If you've already completed all the games from the first part and want more short but very meaningful projects with lots of fun and creativity, we're going on a journey again to discover ten new game gems that can be completed in one evening!
1. Streets of Rage 4
My time: 4 hours
HowLongToBeat: 3 hours
Genre: beat 'em up
The previous part featured another masterpiece from Dotemu studio called TMNT: Shredder's Revenge, but two years earlier, the French released an equally cool sequel to the legendary game series from the 1980s called Streets of Rage 4.
Streets of Rage 4 is a true revival of classic arcade beat-em-ups that pays homage to its predecessors. The game masterfully captures the spirit of the genre: players move from left to right, hitting enemies, smashing objects for points and items, and so on, completing level after level.
Essentially, it's a modern adaptation of the classic gameplay. While the game doesn't seek to make any radical changes, it does expand the combat system quite effectively with new skills and mechanics. For example, it's now possible to restore health lost after special attacks, provided the player doesn't take any hits from opponents and lands enough attacks to fill the gauge.
The plot here, as expected from the genre, is quite simple and ironically formulaic, but it is beautifully presented in a comic book style, and the bright, cartoonish visual style makes the game extremely attractive. In the same year, a sequel to a very popular game in a similar genre called Battletoads was released . As much as the characters and style were cool there, the style of Streets of Rage 4 is pleasing to the eye. There is a real respect for the previous parts and the fans.
The game features the ability to play as retro characters from previous installments and use their original soundtracks, giving older players a real nostalgic journey that will make them feel like a ten-year-old playing on a Sega Mega Drive again .
While the main story can be completed in about 4 hours, the game offers additional, more challenging modes that will force you to learn the combat system down to the smallest nuances. Streets of Rage 4 is great to play alone, but it really opens up in co-op with up to four players, where together they can create real mayhem, which makes it even more fun.
2. Braid
My time: 5.5 hours
HowLongToBeat: 5 hours
Genre: puzzle
Braid is a puzzle platformer built entirely around a highly unique time manipulation mechanic. Players can rewind time at any point, fixing mistakes, experimenting with different solutions, and observing the consequences of their actions.
Each world in the game introduces new, bizarre rules for how time behaves: from objects that do not obey rewind (glow green), to time that is tied to the direction of the player's movement, or bubbles that slow down time. For example, in World 4, time moves forward when the character goes right, and backward when he goes left, which creates unique spatial puzzles. This constant evolution of the mechanic keeps the interest and forces the brain to work at full speed. If the first level seems like an easy walk to you, then by the fifth you will be "howling like a wolf", so many non-obvious ways to solve the tasks here.
The game is made in a wonderful picturesque style, which gives it a special atmosphere and visual appeal. Braid was very much inspired by Super Mario Bros and this is really visible in the level design, in particular there are many references and jokes to this series. The main character named Tim is literally Mario, who went through the war, became an alcoholic and from whom the "princess" left, because he is a bad person. The plot is generally abstract and open to interpretation (there is even an interpretation that the princess from the game is actually a nuclear bomb), it is subtly woven into the gameplay and environment, giving depth to the main character's journey. The finale of the game is especially impressive and makes you think, leaving a strong impression. But to get a "true ending with a good ending" you will have to actually go through 9 circles of hell, solving the most difficult tasks imaginable.
Braid was created by the efforts of only one person – Jonathan Blow and at one time changed the industry forever. It was Braid that proved that indie games developed by a small team can tell very deep stories and be no less exciting than high-budget projects. This example inspired hundreds, if not thousands of authors and have already created their own masterpieces. Therefore, passing Braid is a must for everyone who wants to get unique emotions!
3. Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon
My time: 5 hours
HowLongToBeat: 4.5 hours
Genre: action, first-person shooter
Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon is a standalone spin-off that is a parody of 80s action films, drawing inspiration from films such as The Terminator, Tron, and Predator. The game transports the player to 2007, where they take on the role of Sergeant Rex Colt (voiced by Michael Biehn, the actor who played Kyle Reese in The Terminator), with a mission to rescue a girl, destroy the villains, and save the world.
The gameplay of Blood Dragon is heavily based on Far Cry 3, using many of the game mechanics and textures from the previous game. This allows players to quickly adapt to the new environment. However, unlike Far Cry 3, which gave more bonuses for stealth, Blood Dragon encourages an aggressive playstyle, emphasizing its brutal aesthetic.
Despite the similarities in gameplay, the atmosphere and tone of Blood Dragon are radically different from Far Cry 3. This project is much lighter, with an absurd plot and cartoonish characters, full of parodies of 80s movie clichés and 2000s gaming clichés. Dialogues between characters, often satirical, add humor, and the electro soundtrack emphasizes the retro style. If you remember, in 2015 the cult short film Kung Fury was released, which was a tribute to the 1980s, and Blood Dragon is essentially its game version, no less crazy and very creative.
The main plot of Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon takes about 4.5 hours. The game provides a rich and fun experience due to its dynamism and drive and brings a real thrill to anyone who once watched films of that era. I think this is the best project in the Far Cry series and a great opportunity to spend an evening, the impression will be as if you watched a cool action movie like "Terminator" or "Universal Soldier".
4. Superhot
My time: 2.5 hours
HowLongToBeat: 2.5 hours
Genre: first-person shooter
Superhot is a first-person shooter with a simple but rather original mechanic: time only moves when the player moves. This means that every move, every shot, every hit must be carefully thought out, turning the game into a kind of puzzle where every scenario has an optimal solution. This unique concept allows players to feel like real martial artists, dodging bullets in slow motion and planning their actions in advance.
The game's visual style is minimalistic but very effective: white, sterile environments, red polygonal enemies, and black weapons. When enemies are blown to pieces, it looks like they're made of glass, which is aesthetically pleasing. This artistic choice not only looks stylish, but also emphasizes the game's sci-fi theme, where players feel like they're part of a computer simulation.
The game's plot, while short, is quite original and attempts to build its own fictional reality by breaking the fourth wall. Many players perceive the main campaign as an extended tutorial that introduces the unique world of the game and its mechanics. The true depth and benefits of Superhot's replayability are revealed in the "Challenges" and "Endless Mode" modes, where players can hone their skills, set personal records, and experiment with different scenarios. This allows the game to remain interesting for many hours, even after the main story is completed. And the real sensation the game will create is if you play it in VR glasses, it's a very cool experience.
The main story of Superhot can be completed in about 2 hours, and despite its brevity, the unique mechanics and visual style create an unforgettable experience that stays with the player for a long time.
5. Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons
My time: 3 hours
HowLongToBeat: 3 hours
Genre: adventure game
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons is an adventure game that tells the story of two brothers who embark on a dangerous journey to find a cure for their dying father. The game features a unique control mechanic: players control both brothers simultaneously using the controller's two analog sticks, with the left stick controlling the older brother and the right stick controlling the younger brother. This, despite the brothers' differences, creates a sense of true cooperation and interdependence between the characters, which is a central element of the gameplay. For example, the older brother can help the younger brother climb a high cliff, and the characters often have to carry something heavy together or pull levers simultaneously.
The author of the game is the currently popular developer Josef Fares (It takes two, Split Fiction) and some of the chips of his future projects are visible here, but the branded cooperative, unfortunately, is completely absent. Of course, on the Nintendo Switch there is a mode that allows you to divide the game into two players, but it is so inconveniently made that it is better not to enable it.
The visual style of the game resembles fairy-tale worlds, combining realism with fantasy. Locations vary from Scandinavian villages to bloody battlefields and icy lakes, each of which impresses with its detail and atmosphere. I really like that there are benches scattered around the world where the characters can sit. At this point, the camera flies further and you can enjoy very beautiful views, take screenshots.
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons is one of the most emotional and moving games in history. The game's plot explores themes of death, loss, and acceptance. In this project, even the controls work to enhance the experience, because when after a plot moment the character is left alone and one of your control sticks doesn't work because of this, you feel a tactile loss, because you get very used to playing with both hands. People who have played the game will understand me, but those who haven't played it, then I won't spoil it.
The main story of Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons can be completed in about 3 hours. It is a very powerful emotional experience that will not leave anyone indifferent. Many players recommend going through it without interruption, like a movie, to feel the cinematic nature and plot of the game as much as possible. I agree with this thesis, so this is the best option for what to play if you have a free evening.
A remake of Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons was recently released, but despite the good graphics, I don't recommend playing it. The authors slightly changed at least one plot point, which is why the scene of the battle with the spider evokes completely different emotions. This really upset me, because, in my opinion, it spoils the impression of the ending. I won't give spoilers, but I think anyone who plays both games will notice the difference. While the 2013 game left you with a logical, but very bitter moment, the remake makes you think "why did the character do that" until the very end. I'm very surprised that many players didn't notice this and most negative reviews don't mention it. And, in my opinion, the developers made the game somehow too "cozy" because of the lighting. The original was gray and gloomy, and the remake is full of colors, which kills the atmosphere of the game.
6. Journey
My time: 2.5 hours
HowLongToBeat: 2 hours
Genre: adventure game
Journey is an adventure game that stands out for its focus on exploration and self-discovery. The player takes on the role of a cloaked figure traveling through a beautiful but dangerous landscape in search of a mysterious mountain. The gameplay is intentionally slow, allowing you to immerse yourself in the stunning visuals and captivating soundtrack.
One of the most innovative aspects of Journey is its multiplayer mechanics. Players can meet other travelers in the game world, but these interactions are intentionally limited. There is no traditional voice chat or text messaging; instead, players can communicate only through light and sound signals. This design choice, while seemingly restrictive, actually promotes a deeper and more emotional connection between players. The lack of direct communication removes distractions, creating a sense of community and collaboration that is rarely found in modern games.
Journey's narrative is intentionally vague, allowing players to interpret the game's themes and symbolism on their own. At first glance, it's a simple story about travel, but as players delve deeper into the world, they uncover a rich and complex plot that explores themes of self-discovery, connection, and human existence. The music, composed by Austin Wintory, is a masterpiece of audio design, perfectly complementing the atmosphere and tone of the game.
The absence of enemies in the traditional sense and the emphasis on exploration make Journey a unique game that emphasizes calm and cooperation. The environment itself acts as a guide, guiding players through various stages without explicit instructions or tutorial levels.
The main story of Journey can be completed in about 2 hours. If you want to relax and get a sense of adventure and learning something new, this project will bring you a lot of good emotions!
7. SteamWorld Dig
My time: 4 hours
HowLongToBeat: 5 hours
Genre: platformer, metroidvania
SteamWorld Dig is a platforming adventure game with mining elements where players take on the role of Rusty, a lone robot miner who arrives in an old mining town whose residents need help building infrastructure. The core gameplay involves digging tunnels underground, searching for valuable gems, and battling enemies. It sounds a lot like Minecraft, but it only seems that way.
SteamWorld Dig's gameplay is incredibly addictive, despite its simplicity. Players are constantly digging new tunnels, but at the beginning of the game their options are very limited, as torches for lighting are constantly running out, and the inventory allows you to store very little valuable ore. This forces you to regularly return to the surface to sell the treasures you find and buy upgrades for Rusty, such as digging speed or increasing the fuel supply. This "dig-sell-upgrade" cycle creates a sense of constant progress and satisfaction with each new upgrade, allowing you to progress through the mines faster. SteamWorld Dig is very similar in mechanics to the metroidvania genre, but without structured levels. You can dig as much as you want, and in most cases, returning only to the city.
The visual style of the game is attractive and stylish, steampunk fans will be very pleased, and the robot characters and the atmosphere of the Wild West give the game a special charm, making it accessible to players of all ages.
The plot of SteamWorld Dig is quite simple and undemanding, but the gameplay is so addictive that it is impossible to tear yourself away from it. During the game, I could not tear myself away and constantly played in small sessions. The only thing I was unpleasantly surprised about was when I reached the final boss faster than I expected, because I wanted to spend more time in this world. Another minus is that there is no difficulty in SteamWorld Dig at all, you will die very rarely and because you have relaxed too much. Death in the game is also not a big problem, because your collected resources remain in the same place where you were killed and you can safely return for them. The mentioned minuses are more for objectivity, and I recommend everyone to play this game, you will go in for 5 minutes and you will not notice how you have been digging mines for hours.
8. Little Nightmares
My time: 4 hours
HowLongToBeat : 3.5 hours
Genre: platformer, survival horror
Little Nightmares is a puzzle-platforming adventure game that immerses players in a spooky world where they control a little girl named Six, who must escape a mysterious ship called the "Womb." This place is inhabited by grotesque and distorted creatures eager to find their next meal.
The game is notable for its unique atmosphere and visual style, reminiscent of dark animated films like Coraline (even the characters wear the same cape). Each room and location in The Belly feels like a complete place with its own function and story, creating a sense of reality in this terrifying world.
Little Nightmares' gameplay focuses on stealth and puzzle-solving. Six, being defenseless, has no combat abilities and must rely on stealth and use of the environment to hide from monsters. Puzzles often require cleverness and observation, and are fun to solve. For example, some puzzles may require you to distract enemies in order to slip past them. While there may be some minor difficulties with control or navigation in dark areas, overall the gameplay is smooth and engaging.
The game's plot is intentionally vague, leaving a lot of room for interpretation, but it effectively conveys children's fears: the horror of imaginary movements in the dark, the fear of shadows gathering into something sinister. If you are a sensitive person, I do not recommend playing this game because of its specific creepy atmosphere and some not-so-pleasant moments (the scene with eating a live rat will not let you lie).
Little Nightmares is an example of an unusual, but very successful and creative symbiosis of different genres, which will be remembered for a very long time. If you like it, there is also a sequel, and the third part will be released this year.
9. Transformers: Devastation
My time: 4.5 hours
HowLongToBeat : 5.5 hours
Genre: adventure game, hack and slash
Transformers: Devastation is a hack and slash action game that is a real treat for fans of the original Transformers animated series from the 80s (aka Generation One or G 1). It perfectly captures the spirit of the classic show, evoking nostalgia in adult players and appealing to a new audience with its fast-paced gameplay.
The game's combat system is its main advantage, it was developed by Platinum Games, a studio known for its high-quality action games such as Bayonetta and Astral Chain. The gameplay resembles Bayonetta, including the mechanics of slowing down time when dodging an enemy attack in time, which helps to get out of difficult situations and make very effective counterattacks. The combat and combo system allows you to create endless chains of attacks both on the ground and in the air. A unique feature is the ability to instantly switch between robot and vehicle modes to perform special attacks. For example, some combos can end with attacks in vehicle form, or players can use transformation to evade enemies and move quickly. This adds significant depth to the combat system, allowing you to experiment with different play styles and find the most effective combinations.
The visual style of the game is done in a beautiful cel-shaded style, imitating a 1980s cartoon. The characters are bright, detailed and well-animated, which gives the impression that the player controls animated figures. The soundtrack also matches the retro style, enhancing the immersion in the atmosphere of the G1 universe.
The game's plot literally feels like an unused script for an episode from the original show - Megatron arrives on Earth with the intention of turning it into a new Cybertron. While the story lacks depth, it serves as a great excuse to continuously fight Decepticons and enjoy witty dialogue. The game offers a choice of several iconic Transformers, such as Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Sideswipe, Wheeljack, and Grimlock, each with a unique fighting style. I probably liked Sideswipe the most because of his speed.
Transformers: Devastation is one of the best Transformers games and a real gift not only for fans of this universe, but also for lovers of diverse and dynamic gameplay. The game itself has no disadvantages, but there is a significant problem that it is quite problematic to buy it legally. After the license from Hasbro expired, Activision not only canceled the potential sequel, which was clearly hinted at in the finale of the game, but also removed the project from absolutely all stores. Therefore, unfortunately, piracy is the easiest official way to play Transformers: Devastation. The question of whether downloading a game that is not sold anywhere can be called piracy remains open.
10. Bright Memory: Infinite
My time: 2 hours
HowLongToBeat: 2 hours
Genre: first-person shooter
Bright Memory: Infinite is a first-person shooter that is impressive in its visual quality, considering that it was developed by a single person. The difference between Braid from 2008 and this project is not 10 years, but 100 (although this is more a merit of the better development opportunities in our time). The game uses Unreal Engine 4, creating high-quality graphics and special effects that can compete with projects from much larger studios. Initially, Bright Memory: Infinite did not have a subtitle, was released in 2019 and was a regular demo for 40 minutes. It was called “episode 1” and later a second one was supposed to be released, but the author decided to simply expand on the existing content and release the game. It turned out controversially, but more on that later.
The game's visual style, inspired by Chinese mythology, recreates ruined temples and mythical enemies, giving it a unique aesthetic. The environments are often accompanied by constant rain or storms, which accentuates the atmosphere and showcases impressive graphic detail.
The game's combat system is a hybrid of a first-person shooter and an action game with elements of hand-to-hand combat, which creates a frantic and stylish gameplay. Players can combine firearms with a sword and various abilities, creating spectacular combo attacks. For example, you can use a katana for close combat, and then quickly switch to firearms to finish off enemies. The sensations from shooting and weapons are no worse than from the best representatives of FPS (first-person shooter). The downside is that the enemies are not distinguished by intelligence and the process of killing them becomes quite monotonous over time. However, due to the fast pace of the game and its short length, most people may not even feel this moment. In particular, due to such brevity, most of the game mechanics feel completely unnecessary and made "just in case". For example, driving a car, which takes up 10 minutes of gameplay, or an absolutely useless stealth mission. I understand that the author wanted maximum variety, but, for example, I almost never used a sword in battles, because there is simply no time to learn this mechanic. The game will end faster than you will start to master it normally. Imagine, in Bright Memory: Infinite there is also an energy gauntlet, which you also do not have time to penetrate. And this is not the end, the game has a system for leveling three types of weapons, but you will level only one - firearm. That's what happens when the number of mechanics designed for 10 hours of gameplay is squeezed into two.
In the end, Bright Memory: Infinite is more like a demo version with gorgeous graphics than a full-fledged game. But it was developed by one Chinese developer, it is inexpensive and in 2 hours of passing it gives pleasant emotions due to its technologicality and chic shooting. Yes, there are too many mechanics, but the game can be played purely by shooting with a shotgun or pistol, and all the controversial moments like stealth missions take very little time. Therefore, I still recommend that you familiarize yourself with this game, some of its elements are made impressively well and cover most of the shortcomings.