5 Video Games You Can Beat in Under 60 Minutes

It seems that for each passing year, video games are getting bulkier, more demanding, and far more complex. And while that works a charm for those who enjoy tucking into a meaty role-playing game that breaks the hundred-plus hour marker, others find it a little, say, threatening. There are times, of course, that a simple story with under sixty minutes worth of gameplay is enough to whet the whistle—and that's okay.

Whatever it is you're after, be it a quick completion, an easy platinum, or an excuse to spend an hour with the pad, rest assured that there are plenty of games that tick all of the above boxes. And so, if you find yourself in a bit of a drought this weekend, and wish only to power through as many games as possible, then let these five be your first batch.

5. A Memoir Blue

A Memoir Blue is a story-driven game that puts an emphasis on the story aspect, as it produces far less gameplay, and a lot more hearty theatrics, all of which can be handled with a simple flick of the wrist. And if you're hunting for a surefire way to bag a platinum in a short amount of time, then it's an absolute must, even if you're not entirely interested in bite-sized tales.

A Memoir Blue follows a young girl as she reconnects herself with the events that shaped her childhood. Your task, simply enough, is to immerse in the world and and follow the heartwarming story as it unravels. There's a moral that hits right in the chest, and it'll have you branching out to rekindle your relationships shortly after the credits roll.

4. Gone Home

Technically, Gone Home can be beaten in under 90 seconds, and there's even an achievement for doing so. But, having said that, we wouldn't suggest trying to bypass the story until you've gone out and actually witnessed the events it employs. And if you do happen to enjoy a walking simulator, one without complex puzzles and invasive subplots, then it's a win-win situation.

Gone Home follows the story of Katie, a young woman who returns from overseas to a deserted home. After finding a note on the door from her sister, Sam, imploring her not to go searching for answers, she decides to go digging, thereby opening a whole book of family secrets. By walking the rooms of the manor and interacting with its possessions, you will have to connect the dots and assemble the portrait.

3. Far Cry 4 & 5

Ubisoft certainly love a tongue-in-cheek scenario, which is precisely why they tuck an easy completion in their games. Far Cry 4, as well as Far Cry 5, give players the ability to reach the credits in under fifteen minutes. And hey, there's even a couple of trophies that are awarded for doing so. The only thing you have to do to receive them, funnily enough, is turn the other cheek when given the option to do so.

Take Far Cry 4, for example. Your only real goal in the game is to carry your late mother's ashes to her final resting place. Fortunately, Pagan Min gives you the option to do just that in the opening cinematic, and even on a silver platter. That endgame, of course, quickly dissolves once you escape and spark a new rebellion. But, should you choose to stick around for desert, you can beat the game in fifteen minutes. Far Cry 5 is no different, really.

2. Florence

Florence is a simple yet elegant game that casts its focus on love, heartbreak, and the fallout that revolves around losing someone you adore. Although without a great deal of gameplay, it definitely warrants a few tears, as it is, in all honesty, a pretty emotional work of art. Plus, if you experience A Memoir Blue beforehand and enjoy its art direction, then you'll definitely find something to take away from this compelling jewel.

Florence takes you on a rollercoaster of a journey through the milestones of an everyday relationship. Comprised of a warm opening, a complex middle, and a heartbreaking conclusion, the short but bittersweet tale will have you running through a banquet of emotions, and then eventually slap you with a powerful but incredibly rewarding moral. Worth every moment, for sure, especially if you have a few minutes to spare.

1. The Stanley Parable

What started out as a simple addition to Half-Life 2 eventually transitioned into a full-blown game, one that would later rock the world and conjure copious amounts of laughs. And while the game implores you to branch out and experience the hundreds of different pathways it has, the simple fact is, it can be mopped up in less than an hour. That is, if you don't mind ignoring a few basic instructions.

The Stanley Parable sees you filling the boots of titular protagonist Stanley. As an everyday office worker, you must go about your day and follow the instructions given to you by an overhead narrator. Fail to follow the predetermined pathway, however, and you'll find yourself on a yellow brick road, a place that houses a number of usual endings. But then, that's half of the fun, and the game urges you to try each and every one out before returning it to the shelf.

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our top five? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.