10 Best All Killer, No Filler Games

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As a gaming enthusiast, I often crave for an immersive yet focused experience rather than the sprawling open-world adventures that dominate the current top-tier games. At times, it’s refreshing to escape the overload of side missions, hidden locations, and map revelations.

Here, we’re talking about games that have short playtimes or ones that jump right into an intense main storyline without focusing excessively on additional content.

Discussing games that prioritize the present moment over future considerations, today we’re highlighting titles that are clear about their purpose and aren’t afraid to deliver intense gameplay right away.

We’re focusing on fast-paced games that get straight to the action without any delay.

Here are 10 games that don’t waste your time and give you all the thrill with none of the fill.

10.
The Order: 1886

Werewolves In London

Upon its release, The Order: 1886 faced heavy criticism due to its brevity. However, this game delivers a pure, unadulterated experience, making it one of the top choices for those seeking a concise yet exceptional gaming experience.

In less than 8 hours, this game offers an exhilarating thrill perfect for weekend play. If you approach it with appropriate anticipation, you’re sure to enjoy every single moment of it.

This game boasts some exceptional graphics that rival those seen in modern gaming, and its narrative is compelling, finely crafted, and filled with unexpected surprises throughout.

In this game, the gunplay feels responsive, and there are exciting firefights at various points. If you’re looking for high-octane gaming experience,

9.
Max Payne 3

The Last Of The Legend

Max Payne 3 is reminiscent of a third-person action game, with a style that evokes the intensity and precision of a well-crafted Quentin Tarantino movie.

This production is raw, tough to stomach at times, but boy, it’s a true work of art. Although it may lack some of the quirks that made the series iconic, it doesn’t disappoint with its stunning slow-motion shootouts, extravagant action sequences, and gruesome, violent deaths.

As I delved deeper into this game, I found myself captivated by its compelling narrative that functions as a poignant farewell to one of gaming’s most intricate and enigmatic villainous characters.

I’ve had a whirlwind ride with Max Payne 3, and it was over before I knew it! Sadly, not many games like this action-packed masterpiece are being produced today. It truly is a loss for gaming enthusiasts everywhere, as titles of this caliber were unparalleled in terms of gameplay and storytelling.

8.
Devil May Cry 5

Dante’s Back

Instead of sticking to its action-packed, stylish roots, Devil May Cry 5 might have transformed into a more intense, somber, and partially open-world title like God of War.

Instead, it stuck to its guns and delivered yet another fast-paced, linear action game.

It’s beneficial that this is the case, as not many action games can match the combat quality of “Devil May Cry“, and it demonstrates its prowess significantly in this aspect.

You’ll find three distinct characters to choose from, and an engaging narrative that pays homage to the show’s history while laying the groundwork for an exciting journey ahead.

If you’re into fast-paced combat against demonic foes, snappy dialogue, and excessive violence, then the game Devil May Cry 5 delivers an expertly crafted adventure that you can complete within a week.

7.
Ryse: Son Of Rome

Rise, Gladiator

Initially, Ryse: Son of Rome was anticipated to be a groundbreaking title for Xbox. While it didn’t quite live up to those expectations, what we did receive was an exceptional action game that emphasized dramatic set pieces, graphic violence reminiscent of 300, and combat mechanics involving parrying, which became quite popular after its launch, inspiring numerous imitations.

The narrative has an old-school charm reminiscent of movies from the early 2000s, but it’s not groundbreaking. However, it does have some impressive moments that outshine its flaws in storytelling. The grandiose action sequences will certainly compensate for any narrative weaknesses.

As a passionate gamer, I must say that the combats in this game are truly captivating! With stunningly realistic graphics, mesmerizing blood effects, and animation that adds an exhilarating touch to the action, every fight unfolds like a thrilling ballet of violence and fun.

The game was also heavily criticized for its length and resembled Xbox’s version of “The Order: 1886” in that regard. If you find yourself with some spare time over the weekend, give it a try; it promises to be enjoyable. There are no endless side quests or expansive maps to navigate here; instead, expect continuous combat throughout.

6.
Shadow Of The Colossus

A Brief, Brilliant Journey

Regardless if it’s a reboot or the initial version, “Shadow of the Colossus” stands out as one of the most uniquely crafted video games. Despite appearing vast, its sole purpose revolves around vanquishing the colossal creatures.

In this game, there are only a few activities for you to engage in, but each one offers an extraordinarily grand fight – battles so inspiring they have been emulated in numerous subsequent games like Dragon’s Dogma.

Every conflict unfolds as if it’s a complex puzzle, requiring you to strategize and find the most effective solution amidst overwhelming odds stacked against you.

The story is simple but powerful, and has one of the most shocking twists.

The game is clear about its purpose and avoids unnecessary distractions with minor sub-activities. Instead, the dire need to rescue your dear one constantly fuels your determination, driving you forward even amidst formidable conflicts that appear almost impossible to overcome.

5.
Marvel’s Avengers

The Main Story Is A Fast-Paced, Solid Time

Alright, pitchforks down. I’m talking about Marvel’s Avengers‘ single-player campaign only here.

As a gaming enthusiast, I can tell you that this quick adventure packs quite a punch by bringing together the best moments from all my beloved Avengers titles. What’s more, it manages to weave an engaging Marvel narrative along the way.

It would be more satisfying if they dedicated their efforts solely towards creating a standalone player experience, as that’s the aspect of the game that shines brightest.

The movie boasts some incredible action sequences, such as Iron Man descending from space with heavy metal music playing, and it avoids filling up the storyline with unnecessary sub-plots.

Since there’s plenty of supplementary material available in various forms, the main campaign, however, can be completed comfortably within a week without any trouble, and I assure you that you’ll enjoy your experience quite a bit.

4.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

A Young Jedi Emerges

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve found myself deeply immersed in the captivating world of “Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order”. This exhilarating adventure serves as an outstanding contribution to the Star Wars universe and offers a compelling soulslike experience that can be completed within roughly 20 hours.

In this game, you take on the role of Cal Kestis, a survivor of the devastating Order 66, and your mission is twofold: first, you work tirelessly to preserve the Jedi order; second, you strive to build a fulfilling life for yourself.

This game is incredibly exciting, featuring some fantastic encounters with tough bosses, stunning visuals, and exceptional voice performances at the highest level.

In the game, you’ll skillfully use various lightsaber stances as you traverse exotic planets, engage in numerous fights, and immerse yourself in thrilling battles. However, what truly stands out is the minimal amount of additional tasks that might divert you from your main objective.

This movie strongly reminds me of Star Wars: A New Hope – it’s a thrilling action adventure that lays the groundwork for even greater stories to unfold later on, and indeed, it did so effectively in the more elaborate but arguably less refined Star Wars Jedi: Survivor.

3.
Mafia: Definitive Edition

A Perfect Mafia Tale

At first glance, Mafia: Definitive Edition might appear as a game similar to Grand Theft Auto, set in the urban landscape of Chicago. However, upon closer inspection, it’s clear that this isn’t just another open-world action game; instead, it offers an engaging narrative experience, using Chicago as its backdrop.

This game showcases all the classic elements found in iconic Mafia films of yesteryears, boasting exceptional voice performances, stunning visuals, and pulse-pounding gunfights.

From the outset, Tommy’s adventure commences with modest circumstances, gradually escalating and intensifying, culminating in an exhilarating climax. In my opinion, this grand conclusion effectively wraps up a tale that struck all the essential chords it required to.

As a dedicated gamer, I can attest that

2.
Mass Effect 2

You’re Gonna Need A Team

While the third game is my favorite in the series, Mass Effect 2 is easily the most focused.

Rather than delving into the expansive exploration found in the initial Mass Effect, it concentrates on a fierce struggle against the Collectors. This conflict unfolds across numerous finely tuned missions, offering exceptional RPG gameplay and some of the most captivating characters the gaming world has seen.

Although this section contains some additional material, it primarily consists of your allies’ personal quests, which are captivating mini-stories that significantly enrich the universe’s lore and the characters themselves.

As a thrilled enthusiast, I’d say you’ll breeze through this sequel with ease! The exhilarating combat, which ratchets up the excitement from the initial installment significantly, is an absolute blast to experience.

1.
Sifu

Everybody Is Kung Fu Fighting

The film, titled “Sifu”, pays homage to traditional Kung Fu movies by offering an adrenaline-pumping experience with a dash of nostalgia. It’s a straightforward tale of revenge, but if you look closer, there are intricate layers that add depth to the story. However, what truly matters is the action, and rest assured, it delivers in spades.

Sifu offers exceptional close-combat, making you a formidable fighter akin to John Wick, capable of annihilating minions using fists, staves, or whatever items are within reach.

In this game, every time you die, you grow older, allowing you to carry on playing. However, as you progress, there comes a time when you become too old and must start again from the very beginning.

As you grow older, your strength may increase, yet your overall health tends to diminish. This distinct system presents intriguing outcomes.

With each passing year, you might find yourself growing stronger, but at the same time, your health could be on a slow decline. This peculiar mechanism yields some thought-provoking results.

This game may seem brief as it offers only a few stages, but the exhilarating boss battles, hidden treasures to discover, and continuous pleasure derived from the fighting mechanics make it an endless source of entertainment. You won’t be overwhelmed with unnecessary side activities in this one.

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2025-04-23 16:40