Games from the 80s and 90s knew how to show players a good time. They weren't concerned with a story, and the innovators who had compelling stories were bogged down by endless cutscenes. In the early days of the NES, SNES, PS1 and beyond, gaming was often more favored.
It's great that video games have evolved further to have moving stories with cutting-edge graphics, but for those who want to go straight to the action, finding a game can be challenging at times. That's where these indie games come in, as the game hook rarely takes a break. There are also some AAA games worth noting.
Minecraft
Dig, build, repeat
Minecraft will randomize a world unless players use a SEED, and then that's it. There is no objective, no story, and no tutorial to speak of. It's like buying a bucket of LEGO bricks, dumping them in front of a kid and then saying “have fun.” Minecraft is the modern LEGO equivalent, offering easy-to-follow gameplay and an endless list of ways to be creative. There's a reason it's still popular with kids and adults over a decade later, with no end in sight.
Rogue Legacy 2
The family business
Rogue Legacy 2 is the perfect roguelike for those who don't want to be bothered by stories between runs and want to feel a greater sense of progression quickly. Gold collected on runs can be used back at the castle to rebuild it, which will unlock new stat boosts and perks.
What makes this series unique is that players will return as a new line of the family, each of which will be randomized into classes, from a rapid-fire gunslinger to a pirate who can ride an airship. With a colorful hand-drawn look and responsive gameplay, Rogue Legacy 2 is an easy recommendation for roguelike beginners.
Ball X Pit
To rebuild Ballbylon
Ball x Pit is a new game published by Devolver Digital, joining their library of odd games. The core of the experience is similar to ball breaker games which Arkanoid or Pegglebut with a roguelike twist. Players will shoot their balls at undead soldiers as they are guided along a vertical path.
They will level up and get stat boosts along with temporary power-ups. Upon death, players can use collected materials to help rebuild Ballbylon, which acts as the permanent upgrade system, and can do everything from boosting stats to unlocking new characters. It's a silly name, but the game is more than solid and hard to forget.
Mario Kart World
Vroom Vroom!
Mario Kart World will give players plenty to do, whether they want to compete alone in single player matches or go online. There are standard Mario Kart modes, but the Battle Royale-inspired circuits are a lot of fun to go through and addictive once players get a taste of sweet victory. There's also an open world to explore, where players can discover secrets like new costumes and mini-games. If anyone needs an accessible racing game with colorful characters, gorgeous levels and music that feels nostalgic, Mario Kart World is it.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Characters for days
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a great fighting game for anyone who wants a little extra from their experience. There's no story mode to speak of, but there are plenty of characters to play with, each feeling distinctly different from the other. Perhaps Fire emblem characters will blend together a bit, but overall there is a character here for everyone. Spirits mode is a great place to test characters offline before jumping into tournament-level matches online or on the couch with friends.
Broforce
For America!
Broforce has a vague story built around terrorists taking over a territory, and the baddest soldiers of all time are tasked with destroying their facilities. It's an 80s and 90s movie come to life in pixelated form, with each mission flowing into the next without much downtime.
The starting hero will be randomized, along with who they turn into after rescuing the hostage. It can be anything from a MacGyver to a Die Hard parody. The best part of the game, apart from witnessing each hero's strange power, is being able to blast through levels like a true movie action hero.
Fortnite
A platform for content
Fortnite started out as a standard defense game against hordes of enemies, but after the Battle Royale mode was added, it changed everything. Almost a decade later, Fortnite has now become a platform for other games to launch from, including a music-inspired game, a Lego version, and tons of events like concerts to go to. Plus, there are tons of collaborations to unlock from DC characters to video game icons like Master Chief. As a free-to-play game, it's hard to think of anything more generous and better supported than that Fortnitewhether players want to be the star or team up with others.
Dragon's Crown
Questing For Days
Anyone looking for an RPG with very little story in a 2D space should look no further Dragon's Crown. Players can choose from six characters, each representing a classic RPG class type such as the hulking Fighter or the range-heavy Elf. Each character levels up separately, and players are more than encouraged to try them all out in new runs. The dungeons have branching paths, giving players a reason to replay them, and the combat is easy to understand alone or with friends. It's like Diablo minus the intense story.
