Summary
Fans love the combination of action-packed gameplay and RPG elements, making it clear why the action RPG genre is so prevalent in the video game industry. Most of these titles take players on epic adventures where they can pass hundreds of hours with ease.
However, people who have limited time to game may not have the time or inclination to get immersed in these grand worlds. Instead, action RPGs that respect their time and can be finished quickly are more appealing in their eyes. Here are some games that are great for players who only have a few spare moments.
The Outer Worldsis a game that players will love or hate. If fans want a long RPG experience with the same caliber of writing and role-playing asFallout: New Vegas, then they may be disappointed.
However, if players want to enjoya tight, fast-paced RPG experience with zero grindingwhere the world isn’t full of convoluted lore, thenThe Outer Worldsmay be right up their alley. The world may feel a bit self-indulgent and paper-thin at times, but fans who want to enjoy a short action RPG won’t mind this.
Players familiar with the companies in the AA sphere have likely heard of Spiders at one point. Games likeThe TechnomancerandBound by Flamemay be a bit janky for players to get into, but this isn’t a problem players will face withGreedFall.
This game came out at a time when BioWare was in a bit of a slump,allowing players to enjoy a fun RPGwith meaningful player choices. The best part is thatGreedFallisn’t unnecessarily long, and can be completed quickly if players make a beeline for the main story and complete a few side quests in the process.
Final Fantasyfans will loveStranger of Paradisedespite its edgy story and odd character designs. The game has an approachable take on Soulslike gameplay, and won’t be stupidly hard unless players aren’t paying attention to their enemy’s attacks.
The game lets players explore modern takes on classicFinal Fantasyworlds, taking out several iconic monsters in the process. As long as players can stomach the game’s puzzling writing, they’ll have a great time experiencing whatStranger of Paradisebrings to the table.
Avowedis another Obsidian Entertainment game that will split fans down the middle. Taking place inthe existingPillars of Eternityuniverseenriches the lore and worldbuilding of this game from the very moment players step into this world.
Just likeThe Outer Worlds, the main story can be completed in record time as long as players are prudent about upgrading their equipment. Given the complaints about the game’s writing, perhaps players with limited time on their hands shouldn’t spend more hours than necessary in this title.
Supergiant Games stepped into the video game industry with a bang, withBastionwowing everyone with its amazing visuals, sultry narration, and excellent music. While the gameplay can be a bit rough around the edges, it’s still an impressive first game from the studio that has since risen to prominence withHades.
Bastionlets players acquire a bunch of weapons, adding some variety to the gameplay as players blast through this unique experience. For a game that doesn’t overstay its welcome, it’s amazing howBastionmanages to wow players with its amazing presentation.
Before Arkane Studios became a master of the immersive sim genre, players were treated toDark Messiah of Might and Magic, a somewhat generic game that redeemed itself withits incredible combat.
Kicking enemies into spike walls and using Adrenaline to lop an enemy’s head off never ceases to be engaging. Despite its issues,Dark Messiah of Might and Magicis a short yet sweet ride that will keep players entertained as they power through the title’s intense levels.
2004’sFableis one of the greatest RPGs ever made, kickstarting a series that is finally being rebooted after a long wait. The game implemented many unique ideas, even if most of Peter Molyneux’s promises turned out to be lies.
Players embark on an epic adventure where the protagonist ages with each level, makes good or evil choices, and experiences a story that manages to stand out despite the generic fantasy setting. Fans will be surprised to find out thatFablecan be completed in under 20 hours, as long as players don’t stray from the beaten path too many times.
Dragon’s Dogma 2wastes no time in throwing players into the action and letting them experience one of the best combat systems ever integrated in a video game. Players who don’t have a lot of time to spare for their gaming hobby will love the short, satisfying bursts of dopamine they’ll enjoy after each session ofDragon’s Dogma 2.
The best part of this game stems from the ways that Vocations evolve to let players access more advanced and cathartic moves over time. Despite its issues, no one can argue thatDragon’s Dogma 2isn’t a blast to play through, as long as players keep their expectations in check.
