Best Linear Games That Don’t Waste Your Time

Open-world game design has become incredibly common across many different game genres. It initially gained traction with action role-playing games, such as The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim, and has since expanded to even unexpected genres like shooters, as seen in Halo Infinite. A big reason for this popularity is that these games offer a lot of playtime – often exceeding 100 hours – giving players a substantial experience for their money.

Open-world games are fun, but sometimes games with a set path can be even more enjoyable. These games still let you make choices that matter! From stealth titles like Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty to role-playing games like Undertale, let’s explore ten fantastic linear games that deliver a great experience from beginning to end.

Halo: Combat Evolved

Master Chief Rules

Even after all these years, Halo: Combat Evolved remains an impressive first-person shooter, especially when played on the original Xbox. Bungie truly perfected the formula with this first game, making it incredibly difficult to surpass with subsequent installments.

The gunplay in Halo: Combat Evolved was excellent, and the game’s levels encouraged exploration beyond simple, linear paths filled with enemies. Being able to use alien weapons like the Needler and drive vehicles like the Ghost were key elements that made the game so memorable and remain difficult for other shooters to surpass.

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

A Himalayan Adventure

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves is a non-stop, exciting action-adventure game. From escaping collapsing trains and runaway cars to exploring lost tombs, it’s packed with thrilling moments from beginning to end.

The game features satisfying shooting action with a cover system, and smooth climbing that gives players a good sense of control. But what really makes it special is Nathan Drake – he’s one of the most charming and hilarious heroes in gaming history.

Resident Evil 4

Bingo Time

Both the original Resident Evil 4 and the 2023 remake are excellent games, though the remake offers more side activities and detours. Players take on the role of Leon S. Kennedy as he navigates a remote Spanish village overrun by heavily armed, infected people – but Leon is well-equipped to handle the threat.

Embark on a thrilling mission to save the President’s daughter, battle powerful enemies, and enhance Leon’s weapons. This game delivers an unforgettable experience, seamlessly combining the suspense of survival horror with fast-paced action. It’s also a great starting point for newcomers, serving as a fresh take on the series.

Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons Of Liberty

The Danger Of Memes

Like other games in the Metal Gear series, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty is a fantastic game we highly recommend. But this installment stands out because of its surprisingly relevant themes – it explores ideas about memes, simulations, and how we consume information – and it’s a more focused and exciting experience overall.

Okay, so the game starts with me playing as Solid Snake on this tanker. Then, it jumps forward in time and I’m controlling Raiden, a new guy sent to check out an oil cleanup facility – it’s all connected to the mess Snake and I dealt with that spilled into New York City. Honestly, I was really impressed with how many ways I could sneak around, the boss fights were actually challenging and clever, and the story… wow, it took some turns I never saw coming. It’s one of those stories that sticks with you, for sure.

Portal 2

This Was A Triumph

Like the original Portal, Portal 2 features clever puzzles centered around portals. However, the sequel really shines thanks to its story. Instead of simply moving through test chambers, players explore a dilapidated factory while trying to escape, and this time they team up with the once-deadly AI, GLaDOS, who’s been reduced to the form of a potato.

Solving the puzzles feels great, and the game is genuinely funny – there’s a particularly hilarious scene later on involving a lengthy conversation about lemons. It’s best to play the original Portal before starting this sequel, but you can finish both games in just a weekend.

Gears Of War

Let Loose The Chainsaws Of War

The Gears of War series, from the original updated version to the latest installment, remains a fantastic example of a cover-based shooter. While the story relies on familiar tropes and tough, stereotypical soldiers, it’s not the most important aspect of the game.

Players fondly remember this game for its intense battles, whether fighting alongside a team, going it alone, or teaming up with a friend against the terrifying Locust enemies. The chainsaw gun is as legendary in gaming as the Master Sword is in the Zelda series, and the innovative active reload system was a stroke of genius.

Undertale

An RPG For Weirdos

If you’re new to role-playing games, especially those considered classics, Undertale is a perfect place to start. It’s a straightforward game without much side content or repetitive grinding. What it lacks in length, it more than makes up for with a story where every moment, every enemy, and every boss fight feels meaningful – even compared to much longer RPGs.

In combat, you can actually talk to every monster instead of fighting, allowing for a completely peaceful playthrough. Choosing this path unlocks a surprisingly heartfelt story that cleverly both examines and celebrates the conventions of the game genre, acting as a loving tribute to it.

Beyond Good And Evil

Ubisoft’s Love Letter To George Orwell

If you enjoy open-world games but are looking for a more focused experience, Beyond Good and Evil is a great choice. The game takes place in a futuristic, troubled world where you play as Jade, a journalist investigating a hidden government plot.

Players explore a world of islands and harbors using a customizable hovercraft. The gameplay blends stealth, action-packed combat, and challenging dungeons, creating an experience that feels similar to classic Zelda games and remains a highlight of Ubisoft’s work even today.

Bayonetta 2

Witch Time

Bayonetta 2 strikes a perfect balance within the series, avoiding the typical darker tone often found in sequels. It’s a standout title, especially for fans, thanks to the fun Nintendo-themed costumes and environments – imagine battling on top of the Arwing from Star Fox! Both the Wii U and Switch versions offer these enjoyable additions.

The game’s main actions remain delightfully ridiculous, from shooting guns shaped like high heels to controlling hair demons and even spanking angels. A neat feature called Witch Time also slows down time when you dodge enemy attacks.

Split Fiction

A Blend Of Ideas

Split Fiction is a game best suited for two players, as it’s designed exclusively for cooperative play. The story follows Mio and Zoe, two writers who find themselves stuck inside a simulation. An AI is taking their creative ideas and turning them into science fiction and fantasy worlds.

Each level offers a completely new experience, whether you’re raising dragons or racing futuristic motorcycles like in Tron. It’s an amazing game to play with friends that will make other games – even huge open-world titles – feel simple in comparison, because the creativity is incredible.

2026-03-29 05:05