Summary
Let’s face it - not everyone has 100 hours to devote to long story-based video games. When life gets overwhelming, it’s easy to look at your stack of unfinished games and feel discouraged, knowing you probably won’t find the time to see how they end. Or maybe you were hooked on a game’s plot, but after dozens of hours, you just don’t feel that same spark as you did at the start.
Thankfully, you don’t need to commit too much of your time to experience great video game stories. Theindie community, in particular, has created many outstanding short games with engaging narratives, well-written characters, and thought-provoking themes. Even better - you may beat most of these titles in just a couple of sittings.
We’ve ranked these games based on their estimated completion times. However, your runtime may vary based on your playthrough.
8One Night, Hot Springs
Completion Time - One Hour
If you want a fantastic LGBTQ+ story, One Night, Hot Springs is the best choice. Thisslice-of-life visual novelfollows Haru, a Japanese transgender woman trying to enjoy a birthday party at a bathhouse despite the narrow-minded people around her.
The night quickly turns into a deep exploration of mental health, bullying, and gender identity as Haru and her friends open up about their struggles for the first time. It’s a relatable story showcasing how a little kindness can go a long way and that even those who seem the happiest can secretly be hurting inside. you’re able to even play it for free on Steam.
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community myself, I found One Night, Hot Springs incredibly validating. Just make sure you’re in a good headspace when you play, since it deals with some pretty serious topics.
Feelingburnt out from long mysteries? Her Story delivers a twist-heavy, thought-provoking whodunit in just a few hours. Hannah’s husband has gone missing, and it’s up to you to review the footage of her interrogations until you reach the shocking truth.
The entire police database is yours to explore. Pay attention to what Hannah says, pinpoint clues in her statements, and use them as search terms to find new clips. Is she lying? Does she know more than she’s letting on? You’ll need to play it to find out.
Want a more comedic story? It doesn’t get funnier than Duck Detective. Take control of a crime-solving bird confronted with his toughest foe yet: the infamous Salami Bandit. Everyone has a motive, but only one is a cold-blooded sandwich thief.
The gameplay involves questioning suspects, investigating crime scenes, and using your powers of de-duck-tion to discover who’s lying and who’s telling the truth. Silly, charming, and filled to the brim with puns, Duck Detective is theperfect cozy mysteryto brighten up your day.
Often considered one of thegreatest story-based gamesever made, To The Moon is a top-down RPG about fulfilling a dying man’s final wish. Dr. Rosalene and Dr. Watts can alter a patient’s memories by entering their mind and adding experiences they never got to have. For the terminally ill Johnny, his only regret was that he never went to the moon.
As the doctors travel through Johnny’s past, they unravel his mysterious and heartbreaking backstory to discover why, of all things, he wants to go to space. It’s a breathtaking journey about love, loss, and shattered dreams. Be warned that it’s almost impossible to walk away dry-eyed.
Fans of Lovecraftian horror will feel right at home with Slay the Princess. The story begins outside a cabin in the woods. A strange voice tells you there’s a princess inside, and it’s your job to kill her. Otherwise, the world will end. But upon entering, the Princess doesn’t seem dangerous at all. Should you let her go? Or follow through with your task?
Slay the Princess uses psychological horror to create a terrifying, mind-bending narrative that will make you question everything you see and hear. With dozens of branching paths and multiple endings, many bizarre eldritch terrors await you in that seemingly innocent cabin.
Firewatch puts you in the shoes of a park ranger tasked with preventing forest fires. It quickly becomes apparent that something is not right in these woods. Someone has cut the communication lines, and you could’ve sworn you saw a shadowy figure from behind the trees. Eager for answers, you leave the safety of your watchtower and venture into the unknown.
The more you explore the park, the more you unravel the strange happenings and piece together how everything connects to a much larger mystery. Thanks to the gorgeous visuals, enticing atmosphere, and gripping plot, Firewatch has long been celebrated as amust-play short game.
2Killer Frequency
Completion Time - Five Hours
Killer Frequency is a first-person puzzle game inspired by slasher movies from the ’80s. Terror strikes the small town of Gallows Creek when a serial killer murders the only sheriff. You control late-night radio DJ Forrest Nash, who must guide his listeners to safety before they become the next victims.
As people call in, you must explore the radio station and look for clues to help them escape the killer. Whether they live or die is in your hands. Think carefully about how you advise them, and most importantly, try not to get murdered yourself.
Celeste strikes the perfect balance between tight 2D platforming and a strong narrative. The plot follows Madeline, who attempts to climb the titular mountain to escape the struggles of everyday life. What follows is a tasteful and accurate depiction of anxiety and depression.
Throughout the adventure, Madeline gets chased by a warped version of herself, determined to stop her from reaching the top. The metaphor here is profound and is likely to resonate with anyone dealing with intrusive thoughts. As a bonus, the pixel art is stunning, the level design is excellent, and the story is sure to stick with you long after you stop playing.
