It’s not always possible to plunge countless hours into a video game; sometimes you just want a tight experience without endless side quests. That’s why I’ve selected some stellar games that you can easily start and finish this weekend.
These games are all available for multiple platforms, so boot up your system of choice, relax, and enjoy the brief (yet memorable) ride.
3
Stray
In Stray, you control a cat. If that doesn’t sell you, I don’t know what will. Okay, here’s a bit more information: It’s a third-person adventure about a cat who is separated from its family and ends up in a curious neon-lit city populated by robots. As you roam the streets and rooftops, you unravel a mystery and avoid weird creatures in your quest to escape.
It’s a charming game in many ways, and it’s endlessly delightful to see everything from a feline’s perspective, but it’s not cutesy—rather, Stray leans more cyberpunk, with gritty and atmospheric environments. With the help of a drone companion, you can engage with the robots and discover more about their lives and city.
You’ll solve some puzzles, test your platforming skills, and hunt for collectibles. It’s not necessarily groundbreaking in its gameplay, but it’s very well presented and controls satisfyingly, with a neat dystopian story. It doesn’t outstay its welcome, either. Purrfect!
Stray
Time to Beat: 5 hours
- Released
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July 19, 2022
- ESRB
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E10+ for Everyone 10+: Animated Blood, Fantasy Violence
- Developer(s)
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BlueTwelve Studio
- Publisher(s)
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Annapurna Interactive
2
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons
You may know game director Josef Fares from his work on excellent co-op experiences like It Takes Two and Split Fiction, but before that he led on an equally great game called Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons. It’s a single-player experience where you uniquely control two brothers individually using the analog sticks on your controller, guiding them through a fantasy world as they try to save their father.
There are environmental puzzles and light platforming elements, but this is more about the journey than anything else. The duo trek through a troll-inhabited village, fly through ruins on a magical creature, and fend off wolves in a dark forest. It looks incredible to this day, with a cinematic camera sweeping through the landscapes.
Brothers is unexpectedly dark and emotional, even though none of the characters speak real words. You can take much of the game at your own pace, though I recommend exploring every nook and cranny as you’ll encounter some special moments. Ultimately, this is a story of two siblings supporting one another, and one that will stay with you long after you’re finished.
The Switch version and the 2024 remaster (from a different studio) includes a two-player mode. I recommend you avoid this and play the original if you can, since it was designed as a solo experience and is more powerful that way.
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons
Time to Beat: 3 hours
- Released
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August 7, 2013
- ESRB
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T For Teen Due To Blood, Mild Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
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Starbreeze Studios
- Publisher(s)
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505 Games
1
Gorogoa
Gorogoa is a puzzle game unlike any I’ve played before or since. The gameplay is deceptively simple, as you move and combine illustrated panels to progress. That may sound dull, but it’s truly wonderful in action—the hand-drawn art is lovely and the wordless story takes you to unexpected places.
I like a good puzzle game, but I also don’t enjoy getting stuck on brain-benders. Thankfully, Gorogoa strikes the perfect balance of difficulty; it encourages you to experiment and doesn’t punish you, and you feel smart every time you crack what’s needed. It’s an ideal chill game to unwind with.
It’s best not to see too much of Gorogoa before diving in, since much of the joy comes from the discovery, so if it sounds appealing then I encourage you to dive right in. If you have any fondness for puzzlers, you’re unlikely to be disappointed.
Gorogoa
Time to Beat: 2 hours
- Released
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December 14, 2017
- ESRB
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E for Everyone
- Developer(s)
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Buried Signal
- Publisher(s)
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Annapurna Interactive
This is just a small selection of games that you can finish in a weekend, but they all offer something different. If you’re a dedicated gamer, you may be able to complete all three in just a few days!