Summary
- AAA games cram in everything; focused titles prove mastering one loop beats bloat.
- Single-loop design yields intense mastery, replay value, and pure gameplay joy.
- From katana combat to rhythm, detective, and zen sims — focused games shine across genres.
With AAA gaming trying to appeal to as many people as possible, developers try to integrate as many gameplay loops as they can into their games. This is why most mainstream games have in-depth traversal mechanics, bombastic combat, scintillating stealth, survival mechanics, basic crafting systems, and everything else but the kitchen sink.
This approach may have been novel back in the day, but some gamers these days are getting tired of this jack-of-all-trades approach. This is why games that focus on a single thing and execute it to perfection can often become beloved by the masses.
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Katana Zero
The Side-Scrolling Combat Is A Major Focus
Katana ZERO
- Released
- April 18, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes, Use of Drugs and Alcohol, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Platformer, Action
A fast-paced action game that takes no prisoners, dying will become second nature in Katana Zero. The combat is incredible and forces players to "git gud" if they want to get past the most challenging levels in the game.
It sounds frustrating, but the amazing pixel art, absolute banger of a soundtrack, and well-executed gameplay ensure that the game's focus on combat never gets old. The fact that players actively seek out another playthrough on Hard Mode illustrates the sheer joy of playing this amazing game.
Return Of The Obra Dinn
The Investigation In This Game Is A Joy To Carry Out
Return of the Obra Dinn
- Released
- October 18, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
Lucas Pope is a master of integrating gameplay with narrative, and Return of the Obra Dinn is his finest offering by a country mile. The mystery of what happened to the Obra Dinn crew is revealed bit by bit, turning what seemed like a simple mutiny into an epic story full of Lovecraftian horrors.
The best part of this title is obviously the detective gameplay, with players having to figure out the names of people and their causes of death. These deaths are verified in sets of three, giving players an unmatched sense of satisfaction whenr their deductive capabilities are validated.
Beat Saber
There's A Reason Why This VR Rhythm Game Is So Popular
Beat Saber
- Released
- May 21, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E For Everyone
- Genre(s)
- Rhythm
The formula to crack VR games is to make the most of this immersive medium without confusing players. This is why Beat Saber's solitary focus on its rhythm gameplay was such a major hit.
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Players are equipped with two sabers that they use to cut blocks in time to the beat. Updates added some minor changes to how players approached the gameplay, but the core loop is largely unchanged and riveting to this day.
Superhot
The Time-Stopping FPS Gameplay Is Scintillating
Superhot
- Released
- February 25, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen Due To Drug Reference, Violence
- Genre(s)
- FPS
Superhot is a great FPS title that almost feels like a puzzle game, using bare-bones visuals to keep the focus solely on the gameplay. Time is slowed down to a crawl when players are still and only move when they take actions or move around.
The most challenging levels are especially frustrating, but players will never feel like it's the game's fault if they die. With every death, players become more familiar with how the level works, eventually allowing them to use optimal strategies to decimate their foes.
Furi
Every Boss Fight Is A Joy To Figure Out
Furi
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ // Violence, Strong Language
- Genre(s)
- Arcade, Shooter
Given Furi's status as a boss rush game, it's easy to see why combat is the sole focus of this title. Battles are split into two phases. The Stranger starts battles at range, before initiating a close-combat encounter to end each phase.
As one would expect, the game is far from easy, and players will die over and over to certain bosses as they figure out how to counter each phase. Eventually, they can school bosses that used to give them a hard time, making them feel like gods... That is, until they start a Furier playthrough.
PowerWash Simulator
The Ultimate Dad Game That's Very Relaxing
PowerWash Simulator
- Released
- May 19, 2021
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E For Everyone
- Genre(s)
- Simulation
The phrase "Dad games" refers to titles with relaxing gameplay meant to help players achieve a state of zen. PowerWash Simulator is the embodiment of this genre, with players being tasked with cleaning up surfaces using a pressure washer.
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Slay The Spire
The Deckbuilding Mechanics Are Excellent And Tightly Crafted
Slay the Spire
- Released
- January 23, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Tobacco Reference
- Genre(s)
- Roguelike, Deckbuilding
Slay the Spire has a nice story cooking in the background with a touch of Lovecraftian goodness, but the major focus is on the deckbuilding mechanics. At the start, this game is so challenging that players will die at the first Elite enemy several times, and it will seem like a Herculean feat to make it to the boss of the first stage.
Eventually, as the heroes gain levels and players understand how to manipulate the game's mechanics, they can coast through the game and smash any foe standing in their way. This sense of power feels totally earned, especially since the game mechanics are so well-executed that nothing feels cheap.
Sifu
Embodies The Wax On, Wax Off Approach With Its Combat
Sifu
- Released
- February 8, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood, Drug Reference, Strong Language, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Roguelike, Beat 'Em Up
At first, the overbearing difficulty of Sifu can be so oppressive that players may think of lowering the difficulty to Student level. The Squats are relatively easy to handle... Only for players to age up and die in The Club before they even get to Sean. However, despite the moves players can unlock in Sifu, what really matters is embracing the repetition at the core of this experience. Players will understand the benefits of avoiding attacks, how to make the most of damage windows, and what shrine upgrades to unlock and make things easier for themselves.
This mastery comes slowly, with the game's once-unbelievably hard combat system becoming so much easier to handle that players will be breaking Yang's stance for fun at the end. At this point, players will try a playthrough on Master Mode, only to be bodied by Fajar and realize that they have so much more to learn when it comes to Sloclap's incredible combat system.
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