15 Games Under 6 Hours Long That You’ll Remember Forever
In the world of video games, it’s easy to fall into the mindset that bigger is always better. We often find ourselves drawn to sprawling, hundred-hour epics, filled to the brim with side quests, collectibles, and expansive lore. But amid those open-world behemoths, there’s a class of shorter, immersive games that often fly under the radar. These gems provide impactful experiences in compact packages, demonstrating that games don’t have to be marathon-long endeavors to resonate deeply.
From emotive narratives that tug at your heartstrings, inventive gameplay mechanics that bend your mind, or even vibrant art styles that captivate the senses, these games pack a punch well above their weight.
These stunning games may be short in length, but they leave lasting impressions that often outshine their longer counterparts. They prove that in the realm of gaming, experiences are not measured by the ticking clock but by the emotional weight and intellectual challenge they bring.
In our latest article, we highlight 15 stunning games that are under 6 hours long but will stick with you long after the final credits roll. Of course, if we’ve missed one of your favourites, do let us know in the comments below!
Journey
Average completion time: 3 hours
Journey is an award-winning, emotionally-engaging game that transcends typical gaming conventions. It’s a unique, visually stunning adventure where players control an unnamed robed figure in a vast desert, journeying towards a mountain in the distance. Communication with others is limited to musical chimes, and so when you do find another player, those bonds you form are completely non-verbal and create a sense of connection and shared purpose.
Not only does Journey have an incredible soundtrack, it also boasts beautiful art direction, and a simple yet profound narrative. It allows moments of quiet reflection, while presenting universal themes of life, death, and rebirth presented through a captivating journey. This one will linger in your mind long after you finish.
Portal
Average completion time: 5 hours
Portal is a first-person puzzle platformer that’s still regarded as one of the best in the genre. Players step into the shoes of Chell, a test subject in the mysterious Aperture Science Laboratories, who must solve intricate puzzles using the Aperture Science Handheld Portal Device. This creates inter-spatial portals between flat planes.
Portal’s lasting impression is partly thanks to its ingenious gameplay mechanics, along with witty writing, and unforgettable characters. The game’s puzzles force you to think in new and interesting ways, offering a sense of satisfaction when you finally crack them. Coupled with the dark humor and the excellent antagonist GLaDOS, Portal is a standout experience in the gaming world.
P.T.
Average completion time: 2 hours
P.T. (short for “Playable Teaser”) is a psychological horror developed by Kojima Productions under the pseudonym “7780s Studio”. The game, which served as an interactive teaser for the cancelled game “Silent Hills,” traps players in a cryptic, looping hallway of a haunted house. And it’s damn scary.
P.T. caused an absolute craze when it first released and it’s a hauntingly memorable gaming experience thanks to its masterful direction and use of psychological horror. The teaser feels oppressive and unnerving, making every small detail seem sinister. Not only that, but there’s some excellent puzzles in here, which combine with the fear-inducing gameplay that’ll stick with you long after you’ve turned off the game.
Donut County
Average completion time: 3 hours
Donut County is a whimsical physics puzzle game where you control a hole in the ground, swallowing up objects, buildings, and residents of Donut County to grow larger. The game tells the story of BK, a raccoon who uses a remote control to manipulate the hole, causing chaos in the town.
Donut County leaves an indelible impression through its clever gameplay mechanics, charming art, and humorous narrative. Not only that, but this is a game that can be enjoyed by adults and kids alike, making for a very accessible and moreish experience. The game’s quirky characters and light-hearted story make it a uniquely entertaining experience too.
Abzû
Average completion time: 3 hours
Abzû is an underwater adventure that immerses players in a vibrant ocean world filled with mystery and bursting with color and life. As a diver, you explore the heart of the ocean, discovering unique species and plenty of secrets, interacting with schools of thousands of fish that procedurally respond to you, each other, and predators.
Abzû is a memorable experience thanks to its stunning visuals and serene ambiance. The game’s ability to convey a profound narrative without any dialogue is certainly worthy of remembrance, while the connection players form with the underwater world and its inhabitants makes for an experience that transcends the game’s beautiful art style and narrative.
Braid
Average completion time: 6 hours
Braid is a puzzle-platformer where you manipulate the flow of time to solve intricate puzzles. The game tells the story of Tim, a man searching for a princess in a series of beautifully hand-painted worlds, each with its own unique time-based mechanics.
Braid is a breakthrough indie that stands out due to its innovative gameplay, thought-provoking narrative, and stunning art. The game constantly challenges you to think creatively and differently, which, combined with its enigmatic storyline and visual style, makes it an incredibly transformative experience. It’s a game that will stick with you long after completion due to its deeper themes and unique perspective on time.
Stray
Average completion time: 4-6 hours
Stray is an adventure game where players control a stray cat navigating its way through a cybercity inhabited by robots. As the cat, you explore the city’s alleys, rooftops, and backstreets, unraveling the city’s mysteries along the way while also completing an array of side quests too.
Stray’s unique perspective, allowing you to experience the world through the eyes of a cat, make for a uniquely wild and unforgettable adventure.
Outlast
Average completion time: 5-6 hours
Outlast is a first-person survival horror game set in a remote psychiatric hospital. As investigative journalist Miles Upshur, you’re tasked with navigating the eerie and treacherous environment, using a camcorder to document the horrors within. Oh, and you also need to avoid the aggressive inmates in the process.
Outlast is intense and features some really shocking moments. Not only that, but there’s also a constant sense of vulnerability due to a lack of weapons to fight back. The game’s commitment to immersive horror, combined with an excellent narrative, creates an experience that’s thrilling, terrifying, and impossible to forget.
Man of Medan
Average completion time: 4 hours
Man of Medan is a narrative-driven horror that follows a group of friends who become trapped on a ghost ship during a vacation gone wrong. Players must make choices and perform quick-time events that can drastically alter the story and the characters’ fates.
Man of Medan sticks with you due to its gripping story, tense atmosphere, and the impactful consequences of your actions. It also emphasizes repeat playthroughs too to try and keep everyone alive. As a result, this game relies intensely on your life-or-death decisions, leading to an engaging and memorable experience that changes with each playthrough.
Limbo
Average completion time: 3-4 hours
Limbo is a puzzle-platformer that takes place in a haunting black and white world filled with deadly traps and dangerous creatures. As a young boy searching for his sister, players must navigate through this eerie environment, solving puzzles to progress.
Limbo is memorable for its minimalist art, thought-provoking puzzles, and its open-to-interpretation narrative. The game’s unsettling atmosphere and challenging gameplay create a profound experience that continues to resonate with players long after its conclusion.
Firewatch
Average completion time: 4-5 hours
Firewatch is a first-person adventure game set in the Wyoming wilderness. Players take on the role of Henry, a fire lookout, who uncovers strange occurrences related to his post. As the only connection to the outside world, your supervisor Delilah guides you through these mysteries via radio.
Firewatch sticks with players due to its immersive storytelling, rich dialogue, and the relationship built between Henry and Delilah. The striking visual style and the profound sense of isolation it cultivates further elevate the experience, making this a compelling, emotionally-charged adventure throughout.
Star Fox 64
Average completion time: 2-3 hours
Star Fox 64 is a 3D scrolling shooter where players take on the role of Fox McCloud, piloting his Arwing fighter through various levels to defeat the evil Andross. Players are forced to navigate through different paths and scenarios based on their performance and choices throughout the game.
Star Fox 64 boasts some thrilling dogfight sequences, charming characters, and branching level design. The fast-paced action, combined with strategic decision-making for each path, provides a rich gameplay experience. Its iconic voice acting and memorable lines further cement its status as a standout gaming experience.
Thomas Was Alone
Average completion time: 3-4 hours
Thomas Was Alone is an indie puzzle-platformer exploring the concept of consciousness and friendship among a group of AI rectangles. Each shape has its own abilities and personalities, and you must use these traits to navigate through a series of increasingly complex levels.
What makes “Thomas Was Alone” such a memorable experience is the unexpected emotional depth and charm that it draws from its minimalistic design. The game personifies these simple geometric shapes in a way that players form a deep connection with them, and the underlying themes of friendship and cooperation leave a lasting impression.
The Stanley Parable
Average completion time: 2 hours
The Stanley Parable is a first-person exploration game where players control Stanley, an office worker navigating through a surreal office building. The game is noted for its many branching storylines that can be manipulated based on player choice, all narrated by an omnipresent narrator.
Stanley Parable is a memorable game due to its innovative narrative structure, excellent humor, and its examination of choice within video games. The mind-bending narrative loops are excellent, while the thought-provoking themes provide an enduring experience that sparks both conversation and reflection.
Sonic The Hedgehog 2
Average completion time: 3-4 hours
Sonic The Hedgehog 2 is a classic side-scrolling platformer where players control Sonic, a speedy blue hedgehog, on his quest to stop the evil Dr. Robotnik from launching his space station, the Death Egg. Players traverse through various stages, collecting rings and battling enemies, either alone or with the help of Sonic’s sidekick, Tails.
Sonic The Hedgehog 2 stands out as a memorable gaming experience due to its fast-paced gameplay, catchy music, and iconic level design. The exhilarating sense of speed, combined with strategic platforming and the ability to have tails tag along with you, makes it an addictive playthrough. This classic game has left a lasting impact on the platformer genre at large, and remains a cherished part of many players’ gaming memories.
So there we have it! Our picks for 15 games than can be completed in under 6 hours that will stick with you long after you put down the controller. Agree with our picks? Feel like we’re missing a gem? Let us know in the comments below!