10 Essential Video Games You Can Beat In Under 3 HOURS

Short and sweet.

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Superhot Team

Because gaming software in the good old days suffered from storage limitations, early games were very short. Considering the original Super Mario Bros. was only 40 kilobytes, it's a miracle the developers crammed as much content on that cartridge as they did. This is why nearly every platformer, beat 'em up, and shooter could be completed in a single sitting, up until the late 90s.

Obviously, this is no longer an issue. Nowadays, you can explore the world of GTA for days. You can pump a hundred hours into Breath of the Wild, and still find brand-new treasures and quests. Because modern titles feel limitless, it's crazy to think we were once satisfied with the bare minimum.

However, that's not suggesting more content is always the right move. There are some titles you can complete in three hours or less, and leave you feeling perfectly satisfied.

Also, a game known for its brevity tends to have a replayability factor.

After you invested six bajillion hours into Skyrim, it's hard to compel yourself to start from scratch. But when a game can be over and done with in a few hours, you'll be eager to play it again and again.

The entries on this list won't take up much of your time, but they're guaranteed to leave a massive impression.

10. Gone Home - 2 Hours

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The Fullbright Company

There was a time where video games were regarded as unequivocally inartistic. But not only has this allusion been shattered, games like Gone Home prove they can be a superior medium at conveying a story.

This first-person exploration title starts with Kaitlin Greenbriar returning home, only to find her family are missing. Using the opportunity to check out her old house, Kaitlin uncovers clues that imply a great, hidden truth.

It's imperative to mention Gone Home isn't for everyone. With its focus on drawer-searching and diary-scavenging, some naysayers labelled it a "walking simulator".

That's why it's important to look at Gone Home as an experience, rather than a stat-tracked game. Instead of dissecting the controls or critiquing the graphics, allow yourself to delve into the engrossing story. Embrace the eerie atmosphere. Let in the tearful revelations. If you approach Gone Home with this mentality, you should have a much more rewarding time.

Also, you should feel more personally connected with the story, since the details aren't laid out in front of you. Because you need to piece everything together yourself, it elicits a stronger emotional response.

Rest assured that when everything in Gone Home is revealed, you'll be filled with a profound sense of emotion, which far bigger and grander games fail to invoke.

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James Egan has written 80 books including 1000 Facts about Superheroes Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts about Horror Movies Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts about The Greatest Films Ever Made Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts about Video Games Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts about TV Shows Vol. 1-3 Twitter - @jameswzegan85