Navigating the topic of length in video games can be quite nuanced; contrary to popular belief, longer doesn’t always equate to better. Some game genres thrive on concise experiences that can deliver intense moments without demanding extensive playtime from players.
However, the industry’s current trend skews towards lengthy narratives, often filled with open-ended levels, an abundance of side quests, and numerous objectives that can distract from the core journey, occasionally diluting the overall experience. As an enthusiast who appreciates tightly-crafted gameplay, I find this phenomenon frustrating. Thus, I felt compelled to create this list of ten exceptional titles that feel excessively long.
10 Mass Effect
Boring Spaces
Mass Effect holds a special place in my heart, even though I played it long after its initial launch. Nevertheless, it’s a product of its era. BioWare sought to craft a richer intergalactic narrative, leading to an addition of myriad side content that ultimately failed to enhance the gameplay or storytelling.
Exploring desolate planets aboard the clunky Mako was perhaps the game’s most significant flaw, introducing tedious mechanics and monotonous landscapes. Thankfully, BioWare rectified its missteps in Mass Effect 2, delivering some of the most well-crafted side quests of the decade, proving that earlier shortcomings were worthwhile in achieving that evolution.
9 Borderlands 3
Chores Without Depth
I’ve logged countless hours into Borderlands 3 and found it enjoyable overall; however, it suffers from an unnecessarily prolonged main campaign. Unlike its predecessors, the game offers a wealth of engaging side content, yet it results in a drawn-out main storyline that drags out the confrontation with the Calypso Twins.
In the effort to expand narrative presence beyond Handsome Jack, Gearbox inundated us with more main missions that do little to develop characters or enhance the plot. By the time the conclusion arrives, many players may be left reflecting on a sense of time wasted. While still highly entertaining, Borderlands 3 appears to stretch itself too thin in comparison to its forerunners.
8 Darksiders 2
Errand Boy of the Apocalypse
Open-world games often employ a time-honored formula where players complete various errands, a method that has been refined in recent years. However, Darksiders 2 missed the mark, arriving too early to grasp this practice fully.
While Death’s journey is hailed as one of the finest hack-and-slash experiences, it falters as an open-world title, characterized by missions that often demand repetitive actions. Players frequently find themselves collecting items or completing quests that lack variation, undermining the otherwise stellar gameplay and unnecessarily prolonging the adventure.
7 Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain
Rinse and Repeat
I maintain a fondness for Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain. However, it’s hard to ignore the game’s length, amplified by expansively large levels that contribute to a repetitive campaign structure.
Each mission introduces a plethora of side quests, many of which require similar tasks under slightly varied conditions, leading to a disjointed narrative. To uncover the game’s full story, players must navigate through unclear and unnecessary objectives that seem redundant, creating a loop of repetitive gameplay. Despite its fluid mechanics and outstanding sound design, the game’s structural flaws are evident.
6 Inscryption
An Excessive Ambition
Inscryption is a gem in the indie game landscape, with qualities that resonate deeply with players. Yet, its ambition can occasionally backfire. While the initial acts brilliantly subvert player expectations, this creativity wanes by the third act.
The game’s continuous attempts at surprising players can lead to a convoluted experience, with twists that may ultimately detract from a satisfying resolution. Transitioning between genres—from card roguelike to escape room and then to a multidimensional mystery—while innovative, becomes overwhelming, resulting in a bittersweet experience that diminishes the overall impact after extended playtime.
5 NieR Replicant
The Bad Kind of Replayability
Taking risks is commendable in game design; NieR Replicant exemplifies this ethos. The rich narrative and memorable characters are obscured behind monotonous quests that stretch the gameplay duration unnecessarily.
If NieR Replicant cut its length in half and avoided requiring players to gather excessive weapons, it would undoubtedly resonate more positively with a broader audience.
4 Blue Prince
The Credits Are Not The End
Upon reaching the credits of Blue Prince, it’s easy to feel a sense of achievement within one of the greatest puzzle games ever made. However, diving deeper reveals that there’s much more content to uncover, with numerous loose ends still unresolved.
This endless exploration requires players to take extensive notes, connecting various clues, ultimately leading to what could be regarded as the most intricately layered video game experience. While the pursuit of knowledge is intriguing, it can become overwhelming, bordering on impossible for the average player to continue without guidance. Even though it’s a masterpiece, the game undoubtedly offers too much for some.
3 Ring of Fire
Overflowing with Content
Elden Ring is celebrated for its extraordinary scale and immersive world, enveloping players in the enchanting Lands Between. After dedicating 30 hours to the game, much of it spent in Limgrave, the visit to Liurnia provides a breathtaking experience, reminding players of FromSoftware’s impressive vision.
Yet, as exploration continues, wonder can quickly morph into a feeling of being overwhelmed. Upon arriving in the Royal Capital, one realizes they are barely halfway through the main narrative. Encountering Farum Azula elicits awe mixed with trepidation, revealing the game’s substantial scope, and prompting thoughts about the possibility of a more streamlined experience.
With a few more refined areas and densified content, Elden Ring could solidify its legacy as an unparalleled title, but its sheer length can make it daunting at times.
2 It Takes Two
Should Last Half As Long
Though It Takes Two is a standout in modern co-op gaming, it deserves scrutiny regarding its extensive length. The initial chapters introduce innovative mechanics that enthrall, yet the sprawling campaign can lead to inconsistencies.
Some chapters, like Rose’s Room and The Attic, tend to drag, limiting the refreshing gameplay transition found in other levels, while others feel fleeting in comparison. This inconsistency can render some mechanics undervalued and others excessively overstated, creating an imbalanced experience.
Furthermore, the co-op nature of It Takes Two means that its lengthy playtime could deter some players, making it less accessible than one might hope, as it requires more sessions to reach the conclusion than the average game in this genre.
1 The Last of Us Part 2
Too Many Perspectives
While I personally prefer The Last of Us Part 2 over its predecessor, I must acknowledge that its length and pacing hinder its potential perfection. The incredible opening sets a high standard, yet the story begins to falter due to the numerous flashbacks and frequent shifts in perspective.
As the narrative unfolds, the gripping momentum established early evaporates, leading to a dip in intensity as players approach the finale. Although exploring both protagonists’ journeys offers valuable insights, the execution lacks cohesion. Moreover, the story harbors unnecessary prolongation, with an ending that perhaps doesn’t rise to the occasion after so much buildup.
If a tighter narrative focus could be implemented, I am confident that The Last of Us Part 2 would achieve an even higher acclaim, potentially rivaling its more compact and efficiently driven predecessor.
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