Edited By
Omar El-Sayed

As a wave of players wrap up extensive sessions in open-world RPGs like Crimson Desert, many seek fresh, straightforward titles to refocus their gaming time. With options ranging from horror to action-adventure, these gamers are sharing recommendations for short yet satisfying experiences on the PS5.
Players are expressing a desire to pivot away from sprawling worlds filled with side quests. One gamer noted after spending "well over a hundred hours" in CD, itโs time to explore something new. Recommendations from fellow gamers on various forums highlight a contrast to their previous gaming habits.
A Plague Tale Series - The first game is praised for its engaging narrative, while the sequel is described as "phenomenal."
Resident Evil 2 Remake - Users highly suggest this game as an entry point into the horror franchise, emphasizing its quality and brevity: โPlay it blind. Short but every moment is great.โ
Kena: Bridge of Spirits - โLooks like a kids Pixar game on the surface, but is amazing.โ Many users shared their surprise at its depth and quality.
"I thought it was good. The combat's fun, and I enjoyed it."
Another user shared stories about their mixed experience with Rise of the Ronin, expressing intrigue but caution over mixed reviews. Others recommend more linear titles like God of War and DarkSiders, highlighting their action-packed gameplay while still maintaining a concise story.
Responses displayed a mix of excitement and trepidation regarding new titles. While some players were all in for the thrills of horror or action, others wrote about their struggles with transitioning away from expansive worlds. โI played Doom 2016 for the first time after I finished CD. Was perfect.โ That sentiment seems to resonate with many who seek clear objectives over unending exploration.
๐ Players are shifting focus to shorter, linear experiences after long RPG sessions.
๐ A Plague Tale and Resident Evil 2 Remake top the list for quality gaming.
๐ Community feedback is diverse, echoing excitement and caution about new titles.
As the community gears up for new gaming experiences in 2026, the recommendations keep coming. It appears that linear narrative games are sparking a beloved resurgence among players who want to reignite productivity without the addictive pull of sprawling worlds.
As players continue to move towards linear gameplay, there's a strong chance that developers will take note of these preferences. By 2027, we may see a significant uptick in shorter, story-driven titles catering to this demand, with around 70% of major studios likely to invest in such projects. This evolution in gaming reflects not just a reaction to player feedback but also the industry's attempt to streamline gaming experiences that fit into busy schedules. Fewer expansive worlds could lead to a richer focus on narrative depth, prompting developers to innovate within compact formats that resonate with todayโs players.
Think of the shift in music during the rise of punk rock in the late '70s, where artists stripped down complexity for raw energy and brevity. Just as the punk movement responded to the oversaturated glam rock scene by offering punchy anthems that packed a punch in mere minutes, today's game developers could similarly embrace linear design to engage players eager for swift, impactful encounters. This mirror of artistic evolution serves to illustrate how creative industries often recalibrate, responding dynamically to shifting audience tastes.