Many games from older generations tend to be inherently simpler, both in their design and structure. While they're not always more accessible, these titles generally get to the point pretty quickly. This is thanks to simple, straightforward game designs, facilitated by a space that was wide open for innovation at the time of their development.
Since these games aren't typically bloated with unnecessary content in the way many modern titles are, they're able to get into the action almost immediately. Players only need to learn one or two core systems before they're thrown into the world at large, and it's a shame that these design principles were largely replaced by games that wanted to be everything. Thankfully, many modern titles are beginning to return to the roots of old-school design, and a variety of innovations in the indie game scene have resulted in a bucket of experiences that are quick to please.
We are going to focus on "modern" games and not include classics like Super Mario Bros.
10 Doom Eternal
No Wasted Time, You Are Doomguy
DOOM Eternal
- Released
- March 20, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- id Software
- Platform(s)
- Xbox One, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Nintendo Switch
Except for Doom 3, nearly every Doom game fits this topic, as they usually waste little time on setting the stage and quickly drop you in the heat of action. Inspired by the original game's get-to-the-shooting approach, 2016's entry instantly throws you into hell for some good old-fashioned FPS goodness, and it only misses out because the opening level is one of the weakest in the campaign. While The Dark Ages is great from the start, its more open level design and color-coded attacks can take some getting used to for veterans who enjoy the franchise's (mostly) linear structure.
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That leaves Doom Eternal, which also experimented with the 2016 game's formula. While some of its changes are divisive, Doom Eternal leaves an instant positive impression, and you immediately become the Slayer. There is no slow ramp-up in abilities or weak early guns that lack bite; right from the opening moment, you are powerful, deadly, and capable. Not only does the shooting feel great instantly, but so does the movement.
9 Devil May Cry 5
Quickly Get To The Hacking and Slashing
Devil May Cry 5
- Released
- March 8, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Capcom
- Platform(s)
- PS4, Xbox One, PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Genre(s)
- Action
Hack and slash games can, at times, take an hour or two to hit their stride, which is usually the time needed for a player to grow accustomed to the pacing and unlock a few additional moves. You need to become comfortable with the core fundamentals, and then the fun can really begin.
Devil May Cry 5 has the quickest onboarding process in the franchise, even more so than the nearly perfect Devil May Cry 3. Although he is by no means shallow, Nero's basic loop is accessible enough that you should begin to pull off cool combos within the first few minutes. His Devil Breakers instantly inject variety since you are taught to swap between them right from the get-go, instantly giving you a range of options. The first few stages are also great and arguably among the best in the whole game, even if they are relatively easy.
Also, the above is taken from the perspective of a newcomer to the series; if you have played all the games or, at the very least, DMC4, you will immediately feel right at home with the 2019 release.
8 Balatro
A Remarkably Accessible Deck-Builder
Balatro
- Released
- February 20, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- LocalThunk
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Android, iOS
- Genre(s)
- Strategy, Digital Card Game, Roguelike
As far as roguelike deck-builders go, Balatro is perhaps one of the most accessible; featuring a design based around classic Poker hands and a score-attack structure that's immediately apparent, Balatro is almost self-explanatory. A tactile user interface, satisfying player feedback, and intuitive controls all help in making the game feel fluid, something that's made obvious within minutes of playing.
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Balatro is truly unique, and yet it takes almost no time to learn, even for those who are unfamiliar with Poker. This is thanks to a clear and easily readable user interface, helpful accessibility features, and a minimalist design that reigns itself in at every turn. Best of all, Balatro's design facilitates a variety of strategies, allowing the experience to feel diverse despite the moment-to-moment gameplay being relatively repetitive.
7 Cultic
A Retro-Style FPS That Gets Straight To The Point
Cultic
- Released
- October 13, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
So many retro shooters and modern FPS titles in the indie space are champions when it comes to bringing the fun and action of their design to the forefront. CULTIC is one such example, quickly giving players context before throwing them into the first level with a tremendously to-the-point tutorial.
Within mere minutes, CULTIC has players exploring eerie environments and gunning down cultists. A few minutes later, players are introduced to workbenches and weapon upgrades, as well as the immersive interactions that CULTIC allows for with its environmental hazards.
6 Resident Evil 5
An Action-Horror Title With An Intense Opening
Resident Evil 5
- Released
- March 5, 2009
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Capcom
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One
- Genre(s)
- Survival Horror
After a few minutes to set the scene, Resident Evil 5 throws players in at the deep end, fighting against crazed infected in an intense opening action sequence that immediately shows players what to expect over the next several hours. Though perhaps not as revered as its predecessors, Resident Evil 5 excels when played in online co-op, allowing players to work together in order to survive a variety of hectic ordeals.
The chaotic gauntlet that opens Resident Evil 5 is the perfect crucible for new players, testing their skills and reactions and forcing them to learn and adapt to survive. This is especially harsh on harder difficulties, but for the right kind of player, it's an immediately fun experience.
5 Terraria
An Accessible & Rewarding Survival-Craft Game
Terraria
- Released
- May 16, 2011
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Re-Logic
- Platform(s)
- PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, Vita, iOS, Android, macOS, Linux, 3DS, Stadia, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch
Many open-world survival-craft games drop players into the world with little guidance, forcing them to adapt quickly and naturally brush up against the game's core systems within a matter of minutes. Terraria is immediately fun thanks to its intuitive crafting system and the simplicity of exploration in a 2D environment.
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The intuitive controls and ease of play make Terraria an immediately accessible game, allowing players to focus on the joy of exploration and creativity from the very start. Exploring is also tremendously fun thanks to a well-tuned combat system, diverse regions, and a dense network of randomly generated caverns.
4 Left 4 Dead 2
A Fast-Paced FPS That Immediately Fulfills Its Promise
Left 4 Dead 2
- Released
- November 17, 2009
WHERE TO PLAY
Left 4 Dead 2 wastes no time at all getting players into the action. Taking place amid a zombie apocalypse and wasting very little time with its narrative, Left 4 Dead 2 thrives on its fast-paced, easy-to-learn action and the dynamic interplay of its charismatic characters.
From minute one, Left 4 Dead 2 gives players exactly what it promises: fast-paced action, hordes of zombies, and intuitive gameplay that lacks needless complexity. The game is fast, brutal, and encourages teamwork. Best of all, it's easy to set up and play with friends, making it a perfect choice for online co-op.
3 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge
Classic Arcade Gameplay With A Familiar Feel
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge
- Released
- June 16, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Tribute Games Inc.
- Platform(s)
- Android, iOS, PC, PS5, PS4, Switch, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One
- Genre(s)
- Beat 'Em Up
Fans of arcade games and classic beat 'em ups may find some immediately nostalgic fun with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge. Capturing the tongue-in-cheek charm of the classic cartoons from the very start with its colorful old-school pixel art, excellent soundtrack, and talented voice actors, Shredder's Revenge sets the tone immediately.
Shredder's Revenge wastes no time throwing players into the action, either, dropping them into iconic locations and battling against the infamous Foot Clan. The game is packed with references and loving homage to the 80s cartoon, but it's the distinctive level design, variety of bosses, and intuitive controls that make Shredder's Revenge worth playing. Furthermore, the game can be played in local and online co-op.
Honorable mention to Marvel Cosmic Invasion, which also hits the ground running.
2 Hotline Miami
Instant Adrenaline & Edgy Presentation
Hotline Miami
- Released
- October 23, 2012
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Dennaton Games
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, Android, PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PS Vita, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Genre(s)
- Shooter
After a lightning-fast tutorial and a quick sequence to set the scene, Hotline Miami shoves players into its first level with both hands. Brutal violence and throbbing music provide a swift injection of adrenaline almost immediately, perpetuated even through death by the ability to instantly restart.
Hotline Miami is a top-down shooter with inherently simple controls, and the breakneck pace of its combat allows players to learn and adapt quickly. It's a simple combination of unsettling dialogue sequences and violent, fast-paced rushes through close-quarters environments, but players can experience this unapologetic gameplay almost immediately.
1 Tactical Breach Wizards
A Cinematic, Stylish, & Tactical Combat Puzzle
Tactical Breach Wizards
- Released
- August 22, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
Featuring turn-based combat puzzles and a distinctive urban fantasy setting, Tactical Breach Wizards is a unique experience that blends elements of games such as XCOM and Into The Breach while simultaneously standing on its own two feet. The stylish, cinematic presentation and expertly crafted flow of the game ease newcomers into the experience before quickly dialing up the absurdity and complexity in equal measure.
This is part of what makes Tactical Breach Wizards so immediately fun, with a pragmatic tutorial that manages to lay out the world, tone, and design of what's to come. From the get-go, players are likely to experience the promise of Tactical Breach Wizards, and it quickly peppers the player with new characters, enemies, and abilities that ramp up the action and drive a relentless pace.
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