Buzz
Hey everyone, I just wrapped up a 140-hour platinum trophy run of Elden Ring—the newest masterpiece by Hidetaka Miyazaki, the genius behind Dark Souls and Bloodborne—and I’m completely drained. Exhausted. Spent.
I absolutely adore sprawling games that take weeks to finish. (I mean, I’m even working on a book about the history of Japanese RPGs, so my love for epic games runs deep). But sometimes, I crave something different. A game that I can dive into for a day or two, enjoy a full experience, and walk away feeling fulfilled and refreshed—which is exactly what I needed after Elden Ring. So, I’ve curated a list of 12 games that can be completed in under 10 hours, based on data from How Long To Beat. I’ve divided them into two categories:
Afternoon Games:
Weekend Games: 6–10 hours to complete
These games span a variety of genres, from story-rich visual novels to fast-paced action platformers, rhythm-based roguelikes, and intricate first-person puzzlers. There’s something here for every type of gamer short on time. Plus, their shorter playtimes make them perfect for stepping outside your usual gaming preferences.
Afternoon: Life is Strange: Wavelength
I’m a huge fan of Life is Strange: True Colors and its endearing cast of characters (it’s an ideal weekend escape). This standalone prequel chapter not only complements the main game beautifully but also serves as a great entry point for newcomers. Set before Alex Chen, the protagonist of the first game, arrives in the quaint town of Haven Springs, Colorado, Wavelengths lets players dive into the life of fan-favorite Steph Gingrich, who first appeared in Life is Strange: Before The Storm and plays a key role in True Colors. Steph is a captivating, multi-dimensional character who breaks away from queer stereotypes, offers room for growth, and presents a rich personality worth exploring. More Life is Strange is always a treat, and Wavelengths delivers everything longtime fans and newcomers could want.
How Long To Beat? 3 hours
Price: $12.99 (Life is Strange: True Colors full game required)
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows, Google Stadia
Afternoon: Firewatch
Looking for atmosphere? Firewatch delivers. Craving a protagonist with undeniable charm? Firewatch has you covered. Want a slowly unfolding tale of isolation, camaraderie, and emotional pain? Firewatch excels in all these areas. Set in Wyoming’s Shoshone National Forest during the late 1980s, Firewatch is a first-person narrative adventure where players explore the surroundings of a fire lookout tower—dealing with troublesome teens, monitoring for smoke, and, surprisingly, delving into government conspiracies. Along the way, it weaves a gripping story about a man struggling with his wife’s early dementia, the bonds we form with ourselves, and the restorative power of nature. With a twist ending that left many players stunned and emotional upon its release, Firewatch is guaranteed to linger in your thoughts long after you finish.
How Long To Beat? 4 hours
Price: $19.99
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Linux
Afternoon: Radical Dreamers
If you’re familiar with Chrono Trigger—the 1995 Super NES classic often hailed as one of the greatest Japanese RPGs ever made—you might know it has a sequel, the polarizing Chrono Cross. But did you know that wasn’t its first follow-up? Released in 1996 shortly after Chrono Trigger, Radical Dreamers is a text-based visual novel that was initially exclusive to Nintendo’s now-defunct Satellaview service and never officially translated into English—until now. To the surprise of many, Square Enix’s recent remaster, Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition, includes a fully localized version of Radical Dreamers. This game bridges the gap between Chrono Trigger and Chrono Cross, serving as a non-canonical pseudo-sequel to the first game and a direct influence on the second. It’s a delightful experience for longtime fans and a fascinating piece of gaming history for newcomers, making it a perfect choice for an afternoon dive into one of the most intriguing RPG series of all time.
How Long To Beat? 3 hours
Price: $19.99
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
Weekend: Metroid Dread
Ah, Metroid Dread. Upon its release, much of the discussion centered on its high difficulty, especially when compared to earlier entries in the iconic series. However, when Nintendo introduced the “Rookie Mode” DLC a few months later, the game transformed from frustrating to highly accessible. While it’s more linear than most 2D Metroid titles (with the exception of 2002’s Metroid Fusion for the Game Boy Advance), its enhanced combat, smooth controls, breathtaking environments, and unforgettable boss battles make it one of the series’ finest—a significant achievement given the franchise’s legacy since its debut in 1986. Close the curtains, grab some snacks, and immerse yourself in the alien landscapes of planet ZDR. You’ll lose track of time, forget basic needs, and likely get lost—but you’ll savor every moment.
How Long To Beat? 9 hours
Price: $59.99
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch
Afternoon: Cadence of Hyrule
This unique Zelda spinoff, inspired by Brace Yourself Games’ Crypt of the Necrodancer, blends rhythm gameplay, roguelike mechanics, and action-puzzle elements into a challenging yet rewarding experience. Once you sync with the beat, the game carries you through to its conclusion. Featuring gorgeous pixel art, catchy remixes of classic tunes, and addictive gameplay, Cadence of Hyrule stands out as one of the most unconventional yet surprisingly fulfilling entries in the Zelda series.
How Long To Beat? 5.5 hours
Price: $24.99
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch
Afternoon: What Remains of Edith Finch
Walking simulators—a genre that includes games like Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture, Dear Esther, Gone Home, and the aforementioned Firewatch—often face criticism for being dull. What Remains of Edith Finch shatters that stereotype with a gripping, often surreal narrative about a young woman returning to her family’s ancestral home. As she uncovers the mysteries of the Finch manor on a remote Pacific Northwest island, she delves into her family’s haunting secrets through a series of surreal and emotional vignettes. The game will awe you with its visuals, keep you on edge, and leave you emotionally drained by the end.
How Long To Beat? 2 hours
Price: $19.99
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, iOS, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
Afternoon: A Short Hike
I previously mentioned A Short Hike in my piece “11 Soothing Games That Will Restore Your Soul After ‘Elden Ring,’”, but it’s so exceptional that it deserves another spotlight. With no combat, minimal puzzle-solving, and a strong focus on exploration, this game by Adam Robinson-Yu offers a therapeutic experience that simply feels delightful. As you traverse the island on foot and by air, you’ll notice a charming resemblance to Link’s Awakening. While the main storyline can be finished in roughly 90 minutes (or less), the game’s enchanting world will likely draw you back for repeated visits.
How Long To Beat? 1.5 hours
Price: $7.99
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Linux, macOS
Weekend: Return of the Obra Dinn
The less I reveal about Return of the Obra Dinn, the more you’ll enjoy it. All I’ll say is that this masterfully designed, visually stunning puzzle game by Lucas Pope is a must-play. And don’t forget to keep a notebook handy—you’ll need it.
How Long To Beat? 8 hours
Price: $19.99
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, macOS, Microsoft Windows
Afternoon: Portal
This timeless classic requires no introduction. Playable on consoles and operating systems dating back over a decade, it remains one of the most polished and unforgettable gaming experiences ever created. Using a unique tool that generates interconnected portals, players navigate intricate 3D environments, leveraging the game’s groundbreaking physics to solve brilliantly designed puzzles. As the story unfolds, it takes a darker turn, all while teasing the promise of a slice of cake. A true masterpiece in every sense.
How Long To Beat? 3 hours
Price: $9.99
Platform(s): Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, OS X, Linux, Android, Nintendo Switch (coming soon)
Afternoon: To The Moon
As someone deeply passionate about JRPGs, I’ve experimented with RPG Maker over the years but never progressed beyond the initial stages. Needless to say, I could never have imagined crafting something as emotionally rich, layered, and impactful as Kan Gao’s To The Moon. Blending elements of visual novels, point-and-click adventures, and RPGs, To The Moon demonstrates how far video game storytelling has evolved since the days of Mario rescuing princesses, showcasing the medium’s potential for delivering profound and lasting narratives.
How Long To Beat? 4 hours
Price: $9.99
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS, Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux
Afternoon: Oxenfree
Much like What Remains of Edith Finch, Oxenfree is set in the atmospheric Pacific Northwest—a setting that feels like home to this PNW-based writer. However, the rain-soaked backdrop serves as the stage for a story steeped in supernatural intrigue, quickly diverging from the expected. Combining otherworldly mystery with a teenage cast reminiscent of Stranger Things, Oxenfree merges adventure game mechanics with visual novel storytelling, focusing heavily on narrative and character development. With its striking art style, lovable characters, and gripping supernatural plot, Oxenfree leaves a lasting impression on all who play it.
How Long To Beat? 4.5 hours
Price: $9.99
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Android, Xbox One, iOS, Microsoft Windows, Linux, macOS
Weekend: Owlboy
Stunning pixel art visuals? Absolutely. Engaging platforming and varied environments? You bet. A surprisingly deep narrative? Without a doubt. D-Pad Studio’s Owlboy places players in the role of Otis, a young humanoid owl. As Otis navigates the expansive skybound world, he survives a pirate assault and embarks on a quest to uncover the secrets of his floating realm and the enigmatic land beneath. Blending flight, ranged combat, and classic platforming mechanics, Owlboy delivers an exhilarating experience from beginning to end, punctuated by heartfelt story moments that never overstay their welcome.
How Long To Beat? 8 hours
Price: $24.99
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Linux, macOS
