Am I not playing the games in my backlog or is this just a lucid dream?

24 Mar 06

It's Friday again and I didn't get nearly as much done as I wanted. It's similar to my gaming backlog. I should point out that I'm a floating gamer. I play a game for an initial window then if it hasn't completely captivated me, I tend to move on with the vague intention of completing the game 'sometime.' I have a huge backlog. If I had a year off with absolutely no other responsibilities, I might be able to finish it.

Part of the problem is filler in games. There will be parts of almost any game that feel exactly like parts you've already played. Sometimes developers are trying to avoid the dreaded 'short' curse. Sometimes they run out of creativity. Sometimes they just run out of time. To me filler is like radiation. I can only take so much before it becomes toxic to my enjoyment of the game. Also like radiation, I can't just take a break and come back for more. Once it's built up, it stays that way.

Another problem is pacing. It must be harder to get this right in games than in any other medium. After all, any freedom you give the player can throw it off. Unless the gameplay is completely compelling, narrative is usually what drives you along. Some games throw a completely different mission type, or a new chapter with a different feel, or you get a long stretch with no narrative or even hints of one. Once I feel that disconnect from the story, it's amazing how easy it is to put the game down.

Of course, the biggest problem is me. I'll get distracted by some shiny new thing. I'll have some work to do. I'll read a post somewhere about a great game that I have in the backlog and start playing it again. I'll make a trade for a game or find a great clearance deal. Next thing you know, the game I was trying to play is down at the bottom of the pile.

I really shouldn't complain though. I have fun gaming. I always have something to play that fits the mood. So what if I don't finish all my games? I have limited game time. I try to avoid making gaming feel like a chore. To be honest, a bunch of the games are in the backlog because they weren't good enough to earn more play time. Life's too short to make yourself suffer through bad games.

Jason