As a passionate gamer, you’ve likely encountered the argument that “gaming lacks real value”. This notion is, to put it mildly, misguided. For many enthusiasts, gaming serves not merely as a pastime; it offers an immersive escape, a sanctuary from the clamor of everyday life, and a canvas for some of the most engaging narratives in contemporary entertainment.
That said, it’s crucial to recognize that not every video game requires hundreds of hours of commitment to be fulfilling.
For instance, my experience with Assassin’s Creed Valhalla left me questioning the merit of investing over 80 hours into its storyline. Upon finishing the game, I found myself uncertain about my feelings towards its conclusion—was I genuinely relieved to see the ending or simply exhausted from the lengthy journey?
10 Batman: Arkham Origins
Caped Crusader
Unlike its predecessors that feature Batman at his peak, Arkham Origins presents a younger, angrier Dark Knight. Within a concise 12-hour gameplay timeline, players witness Bruce Wayne’s transformation into the Bat. This portrayal is notably aggressive and brutally captivating.
With a noticeably darker tone compared to previous Batman installments, this game paints a picture of Batman as more than just a wealthy hero; he is depicted as a flawed human who endures numerous trials to gain Gotham’s respect.
9 Warhammer 40, 000: Space Marine 2
For The Emperor
Perhaps it’s my simple tastes, but the adrenaline rush of obliterating enemies as an indomitable war machine in Space Marine 2 is an exhilarating experience. Playing as Titus—a battle-worn titan—the game thrusts you into intense combat where mowing down hordes of foes becomes a surreal power fantasy.
This action RPG, clocking in at approximately 12 hours, boasts RPG-like customization, squad mechanics, and fluid combat, making it a standout title that I easily completed in one sitting.
8 Assassin’s Creed Rogue
Truth Over Brotherhood
Assassin’s Creed Rogue flipped the narrative on its head, challenging my long-held perspectives on the franchise. In just 10 hours, I transitioned from being an Assassin to donning the Templar colors, realizing that the brotherhood’s ideals are not as pure as they seem.
As Shay, players hunt former comrades after discovering the darker sides of the brotherhood, making the experience delightfully complex and morally ambiguous. The game introduces improved exploration, innovative weaponry, and an upgraded skill tree, effectively merging classic gameplay with RPG elements—yet, it seems to be overshadowed by newer, less coherent titles.
7 The Last of Us
“You Keep Finding Something To Fight For”
With a myriad of adaptations and remasters, The Last of Us has undoubtedly crossed your path. It is arguably one of the finest pseudo-RPGs you’ll ever encounter.
As Joel, you and Ellie traverse post-apocalyptic America in search of a cure for a contagious outbreak, merging engaging gunplay and environmental storytelling with profound emotional gravity. Witnessing Joel’s descent into darkness while Ellie evolves into a resilient warrior over a gripping 15-hour narrative exemplifies masterful storytelling.
Incorporating action, adventure, weapon upgrades, skill trees, and crafting elements—all intertwined within a survival framework—cements The Last of Us as one of Sony’s most distinguished titles. Instead of simply remastering, a new storyline within this universe would be a thrilling prospect.
6 Tunic
Zelda Meets Souls
Tunic caught me by surprise with its vibrant visuals and charming art style, initially appearing as just another casual game. However, what unfolded was a delightful Zelda-meets-Souls experience.
The storytelling unfolds as players piece together the narrative little by little, making it feel like a delightful puzzle in its own right. While combat can be challenging, this difficulty complements the enchanting ambiance, blending a cozy aesthetic with intense battle mechanics.
Taking control of an endearing fox over the course of 12 hours, players experience a lite-RPG atmosphere enriched with stat upgrades, gear progression, and an enigmatic manual that guides them through the adventure. This dialogue-free journey left a lasting impression.
5 Mafia: Definitive Edition
Loyalty And Betrayal
With Mafia: The Old Country on the horizon, now’s the perfect moment to revisit the origins of the franchise with Mafia: Definitive Edition. This remake follows Thomas Angelo, a taxi driver who gets entangled in the criminal underworld after aiding two mafia members.
While lacking elaborate RPG elements, such as extensive exploration and customization, the game compensates with gripping chases and tight combat mechanics. What truly distinguishes it is its ability to immerse players into the narrative’s emotional core.
During poignant moments with Sarah, players grapple with the moral complexities of a corrupt life, making them yearn for a way out before the narrative hints at it. This emotional depth and strong storytelling is a rarity in modern gaming, positioning Mafia among the best short action RPG-lites I’ve experienced.
4 Marvel’s Spider-Man
Getting Into The Swing
Spider-Man 2018 places players in the shoes of a mature Peter Parker, skillfully balancing his personal life with the looming threat of Mr. Negative. This simple premise unfolds into the most compelling narrative seen in a Spider-Man game, empowering Peter with a role beyond secret identities.
Emotional moments surrounding Peter’s relationships with Aunt May and Doc Ock made for an experience that resonated more profoundly than any title I’ve engaged with in recent years—making it an action game that could easily impress even staunch DC fans.
Combat mechanics involve webbing thugs to walls, launching enemies into the air, and soaring throughout the city. Coupled with RPG elements such as skill trees, leveling, and exploration, the 17-hour experience promises a memorable weekend.
3 Darksiders 2
Death Rides Again
The Darksiders franchise remains one of the most underrated in the gaming world, leaving me to ponder why it doesn’t receive more recognition. With its underappreciated depth, Darksiders 2 offers some of the best Hack and Slash combat, following Death, one of the four horsemen, on a quest to vindicate his accused brother.
Featuring a classic formula of kill, loot, level up, and repeat, a mere 11-hour runtime allows for engrossing gameplay, including confrontations with characters from the original title, engaging in combat waves in the Crucible, and epic boss encounters.
The adrenaline-pumping design makes each moment feel exhilarating and addictive—a hidden gem waiting for gamers to discover.
2 God Of War (2018)
“Don’t Be Sorry. Be Better.”
I never anticipated that deviating from its traditional roots would lead to the breathtaking storytelling found in God of War (2018). Players step into Kratos’s shoes, navigating the Norse lands alongside his son, Atreus, on a poignant journey to scatter his wife’s ashes.
This narrative arc explores a man’s struggle to raise his son without imposing the burdens of his past, adding emotional layers that surpass those in earlier installments.
The game features immersive third-person combat, intricate skill trees, and gear customization—all building a robust RPG framework. With an expansive 25-hour gameplay, no experience feels repetitive, ensuring each moment contributes to a uniquely engaging journey.
1 Tomb Raider (2013)
Lara’s Back And Better Than Ever
The Tomb Raider reboot of 2013 redefined Lara Croft’s character, revealing her growth and resilience. While the gameplay incorporates light RPG mechanics—such as gear upgrades, skill trees, and crafting—the narrative delves into her psychological transformation.
Instead of solely focusing on exploration, this iteration accentuates themes of trauma and tenacity. Lara sets out on her inaugural expedition to locate the lost Kingdom of Yamatai but faces catastrophe, leading to her survival against cultists, wildlife, and supernatural challenges.
As players witness her growth from naivety to hardened adventurer, they experience a more grounded representation of Lara than ever before, culminating in an 11-hour journey that reshapes her into the legendary heroine known for wielding dual pistols.
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