It can be overwhelming being a video game player because so many great games come out each year that it’s impossible to play them all. Everyone’s different – we all have unique tastes, varying amounts of free time, and different levels of gaming experience. Someone new to gaming won’t have the same history with the hobby as someone who’s been playing since the early days.
Look, I’ve been gaming for ages, but even I haven’t played everything! There are just so many great franchises out there. And honestly, no matter how much you play, you probably missed some awesome fantasy games. If you’re looking to jump into a new series and want to actually finish a game in a reasonable amount of time – like, within a couple of hours – these are some really good choices. They might have extra stuff to do, but you can beat the main story in that timeframe.
Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins
Mario’s Forgotten 2D Adventure
- How Long To Beat: About 2 Hours
Compared to the first Super Mario Land, Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins was a significant step forward. The original game was very straightforward, but this sequel introduced a world map similar to Super Mario World, giving players more freedom to choose which levels to play. Despite the added levels, the game is relatively short and can be completed in around two hours, as the stages are brief and it’s not overly difficult.
If you’re looking for a quirky Mario game on Game Boy that you can finish in a short amount of time without sacrificing great platforming, Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins is the perfect choice.
Sonic CD
Gotta Go Fast
- How Long To Beat: About 2 Hours
Man, Sonic CD is still one of my favorite Sonic games! The animated intro was seriously gorgeous – Sonic looked amazing. Plus, it’s where we first met Amy Rose and Metal Sonic, which was a huge deal for the series. If I’m craving a fast-paced, classic 2D Sonic experience, I always go back to Sonic CD. Honestly, I even prefer it to some of the Genesis games – it’s just that good!
Like other Sonic games, this one features straightforward levels where you progress through each stage, defeat a boss, and then unlock the next area, though it includes some new elements. The game is relatively short with only seven worlds, reflecting Sonic’s fast pace. But for players who want a longer experience, each world has different versions to explore.
Bloodstained: Curse Of The Moon
What A Terrible Night For A Curse
- How Long To Beat: About 2 Hours
Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon is a game inspired by the classic Castlevania series on the NES. It features straightforward levels where players battle a challenging boss at the end of each one, and these boss fights are visually impressive.
This game stands out because you unlock different characters as you progress, letting you switch between them instantly. Whether you prefer a skilled swordsman or a powerful magician, there are lots of options, and it really captures the spirit of classic NES games. It’s a faster-paced and arguably more enjoyable experience than Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, which leans more towards the Metroidvania style.
Journey
Ride Across The Sands
- How Long To Beat: About 2 Hours
Journey is a truly special game that everyone should experience. It was a pioneer in creating relaxing and atmospheric gameplay, a style many games now try to copy. Instead of fighting, you simply explore a beautiful world, wandering with a silent character through vast deserts and the remains of old civilizations.
Players might encounter others online during their adventure, and they can communicate using musical chimes and jumps. Journey is a unique game, and while it has hidden secrets, it’s primarily a simple, enjoyable experience that doesn’t feel too long.
Minit
One Minute To Live
- How Long To Beat: About 1.5 Hours
Minit is an action-adventure game inspired by The Legend of Zelda, but with a unique twist: you only have one minute to live! When time runs out, you restart at the last shelter you saved, but you keep the knowledge you gained, allowing you to make progress with each attempt.
You should be able to finish Minit in under an hour, though some puzzles might take a little longer. It’s a charming game with quirky characters and a distinctive look, offering a new experience for fans of Zelda – all packed into a short, sweet, and memorable adventure.
Dungeons & Dragons: Shadow Over Mystara
An Arcade Classic
- How Long To Beat: About 1.5 Hours
Dungeons & Dragons: Shadow Over Mystara follows Dungeons & Dragons: Tower of Doom, and both are action-packed, side-scrolling beat-’em-ups created by Capcom using the popular Dungeons & Dragons setting. Each game takes around two hours to finish, and they’re both available in the Dungeons & Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara compilation. However, if you could only play one, Shadow Over Mystara is the better choice.
Like many action games, Dungeons & Dragons: Shadow Over Mystara lets you pick a character and explore different levels. What makes it unique is that characters you meet can suggest various ways to progress. With several characters to choose from, levels that offer multiple paths, and the ability to play with a friend, there’s plenty of reason to play again and again, though even a single run is a lot of fun.
Panzer Dragoon
The Power Of Dragons In The Palm Of My Hand
- How Long To Beat: About 1.5 Hours
Panzer Dragoon was very popular on the Sega Saturn, offering a similar experience to Star Fox. The game features on-rails levels where you ride a dragon forward, shooting enemies and other dragons in a fast-paced, fantasy-themed shooter.
A more modern version came out in 2020 and is easier to play, though it’s quite a bit longer because it includes extra content. If you’re looking for a faster experience, it’s best to find the original Sega Saturn game that started the Panzer Dragoon series.
Platinum Demo: Final Fantasy 15
More Than A Demo
- Developer: Square Enix
- Publisher: Square Enix
- Released: March 30, 2016
- Platforms: PS4, Xbox One
- How Long To Beat: About 34 Minutes
The Platinum Demo for Final Fantasy 15 is a bit of a forgotten piece of gaming history. Though called a ‘demo,’ it was actually released as a free prologue to promote Final Fantasy 15.
Rather than controlling the adult Noctis from Final Fantasy 15, this demo lets you explore a dream world and experience a younger version of the character. The gameplay feels similar to a Kingdom Hearts game, with a lighthearted and fantastical atmosphere. While it’s a shame this wasn’t expanded into a full game, the Platinum Demo: Final Fantasy 15 is a short, enjoyable experience – usually under an hour, though completion time depends on how much players explore – and is highly recommended for fans of the Final Fantasy series.
Read More
- Rebecca Heineman, Co-Founder of Interplay, Has Passed Away
- 9 Best In-Game Radio Stations And Music Players
- Gold Rate Forecast
- Byler Confirmed? Mike and Will’s Relationship in Stranger Things Season 5
- Ships, Troops, and Combat Guide In Anno 117 Pax Romana
- All Exploration Challenges & Rewards in Battlefield 6 Redsec
- Upload Labs: Beginner Tips & Tricks
- How to Get Light Bulbs in ARC Raiders
- 8 Games That Predicted the Future of the Real World
- Drift 36 Codes (November 2025)
2025-11-22 02:37