In the early days of gaming, when digital entertainment was a fresh and exciting concept rather than the massive, profitable global industry it is today, finding a game that offered seemingly endless gameplay was a rare treat.
Related
7 Amazing PS2 Games With 100+ Hours Of Content
Even back in the 2000s, some games were able to offer 100+ hour runtimes
Limited by hardware capabilities, smaller development budgets, and the generally untamed landscape of the game industry, titles were often concise, enjoyable experiences, providing perhaps 10 to 20 hours of entertainment. Today’s AAA game enthusiasts might scoff at such brevity, but that was the standard back then.
However, every so often, exceptions emerged, offering gamers significantly more playtime for their investment than most other games on the market.
So, let’s take a nostalgic trip back to some classic games that deliver more content than certain modern blockbusters.
We will use HowLongToBeat as our reference for estimated completion times, focusing solely on games from the fifth generation of consoles or earlier.
10
Diablo 2
Completion Time: 241 Hours
If you’ve ever spent time with action RPGs (ARPGs), you’ll be familiar with a common theme: the true game begins after completing the main storyline. You might blast through Diablo 2’s narrative in about thirty hours, but that’s just the beginning.
While it might not offer the endless possibilities of modern ARPGs, Diablo 2 still provides numerous foes to defeat, formidable bosses to conquer, valuable loot to acquire, and intense hardcore modes for those seeking the ultimate challenge.
Thanks to Diablo II: Resurrected, this game remains popular and frequently played, demonstrating its enduring status among ARPG masterpieces despite its age.
Some would even contend that Diablo II remains the pinnacle of the series, and considering Activision Blizzard’s tendency to upset longtime fans, that perspective is difficult to dispute.
9
Harvest Moon: Back to Nature
Completion Time: 196 Hours
While those familiar with modern farming simulators might describe them as relaxed and casual games, seasoned virtual farmers know better. These games are vast and demanding, requiring a committed mindset to achieve true completion.
Harvest Moon 64 is no different. Players must pass their evaluation, upgrade their farm to the fullest extent, complete their photo album, socialize and romance, acquire all animals and tools, and amass a fortune beyond their wildest dreams.
Achieving this demands diligent time management, automation of your farm, and possibly the creation of spreadsheets to keep everything organized. It’s humble work, but it is honest.
8
Digimon World
Completion Time: 113 Hours
In the 1990s, a particular monster-collecting franchise took the world by storm, leaving limited room for competitors. Against all odds, the Digimon series carved out its own niche, leading to outstanding games like Digimon World.
Admittedly, Digimon World shows minimal interest in tutorializing or onboarding players, throwing you into the deep end. However, those who persevere will discover a deep and enjoyable creature-taming adventure.
While completing the story might take around 30 hours, completionists can maximize their experience in File City by finding all Digimon and triggering every Digivolution, mastering mini-games, collecting rare items, and maxing out stats.
Be warned, this involves some grinding, but what worthwhile JRPG doesn’t? Embrace the grind and dive into this futuristic retro title.
7
Gran Turismo 2
Completion Time: 102 Hours
If you crave an arcade racer brimming with high-speed action where over-the-top racing is paramount, titles like Burnout and Ridge Racer will satisfy your needs. However, for a true-to-life racing experience, Gran Turismo has always been the premier choice.
Offering over 600 cars to amass in your garage, a vast array of tracks to conquer, and a licensing system that demands mastery behind the wheel, it culminates in a racing simulation that was unparalleled during the PSX era.
With the inclusion of a simulation mode, you essentially gained a second game, doubling your time on the track.
Only a true racing aficionado will achieve all the gold medals required for 100% completion, but if you have a need for speed and a desire to cross the finish line first, this game is highly recommended.