One of the most intimidating things about being a video game player is that there are too many good games in a year to play from beginning to end. Every player is different and has different tastes, varying degrees of free time, and differing amounts of gaming experience. A newer gamer will have less to look back on than someone who grew up with games in the 80s, 90s, and so on.
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These PC games are some of the shortest titles ever made. From big-name franchises to tiny indies, all take 4 hours or less to complete.
However, just because someone has been gaming forever doesn’t mean they have experienced every notable game or franchise. No matter the type of player, they may have all missed these particular fantasy games. For anyone who wants to dip their toe into a franchise and also wants to finish a game within a couple of hours, these are some choice picks. They may offer content beyond two hours, but their core campaigns can be finished within this time.
Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins
Mario’s Forgotten 2D Adventure
- How Long To Beat: About 2 Hours
Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins was a big improvement over the original, which was more linear. This sequel added a world map akin to Super Mario World, offering players a bit more choice. Still, even with the extra levels, it’s easy to push through this game in about two hours since the levels are short and it’s a less punishing experience.
If someone wants to play a Mario game from the character’s weirder Game Boy catalog in just a couple of hours while still being able to enjoy that platforming perfection, Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins is the game to play.
Sonic CD
Gotta Go Fast
- How Long To Beat: About 2 Hours
Sonic CD is a favorite among fans for a few reasons. There was an anime intro that made Sonic look his best yet, Amy Rose was introduced, and Metal Sonic also made his first appearance. It was a big moment in Sonic history, and if players want to enjoy a quick, easy, breezy Sonic game from his 2D days, Sonic CD is the best option, even over the Sega Genesis games.
Like all Sonic games, the levels are linear as players make their way through each stage, fight a boss at the end of that world, and then move on to the next world with a few twists thrown in. Sonic’s speed is reflected in the game itself, as with only seven worlds, it’s a quick ride. However, for players who want to invest, those worlds have multiple variants that can extend the game’s runtime.
Bloodstained: Curse Of The Moon
What A Terrible Night For A Curse
- How Long To Beat: About 2 Hours
Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon was released as a spiritual successor to the NES Castlevania games. The levels progress linearly, with players fighting a big boss at the end of each one, and every larger-than-life boss fight is a marvelous spectacle for the eyes.
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What makes this game unique is that players unlock new characters throughout the levels and can swap between them on the fly. From a sword master to a magician, there is plenty to choose from, and it’s still a great throwback to the NES days in general. It’s a much quicker and perhaps an even better overall experience than Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, which is more of a Metroidvania.
Journey
Ride Across The Sands
- How Long To Beat: About 2 Hours
Journey is an absolute must-play for anyone who likes video games. It was one of the first indie titles to provide those chill vibes that so many games are trying to emulate today. There is no combat in the game; instead, players walk with their voiceless character through big sandy dunes and ancient ruins.
If they are lucky, they will meet another online player on their journey, with whom they can communicate through chimes and jumps. Journey is unlike anything other game out there, and while there are secrets to discover off the beaten path, it’s mostly a straightforward adventure that doesn’t overstay its welcome.
Minit
One Minute To Live
- How Long To Beat: About 1.5 Hours
Minit is a Zelda-like action-adventure game with a big central gimmick. Players only have one minute to live, and when that time is up, things reset to the last shelter where players saved. They can make progress each time they restart because they will gain new knowledge from their previous run.
Minit shouldn’t take more than an hour to complete, unless some of the puzzles are particularly challenging. With silly characters and a unique art style, Minit offers something fresh for Zelda fans, contained in a bite-sized package that makes it all the more memorable.
Dungeons & Dragons: Shadow Over Mystara
An Arcade Classic
- How Long To Beat: About 1.5 Hours
Dungeons & Dragons: Shadow Over Mystara is the sequel to Dungeons & Dragons: Tower of Doom, both of which are Capcom-developed side-scrolling brawlers that make use of the D&D license to great effect. Both games can be completed in a little under two hours, and they are accessible via the Dungeons & Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara collection. That said, if players had to choose one, the sequel should be it.
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Like most brawlers, players will choose a character and then set off on an adventure, with the twist being that NPCs can offer different routes through each level. With multiple playable characters, branching paths, and the option to play co-op, there are many reasons to replay Dungeons & Dragons: Shadow Over Mystara, but one playthrough is an efficient way to have a great time.
Panzer Dragoon
The Power Of Dragons In The Palm Of My Hand
- How Long To Beat: About 1.5 Hours
Panzer Dragoon was a big hit on the Sega Saturn, sort of like a Sega alternative to Star Fox. Each level is on-rails, meaning that players will ride their dragon straight ahead, shooting monsters and other dragons like a typical shoot ‘em up game, albeit with a fantasy spin.
There was a remake released in 2020 that is more accessible, but it’s also longer since it adds a lot more content. Therefore, if players want something quicker, then they should find the means to track down this Sega Saturn classic that kick-started the Panzer Dragoon franchise.
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
Platinum Demo: Final Fantasy 15 is a game that a lot of Final Fantasy fans have forgotten about. It was released for free to promote Final Fantasy 15, but it’s not a demo despite what the name suggests. It’s more like a prologue.
Instead of playing as older Noctis, the protagonist of Final Fantasy 15, players enter a dream world and meet a younger Noctis. Gameplay-wise, it’s more akin to a Kingdom Hearts adventure with fitting whimsical vibes. It’s unfortunate that it didn’t blossom into a fully-fledged game, but as a bite-sized prologue that can be completed in less than an hour, or more depending on the player’s curiosity, Platinum Demo: Final Fantasy 15 is a must-play for Final Fantasy fans.
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![Should Andor have killed [redacted]? Let’s discuss](https://i0.wp.com/platform.polygon.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/PGM2-FF-002299.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=10.506770833333%2C0%2C78.986458333333%2C100&w=1200&w=360&resize=360,270&ssl=1 "Should Andor have killed [redacted]? Let’s discuss")
