When you’re looking for a game that allows you to unwind after a long day, what you typically seek is an immersive experience—something featuring engaging, repeatable missions and a variety of difficulties. These games often include quick side quests that pair perfectly with your favorite evening snacks.
However, there are times when you desire a gaming experience where each element feels significant, without unnecessary distractions. This can be found in first-person shooter campaigns, expansive open-world adventures, or even intricate JRPGs. Interestingly, indie games often embody this ethos effectively, as they allow developers the creative freedom to stay true to their vision uninterrupted.
In this list, entries will be evaluated based on the ratio of compelling content to superfluous elements (killer to filler), drawing from both critical reception and personal insights.
10 Mr Shifty
Shift Around Quickly
| Platform(s) | PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One |
|---|---|
| Publisher | tinyBuild |
| Genre | Beat ‘Em Up |
| Release Date | April 2017 |
In “Mr Shifty“, you step into the shoes of a skilled thief on a mission to steal a plutonium core from a high-security facility. Unlike many games where health bars allow for resilience, here, a single hit can eliminate you, necessitating a restart from the beginning of the level.
Your advantage lies in the ability to ‘shift’—a teleportation mechanic that lets you dodge attacks by teleporting short distances. This dynamic encourages a constant state of movement as you blend evasion with strategic punches against enemies, leaving little room for contemplation or collectibles.
9 Gunpoint
As Quick As A Gun To Your Head
In “Gunpoint“, you embody a freelance spy who undertakes covert missions across various locations. Similar to “Mr Shifty”, here too, you must tread lightly, as a single gunshot can end your life.
However, the game features an innovative ‘Crosslink’ mechanic allowing you to hack security systems, enabling creative problem-solving. Want to rig a light switch to trigger a trap? Or use ‘Bullfrog Hypertrousers’ for an acrobatic entry? You can customize your approach to each level.
The game can be completed in less than 6.5 hours, providing a focused experience that leaves you wanting more without the burdens of unnecessary bloat.
8 Abzu
The Ocean Is Deep But This Game Knows Where To Go
“Abzû“is akin to immersing oneself in a water-based version of Journey. As a diver on a quest to restore marine life, you traverse breathtaking underwater landscapes.
The game can be completed in approximately 4 hours, ensuring a compact experience without unnecessary extensions. Players are drawn into its stunning artistic style, making it a journey worth savoring.
While Journey deserves a nod as an honorable mention, my preference leans toward exploring the ocean depths.
7 Undertale
Subverting Random Encounters
“Undertale“masterfully subverts player expectations in a compact RPG experience that lasts around 20 hours, encompassing all possible endings.
While it may begin like a conventional game with grinding mechanics, its distinctive combat and experience system make every encounter meaningful, offering deep insights into the game’s moral framework.
This title is one of the few games that prompted me to immediately replay upon completion, effectively transforming the perception of bloat typically associated with RPGs.
6 Transistor
It’s All Part Of The Process
“Transistor“, Supergiant Games’ second title, closely adheres to the all-killer, no-filler principle. Players control Red, a singer who unwittingly gains possession of a powerful sword.
Your journey involves battling the antagonistic Process while navigating a beautifully crafted world. Though optional collectibles exist, the game’s design draws you in with its engaging narrative and remarkable visuals—hallmarks of Supergiant Games.
5 Contrast
What A Contrast To Other Games
“Contrast“, the debut title from Compulsion Games, melds inventive puzzles with an enchanting jazz-inspired aesthetic. You play as Dawn, an imaginary companion to a young girl named Didi, navigating through intricately designed levels that unravel the mysteries surrounding their lives.
Utilizing shadows to traverse between 2D and 3D realms, the game balances storytelling and gameplay effectively. Clocking in at around 4 hours, your investment yields a rewarding experience while avoiding overstaying its welcome.
4 Monument Valley II
It’s M. C.Escher Time
“Monument Valley II“, like its predecessor, invites players into a whimsical world echoing the works of M. C.Escher. Help Ro and her child navigate through beautifully crafted mazes that defy conventional logic.
This thoughtfully designed puzzle game ensures that every challenge is unique and meticulously crafted, offering a welcome departure from the typical mobile gaming landscape congested with complications such as daily challenges and power-ups.
With the recent release of Monument Valley III, it’s an opportune moment to immerse yourself in this captivating series.
3 Into The Breach
Small, Focused Battles
“Into The Breach“presents a tactical, turn-based roguelike that places you in a futuristic battleground where humanity relies on colossal mechs to fend off a monstrous invasion while navigating an 8×8 grid.
Each skirmish is short, typically lasting around 30 minutes, requiring players to strategize and minimize unnecessary moves. It’s a straightforward format that demands a focus on essential combat mechanics, embodying the spirit of “all-killer, no-filler”.
2 Inside
Do You Dare To Journey Inside?
“Inside“is often my first thought when considering games that embody the all-killer, no-filler philosophy. This successor to Limbo is a haunting 2D platformer that immerses you in a grim world full of unsettling atmospheres.
As a child exploring ominous facilities, the game unfolds over approximately 4.5 hours, delivering a streamlined narrative filled with surprises. The puzzles are cleverly designed to maintain a sense of progression, even while presenting challenges along the way.
Having completed it over two evenings, I felt an overwhelming sense of fulfillment—a testament to how impactful a well-crafted game can be.
1 Outer Wilds
Knowledge Is Power
“Outer Wilds“serves as an exemplary template of a well-crafted yet expansive gaming experience. As an explorer in pursuit of extraterrestrial secrets, you are plunged into an intricate cycle of time where the player’s acquired knowledge from each loop is pivotal.
As you traverse the solar system, the attention to detail enhances every interaction, making the game feel rich and rewarding without unnecessary collectibles or side quests. Instead, you embark on a poignant journey through the cosmos, discovering profound truths as you progress.
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