recreation definitely price squeezing in when you will have a second.
Venba is accessible now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch, and it’s a part of the Xbox Game Pass recreation catalog.
The Making of Karateka
Digital Eclipse
How lengthy to beat: 4.5 hours
As an interactive documentary concerning the creation of one of the crucial influential Apple II video games ever, The Making of Karateka shares numerous similarities with a museum exhibit you’d go to in individual. Namely, you’ll be able to spend as a lot or as little time there as you need. The Making of Karateka’s story will nonetheless be compelling to those that solely spend a few hours skimming every timeline. This setup makes it straightforward to select up and put down at a second’s discover. If you discover your urge for food whetted, you’ll be able to then spend extra time coming by way of every doc and recreation construct that The Making of Karateka accommodates.
The Making of Karateka is accessible now for PC, PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch.
Cocoon
Annapurna Interactive
How lengthy to beat: 5 hours
Many video games try and stay as much as legacy indies like Limbo and Inside, however few really have met these expectations. Cocoon, which comes from the lead gameplay designer of these classics, Jeppe Carlsen, is among the few video games that does. It’s a brief, however mind-bending puzzler the place you primarily push round orbs. These orbs include worlds that gamers can then bounce between, and that results in Cocoon’s most putting moments. If you wish to really feel sensible and have your thoughts blown by some inventive puzzles, then Cocoon is price its transient time funding.
Cocoon is accessible for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch. Like Venba, it’s included in Xbox Game Pass.
Jusant
Don’t Nod
How lengthy to beat: 4.5 hours
Climbing is a mechanic current in lots of video video games, however few make doing in order intricate an expertise as Jusant. This journey is about scaling a large tower in a world the place water has disappeared. An engrossing, dialogue-free story, Jusant is extra concerning the journey than the vacation spot. You get the grasp of utilizing the controller’s triggers to grip any handholds you will discover as you climb up. It additionally options probably the most spectacular rope physics I’ve seen in a recreation since The Last of Us Part II, they usually truly come into play for lots of platforming challenges on this recreation. If you’re searching for a meditative recreation to play between hectic RPGs. Jusant is a superb selection.
Jusant is accessible now for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, and is a part of Xbox Game Pass.
Videoverse
Kinmoku
How lengthy to beat: 5 hours
Another quick narrative-focused expertise that may make you nostalgic and emotional throughout transient interludes between 2024’s must-play video games, Videoverse is an underrated gem. An ode to early web boards and Miiverse, Kinmoku’s Videoverse can be a poignant eulogy for pre-Elon Twitter. It asks gamers to discover and expertise an old-school social community freed from all the luggage platforms like Facebook and X presently carry. I count on this recreation will stay well timed all through 2024.
Videoverse is accessible now for PC.
A Highland Song
Inkle
How lengthy to beat: 3.5 hours
As a December 2023 launch, you may not even learn about A Highland Song, however it’s among the finest indie video games of final 12 months. A coming-of-age journey a couple of younger lady navigating by way of the Scottish Highlands, A Highland Song is a good looking expertise that might probably present some aid for you throughout 2024’s extra hectic moments. Although it’s meant to be replayed, even for those who solely undergo the three-and-a-half-hour journey as soon as, you’ll discover that it’s an entertaining musical platform that provides a few of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild’s mechanics a recent feeling by presenting them from a 2D perspective.
A Highland Song is accessible now for PC and Nintendo Switch.
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