I’ve played a diverse set of incremental games. I can certainly see where you’re coming from. Many follow the same or similar formula and don’t add enough interesting story or other elements. Eventually, or sometimes very quickly, become boring.

There are some good ones out there too, though. That add a story and continuous progression, or a spin on or focus on gameplay over the incremental progression system.

I recently played The Last Cat in the Universe, which is only two hours long. So “for an hour or two” can end while it’s still good. :)