10 Epic Games You Can Conquer in Under 10 Hours

Although games boasting massive open worlds, intricate mechanics, and abundant additional content have garnered a dedicated fan following, they demand a significant amount of time that could alternatively be invested in playing multiple other highly acclaimed games.

In the past few years, the availability of AAA Games characterized by concise playtimes and streamlined mechanics has been scarce. However, indie games, due to their limited budgets, persist in offering brief yet endlessly playable experiences. Additionally, recent remakes of beloved AAA titles such as Resident Evil and Dead Space present modernized renditions that maintain the well-paced nature of their original versions.

10 Resident Evil 2 (Original + Remake)

Content: Although numerous games in the Resident Evil series could be considered, RE2 stands out as a key component of the franchise. The iconic game from 1998 originally took players an average of 6-7 hours to complete, and while the remake enhances certain aspects, most players can still anticipate 8-10 hours of gameplay. Furthermore, with the added replayability stemming from the two distinct playable characters, each with access to different areas, as well as the scenario missions, players will have ample content to engage with even after completing the main story.

Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge that the actual duration can vary based on the individual player's style. Those who prefer a slower pace, encounter frequent deaths, or extensively explore the game world should expect to invest an additional hour or two.

For Fans Of:

Survival Horror

Resident Evil

Exploration

9 Mirror's Edge

Parkour and/or platforming enthusiasts will enjoy Mirror's Edge due to its emphasis on freedom of movement. With a playtime of approximately 6 hours, players can immerse themselves in the thrilling experience of outrunning adversaries rather than engaging in combat.

First-Person Platforming

Fast-Paced Gameplay

Speed-running

8 INSIDE

INSIDE distinguishes itself from other games on this list by captivating players in a mesmerizing experience that rarely exceeds 5 hours. Produced by the architects behind LIMBO, this puzzle-platformer immerses players in an atmospheric world brimming with captivating puzzles, an engrossing narrative, and commendable sound design.

Silent protagonists navigating diverse environments, tackling platforming challenges to solve puzzle rooms surrounded by stunning minimalist landscapes. With hidden secrets and multiple endings, INSIDE offers endless replayability and a captivating, enigmatic storyline. Recommended for enthusiasts seeking a unique gaming experience.

Vague Narratives

Puzzle-Platforming

Simple Games

7 Endoparasitic

This survival horror game, created by YouTuber Miziziziz, offers a fast-paced and intense experience. Players take on the role of a manic researcher whose arm is violently severed at the start of the game. The unique concept of the game requires players to use only their mouse to control the protagonist, forcing them to manually equip and reload weapons with their one remaining limb.

Players can expect to beat the game in less than 5 hours at the most, but with mod support and a new rogue-like mode on the way, the game still boasts impressive replayability.

For Fans Of:

Survival Horror

Unique Gameplay

Minimalistic Graphics

6 Left For Dead 2

Valve, the developer and publisher of this highly acclaimed sequel, has managed to retain a dedicated player community ever since its successful release. This can be attributed to the exhilarating cooperative gameplay and the convenience of Steam mod support. Despite the abundance of content in the game, players who dedicate their efforts to completing the different campaigns can expect to finish the game within approximately 10 hours.

For those who are unfamiliar, players assume the role of one of four survivors during a zombie outbreak. The game is divided into smaller levels known as "Campaigns," which can be completed in about 30-60 minutes. This makes it an ideal option for either a short or lengthy game night with friends.

Recommended for enthusiasts of:

First-Person Shooters

Co-operative Games

Arcade Action

5 Dusk

DUSK, an exhilarating retro-action game, was developed by the renowned game creator David Szymanski and published by the indie powerhouse New Blood Interactive. This non-stop adventure offers a total of 33 levels, divided into three 'Episodes,' providing players with a thrilling experience from start to finish. Typically, players can complete the game in approximately 10 hours, unless they choose to fully explore every corner and crevice along the way.

Fans of classic movement-based shooters, particularly those inspired by Quake, will undoubtedly find themselves happily immersed in the game, easily spending countless hours beyond what is considered necessary.

Old-School Shooters

Exploration

Secrets

4 Dishonored

Dishonored, one of Arkane Studio's most successful titles, established itself as a highly regarded immersive-sim experience, surpassing the games that served as its inspiration in terms of its seamless accessibility.

Like many other games on this list, the amount of time it takes to complete Dishonored greatly varies based on individual playstyles and objectives. Each level in Dishonored offers a multitude of options and approaches, in addition to the player's own skills, equipment, and moral decisions. However, seasoned gamers should be able to finish the main story within 10 hours or even less if their primary focus is on progressing through the main narrative.

Recommended for:

Stealth

Immersive Sims

Steampunk

3 Halo 2

During a time when AAA studios prioritized immersive, narrative-driven campaigns, the Halo franchise stood out as the epitome of excellence on Microsoft's Xbox platform. Halo 2 not only delivers intense arcade-style first-person shooter gameplay but also presents a captivating storyline filled with distinctive and iconic characters. Additionally, the game offers split-screen cooperation, a feature that is sadly being omitted by some modern AAA titles like Warhammer 40,000: Dark Tide, likely due to its exclusive focus on online multiplayer.

For fans of the Halo franchise, the debate over which game is the best is a common occurrence. However, when it comes to the campaign, Halo 2 stands out for its diverse missions and balanced gameplay. With a streamlined yet fulfilling experience, players can complete the game in approximately 9-10 hours, the duration being dependent on the chosen difficulty level.

First-Person Shooters

Sci-Fi

Co-Operative Campaigns

2 LEGO: The Lord Of The Rings

While boasting a captivating and immersive open world brimming with hidden treasures and collectibles, LEGO: The Lord of the Rings stays true to its source material by adhering to a similar structure. By embarking on the main storyline, most players can expect to complete the game within approximately 10 hours. However, what sets LEGO: The Lord of the Rings apart is its distinctiveness, as it adheres to the beloved LEGO game formula while also faithfully capturing the essence of the film series, resulting in a truly unparalleled gaming experience.

Best of all, the game can be continued after completion, meaning that players can always dip back in to hunt for collectibles after beating the game.

For Fans Of:

LEGO Games

The Lord of the Rings

Action-Adventure

1 Telltale's: The Walking Dead (Season One)

Each episode of Telltale's: The Walking Dead offers a unique blend of length and difficulty. The challenges within the game stem from solving intricate puzzles and making tough decisions. However, those experienced with point-and-click adventure games will find the gameplay to be a breeze. With its fast-paced storytelling, emotional depth, diverse settings, and compelling characters, each episode provides an immersive and captivating experience.

Due to its episodic structure, the game can also be enjoyed a little piece at a time, and it's possible to play through an entire episode in one sitting quite comfortably.

For Fans Of:

Point & Click Adventure

Story-Rich Games

The Walking Dead