We all need a break from The Insanity that has been happening, and there’s nothing better than binging a video game over a holiday. So, without further intro, here are six of the very best short video games you can beat in a long weekend. Happy gaming!
NORCO
A major vibe. NORCO evolves the concept of a simple point-and-click adventure with surprising mini-games (calling them mini-games doesn’t seem fair; that’s how good they are) as you play a character who’s returned to a very stylishly and accurately rendered New Orleans to investigate their mother’s death. Buckle up for laughs, religious commentary, and genuine “:o” moments. NORCO takes around six hours to play.
- Free on PC Game Pass, OR $14.99 on PC
- Save 17% through July 7 on Steam
TUNIC
Play as a gorgeously rendered fox in a clever isometric homage to old-school Legend of Zelda games. Our own Sam Martinelli recommends going into the settings and playing in “god mode” to prioritize the joy of dungeon exploring rather than obsessing over the rogue-like elements of trying to recover all your sweet coins whenever you die. The game has such a playful approach to its map and tutorial that I’d respect it for that alone. TUNIC takes about 12 hours to play the main quest, and up to 22 for any side quests.
- Free on Xbox/PC Game pass, OR $29.99 on Xbox/PC (Steam Deck verified)
- Save 10% through July 7 on Steam
Citizen Sleeper
Want to escape a ruin on the edge of a messed up capitalist society? Don’t we all. This new indie release features D&D-like skill checks where players roll dice to succeed at various feats while a clock clicks down. Citizen Sleeper takes about 5.5 hours per run-through, and it’s meant to be replayable as your choices and allies in this cyberpunk adventure can change every time.
- Free on Xbox/PC Game Pass, OR $19.99 on Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and PC
- Save 20% through July 7 on Steam
Neon White
Neon White is unlike any game I’ve played before. It doesn’t neatly belong to a single genre; the latest indie hit from Annapurna Interactive combines first-person shooting, speed-running, obstacle courses, 3D platforming, collectible cards, and even visual novel design.
Neon White tasks the player with dashing through various locales of Heaven taking down any demons that stand in your way, all while navigating a variety of interpersonal conflicts (and sexual tension) with your fellow demon-hunters, known in the game as Neons.
Each stage has the balletic flourish of Titanfall 2 combined with the challenging precision of Super Meat Boy, all while presenting a story peppered with romance, betrayal, ethical quandaries, and horniness. Neon White has skyrocketed near the top of the Game of the Year conversation, and is a must-play for anyone seeking freakish, weird, and unique experiences.
Neon White takes about 10 hours to complete the main quest, and up to 18 hours when you factor in side quests.
– Nominated by Sam Martinelli
- $24.99 on Nintendo Switch and PC (Steam Deck verified)
- Save 10% through July 7 on Steam
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles holds a soft spot in many young adults’ hearts. For some, it was an excuse to turn on the television for some Saturday morning goodness. For others—particularly those with an NES handy—it was a chance to fight ninjas, eat pizza, and do battle in the streets and sewers of New York.
It’s been more than 30 years since the first TMNT game graced consoles. Since then, series entries have ranged from “cowabunga!” to utter cow manure. Thankfully, 2022’s Shredder’s Revenge falls far closer to the former side of the spectrum.
Developed by Tribute Games and published by Dotemu, Shredder’s Revenge is a masterclass in how to revive a series past its prime. The game takes the TMNT license and applies the gameplay of 2020’s sublime Streets of Rage 4. With tight controls, varied levels, and a simple yet welcome progression system, Shredder’s Revenge rekindles the magic of the original NES games, while providing an experience that feels surprisingly modern. The result is the best TMNT in years, and a must-play indie for anyone with a passing interest in beat ‘em ups.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge can be completed in just three to four hours.
– Nominated by David Silbert
- Free on Xbox/PC Game Pass, OR $24.99 on Nintendo Switch, Xbox, PlayStation, and PC (Steam Deck verified)
- Save 10% through July 7 on Steam
Paradise Killer
While this murder mystery afterlife game featuring gorgeous BIPOC characters and a sick soundtrack came out originally in 2020, this March brought us a free update with “new mysterious beings and quests.” I found this game incredibly bingeable when it came out, and I’m confident you’ll get wrapped up in this delightful, sexy world that asks you to define and enact justice at the end of the world. Paradise Killer takes about 12 hours to play, though with its side quests and recent update, you may be looking at closer to 18.
- Free on Xbox/PC Game Pass, OR $19.99 on Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and PC (Steam Deck verified)
- Save 40% through July 7 on Steam
