Short games can mean big things. Small pieces of campaigns that stay with you for an eternity. Small fragments of single-player stories that give you a lifetime of conversation-starters. Or, short narratives you can play with a buddy, giving you a few hours’ worth of memories you cherish forever.
No matter what the criteria may be, a Reddit post struck a conversation around the smallest games one can enjoy. Games that don’t take more than seven hours to complete, and thrive on quality instead of quantity. Here are our top seven picks from the list.
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
We’re starting our list with one of the finest games that speaks out about mental health, and some of the demons we fight under the shade of suppression and unspoken thoughts. Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice takes you on a journey through the protagonist’s battle against her inner demons. The game is set in the Viking era, revolving around a Celtic warrior’s story as she fights for the soul of her dead lover. The game’s deep writing weaves Senua’s psyche as a canvas for storytelling around sensitive topics like depression and anxiety. It is one of the finest short games ever developed.
GRIS
GRIS is yet another ‘indie masterpiece’ that isn’t afraid of vocalising mental illness through tasteful gameplay and handcrafted artistry. Before you even delve into the cleverly built puzzle pieces, the game’s radiant skies and aura mesmerise you in almost an instant. The game’s environments and character designs show off watercolour-esque designs and slowly open up as you progress through the story. It’s a thoughtful metaphor for the different stages of grief (Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance) as you understand your character’s mental well-being through the level progression.
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A Short Hike
As the title suggests, A Short Hike entails the journey of a young bird, Claire, who crosses paths with the most unexpected strangers on a trail that’s nothing short of a spiritual awakening. This is one of those short games that is in no rush – you can make this climb as slowly as you want. Admire the scenery around you, talk to different characters, and enjoy a mini-game or two. As you progress through the hike, the lovely soundtrack blends in with your movement and changes, based on how you’re making the journey. It’s worth mentioning that the pixel-friendly open world is designed and built by just one talented person; Adam Robinson-Yu.
Journey
Journey is an experience like no other. In a parallel universe, Journey is pretty much a door to someone’s understanding of human connection, and purpose and a hint at spiritual and philosophical epiphanies. In our world, however, Journey is a short game about being alone, surrounded by a desert that isn’t shy about showing you glimpses of its rich folklore and history. There’s a twist though – you’ll be joined by a co-op partner (a random stranger you never truly meet) – and, together, you’ll reach the end of Journey. Everything in the middle comprises of bittersweet surprises, and a message or two about being human and finding your true purpose.
What Remains of Edith Finch
What Remains of Edith Finch is considered to be a ‘walking simulator’ by many, and rightfully so. Except, you won’t realise how little you truly need when it comes to mechanics in this game. You’ll be exploring the haunting estate of Edith Finch, which happens to be sprawling with stories of your family’s mysteriously terrifying past. As Edith, you’ll spend your time understanding what led to your family’s demise. After all, it seems that you’re the last living Finch. On several occasions, you’ll see the world through the eyes of all who came before you. Even a cat, if that makes things any more cynical. This is one of the deepest short games on the list.
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Untitled Goose Game
Did you ever dream about being a goose? No? What about being an annoying little brat who wants to cause havoc in society, making sure everyone around you has a bad day? Perfect. Welcome to Untitled Goose Game. This silly little (yet, adorable) game puts you in the web-footed narrative of a goose who honks its way through a little town, creating a ruckus in people’s lives. The gameplay might be a bit tricky, considering how a goose can only do so much – but boy is it a hilarious ride. To make things a tad bit peaceful, Debussy’s gorgeous music serves as a backdrop to your goose-ly adventures.
INSIDE
The limited amount of colour choices and a shorter story may seem like a passing interest but don’t be fooled, INSIDE is one of the most haunting and engaging short games on the list. The 2.5D nature of this platformer makes it easy to get into, but as you progress through dark themes. You play as an unnamed protagonist, drawn towards an unsettling force. As terrifying and creepy as that sounds, the narrative asks you to go from one point to another by solving puzzles and understanding the environment better. And even if nothing makes sense, INSIDE’s game design is exceptionally good at convincing you to stay. It’s eerie, it’s complex, and it’s superb.
These were our picks for the best short games you can play right now. You can find more in the post’s comments section. Is there a game you would like to see on this list? Let us know in the comments.
Source: Reddit
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