I’ve noticed a lot of modern games really struggle with pacing. It feels like developers are trying to include everything to appeal to as many players as possible. The problem is, this often leads to really awesome, bombastic moments being broken up by tons of stuff that just feels like filler. It seriously bogs down the whole experience, you know?
Games like open-world adventures and JRPGs often include unnecessary content, though this problem isn’t unique to those genres. However, these titles stand out because they focus on fun gameplay and compelling stories, without padding the experience with pointless additions. They manage to keep things engaging and avoid distracting fluff.
Return Of The Obra Dinn
Lucas Pope’s Mystery Game Is A Masterpiece Where No Moment Is Wasted
As soon as players board the deserted Obra Dinn, it’s obvious that a terrible fate befell the crew. Using a special, otherworldly stopwatch, players discover bodies and can use it to see what happened right before they died.
The initial enigma gradually grows into a terrifying ordeal as players reveal secrets ranging from rebellions to creatures inspired by Lovecraft. They need to identify who the people are, how they died, and who was responsible – if anyone – in a compelling and efficient experience. This demonstrates precisely why Lucas Pope is considered a master of game design.
Titanfall 2
The Story Campaign Is Off The Charts
Many traditional first-person shooter (FPS) campaigns focus on delivering a series of exciting set-pieces without slowing down the action. Titanfall 2 does this exceptionally well, improving on its predecessor and offering one of the greatest single-player campaigns ever made.
The standout moments in this game are incredible, and each level is uniquely captivating. Before it’s over, the robotic mech in this title will likely resonate with players more deeply than the characters in many other, longer games.
Half-Life 2
Every Level Is A Blast To Get Through And Doesn’t Waste The Player’s Time
Half-Life 2 is widely considered one of the best first-person shooter games ever made, and players continue to love it. It significantly improves upon the original game, featuring a groundbreaking physics engine that makes each level feel unique and different from the others.
Because there aren’t any cutscenes, the story unfolds naturally as players use tools like the Gravity Gun and Gordon’s weapons to defeat both the Combine and Xen enemies. This all contributes to why Half-Life 2 remains compelling over time and really showcases how captivating the game is.
Hotline Miami
An Ultra Violent, Fast-Paced Game Where Every Level Is Incredible
Hotline Miami was an early success for the indie publisher Devolver Digital, helping them become well-known. The game focuses on fast-paced, violent action, and each level lets players, as the character Jacket, complete dangerous missions where even one hit can be fatal.
This game offers really exciting, short bursts of action where players race to find both close-combat and long-range weapons to quickly and effectively defeat enemies. Between these intense moments, the game provides welcome breaks for players to catch their breath and learn more about the story before diving into the next thrilling level. The levels themselves are explosive and keep you engaged.
Katana ZERO
Powering Through Levels And Slicing Up Enemies Is Straightforward And Very Entertaining
Katana Zero is known for being a difficult game. You play as a highly skilled katana-wielding assassin-who happens to wear a bathrobe-and can even deflect bullets. But this ability isn’t automatic; players have to master the game because even a small error can have serious consequences in its challenging levels.
As players practice, they’ll become skilled at this game, overcoming all obstacles in their path, even if it means repeatedly failing and restarting stages. Similar to Hotline Miami, the intense, action-packed gameplay is balanced with calmer moments that allow the narrative to unfold before Zero begins another difficult task.
Portal
A Well-Crafted Puzzle Game That Respects The Time And Effort Invested By The Player
Portal is widely considered one of the greatest video games of all time. It stands out due to its clever and groundbreaking core idea, which makes playing each level incredibly fun. While connecting portals might appear straightforward, the test chambers designed by GLaDOS are anything but easy, as she subjects Chell to a series of challenging and perilous tests.
Finally, the secrets of Aperture Science, Inc. are revealed as Chell cleverly defeats GLaDOS in an exciting final battle. Portal is a fast-moving game that doesn’t waste your time, and the sequel is much the same (though a few parts aren’t quite as well-made).
Furi
Players Beat A Boss, Walk To The Next Arena, And Repeat This Over And Over Again
Furi is a fantastic game for anyone who loves challenging boss battles. The story begins when the Stranger is released by the Voice, and they must fight their way out of a complex prison by defeating the wardens who are determined to keep them from returning to Earth.
Each boss battle challenges players to use their skills and stay patient while they learn their enemy’s moves and discover the most effective strategies to win. Successfully defeating each boss is very rewarding, and the game respects your time. After beating a boss, you immediately move on to the next challenge as the narrator sets the stage and reveals more about the story, then this cycle repeats until the game’s conclusion.
Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective
Every Set Piece Houses A Great Puzzle That Helps The Story Move Forward
While the Ace Attorney games are fantastic, the Investigation parts often include unnecessary content. This isn’t true for Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective, which many consider to be the best game created by this skilled director.
In this game, you guide Sissel’s ghost, using his special abilities to save key characters by completing puzzles. He’s aided by other spirits as he attempts to recover his lost memories, leading to a plot twist often considered one of the best in gaming history.
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2025-10-01 13:48