Five Brief Games for the Busy Gamer

Lately, due to both work-related time constraints and the general busyness of life I've found that, despite my best efforts, I've become what I've always feared…a slightly less than hardcore gamer. It's not that I'm losing interest in gaming, but rather, I'm running short of time in which to play games. As such, here are five quality games that even the busiest gamer can find time to play. Why five and not ten? I only had enough time to list five.

5 - Chat Noir: There are two types of people in this world: cat people and non-cat people. I own a cat and, as such, am qualified to say with 100% certainty that I am not a cat person. Why own a cat when you could just get a condescending and lazy roommate who likes to stab you every now and then? Turn the tables on your favorite feline and trap the cat--it's just as fun as annoying a real cat, but without the inconvenient lacerations. A hint: it’s more difficult than it looks, although after a few losses, effective strategies will emerge.

4 - Filler: Similar in concept to Qix and just as addicting.

3 - Boomshine: Not really a puzzle game, not quite a strategy game, yet undeniably entertaining—especially once you reach the higher levels. Also, surprisingly enough, the music is excellent.

2 - Building Houses: I’ve always enjoyed logic puzzles and optical illusions. Put those two together and you get Building Houses. Not so much a game as a spatial geometry exam. Yet, for some reason, it's fun.

1 - Passage: If you’ve never heard of this game, download and play it to completion immediately (don’t worry, it’s very short…almost too short). Artful and imaginative, Passage proves beyond the shadow of a doubt that simplicity and perfection often run parallel. If you’re interested in the creator Jason Rohrer’s take, read his statement about the game.

Will playing these games make up for the fact that, after purchasing Dragon Warrior VII at launch, I still haven’t completed it, or the fact that Metal Gear Solid 3 sits on my shelf as of yet unplayed? Of course not, but these five games are fun distractions that fit comfortably into those brief moments during the day when I have a spare moment and serve to remind me why I started playing video games in the first place.

Fun.

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