This is partially a rant, partially a question and partially a commitment device.
Earlier today I was thinking about how much I liked HL2 and didn’t like Doom 2016 when it dawned on me. Sure, the moment to moment gameplay of HL2 feels tighter and the level variety is much greater; but the thing I enjoyed about it the most was the complete lack of optional content.
In HL2 here’s no score, no collectibles, no upgrades and no side objectives. You play with the tools given to you in the way you find the most fun. Doom 2016 not only has those things, but they’re not even restricted to a end of the level screen like the original Doom. You actually have to do optional objectives if you want to upgrade your weapons! So I played most of it with the long list of things I needed to do before finishing the level constantly occupying my mind.
Recently I started playing 2 new games, both of which I just realized I’m doing similar things in: Meteo Exodus and Lego Skywalker Saga. With Metro, I had a guide detailing the places of collectibles open from the moment I stated playing. This was out of habit, I played the previous 2 games the same way because I hated to see “not found” in place of a journal entry. But this game seems to place the entries in much more obvious spots compared to those two, and it’s obviously supposed to be an exploration game.
With Lego, I was playing the story with minimal exploration because I knew some secrets would be unattainable without freeplay so if I want them I will need to replay the level anyways. But I also know from experience that exploring as you go is the most fun part…
So I guess the question is, what should I do? Go on as I’ve been or somehow overcome the urge? If so, how?
I kind of think the solution to this problem is modding. Like to make the progression system of Doom 2016 be only based on which level you’re in, unlock all diary entries you haven’t found when finishing a level in Metro, or have freeplay powers the first time you play a level in Lego.
What do you think?
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Honestly, I think it sounds like those games just aren’t that much fun to you. It sounds like that particular gameplay loop feels more like a checklist of chores instead of a day at the playground. And that’s perfectly fine. Nobody is requiring you have a good time while you play Metro Exodus.
Personally, I don’t like those kinds of games either, and it took me a while to realize it too. Assassin’s Creed, Bioshock, Farcry, the Wolfenstein remakes, Dying Light, they all feel like the same bland slop after a while, just with slightly different paint. It’s chasing map markers, ticking boxes, and filling up bars, all rather tedious stuff, with just enough gameplay sprinkled in to keep you engaged until the next room.
If you’re really determined to find a way to like those games (and you really don’t have to, there are plenty of games without those things) I would suggest playing games and coming up with your own challenges, missions, or new ways to play them. Play Jak 3, go into the wasteland with no vehicle and role play Mad Max or something. By doing this, maybe you’ll find ways to make your own fun you can apply to those other titles.
It’s not that I don’t like Metro, being obsessed with collectibles is an annoyance but not a deal breaker as the rest of the gameplay is solid. Collectathons are some of my favorite genres, I love seeing what percentage of the things I’ve collected and getting that number to 100. I’m wondering though if I’m taking it too far and approaching all games with that mindset
Sounds like maybe, yeah. At the end of the day, games should be fun. If you’re not having fun, you can either change the game or the way you play it. It sounds like you’re sure the game isn’t the problem, so let’s think about different ways you might be able to play it.
When it comes to these things, controlled, intentional overexposure can sometimes lead to desensitization. Maybe try playing the game and figuring out all the things you can do without increasing the progress bar? Maybe try to role play a scenario you invent? Maybe finding ways to enjoy the game without focusing on the completion percentage will remind you why you enjoy the game?
Another option might be to give yourself a new goal. That way, the fun you have comes from you and not the game. Maybe spend some time testing boundaries and seeing if you can glitch out of the map?
This is one of the reasons I hated NieR: Automata and struggle with similar action RPGs.
If I decide to play an action game, I want nonstop action. You fuck with the pace with shit like that or have me pull up a map to locate the next progression point and you can fuck right off.
My solution is simple: I only play linear action games—Bayonetta, The Wonderful 101, Ninja Gaiden 2, God Hand… etc.
Luckily, the indie tide found its way to the action genre shore and we’ve been eating good recently: Homura Hime, Genokids, Spirit X Strike, Kings of Hell… etc.
Good number of games on the horizon too: Kirk Mephisto, Enenra, Mightreya, Forastero… etc.
I guess my advice is: stand by your standards and play only the games you like.
Yeah, it’s a pacing thing for me too. Ace Combat 4 was great because the next most expensive plane was the next best plane, it had whatever weapons it came with, and its role was clear. Ace Combat 7 had this crazy upgrade tree, aircraft upgrades, different sub weapons; too many choices, I want to fly planes and blow shit up, not make a spreadsheet to figure out the optimal upgrade path or ideal plane for the next mission
Some games struggle to embrace their selling point. Maybe in a misguided pursuit of mass appeal by covering as much ground as possible, or lack of focus during planning/development. Either way, I’d like to see it happen less often overall.
I’m like you and I do this to counteract my behavior: I force myself to play the game as it comes.
My promise to myself is that when I make it to the ending, I’ll go back on New Game+ or on a fresh run to collect things on a completionist run.
What I’ve found is that few games are good enough to make me come back and finish again just for collectibles.
Over time, it’s rewired my habits and now I have way more fun just organically playing games.
You don’t need to play games you don’t like. You should not need to modify a game to make it tollerable for yourself. Just because others like it does not mean it is everyone’s cup of tea. There have been many popular games that I don’t like and I don’t play them.
Perhaps I worded it too strongly in the post. I didn’t not like Doom 2016 while playing it, I’m easy to satisfy. It’s just that when I recall my experience with it what I remember the most is the checklists I was trying to complete and restraining myself from killing demons in wrong ways. Which makes me think I was focusing on the wrong thing
You should play Titanium Court, it might be the antidote you need. I can’t really say more without spoilers, in fact I’ve already spoiled too much by even saying this, probably.
Noted, will play once I buy it on a deeper sale
It’s not for everyone so if you bounce off it don’t worry about it. For me it’s one of my favourite games of this year, and one of the games that most made me think about how I play games. I’ve called it “Undertale for adults” before.
So it’s too late to play undertale? 🥲 /hj
I mean, your mileage may vary. A lot of people really love it and I’m sure some of them did play it for the first time as adults. It didn’t really land with me and I felt completely out of step with a lot of the humour and writing and the “oh look, so quirky” personally. I felt that if I played it when I was like 15 I’d probably think it’s the best game ever, so that’s why I put it like that. And also I just love a snarky comment I guess haha. It has great music though.
Titanium Court meanwhile felt more grown up in several ways, while still managing to be hilarious, surreal, silly and wild - in addition to being thought provoking and even emotional at times. I also personally thought the central message or point of Titanium Court was more interesting than Undertale, but I am treading dangerous water here in terms of spoilers. I’ve already spoiled too much by saying there even is a point. Both these games should be played as blind as possible.
In my experience, the best way to change your gaming habits is to play games which strongly oppose said habits or even make them impossible. At least, that’s how I stopped save-scumming in games.
I don’t know what games you like. From the post it seems like you enjoy FPSes but I unfortunately not familiar enough with the genre to recommend anything. I guess Hexen Beyond Heretic fits your needs?
I like pretty much all genres, if you have a particular suggestion in mind do tell <3
Dark Souls I (but no Dark Souls II, I’m not sure about the third) doesn’t engage your completionism that much. Although you would need to avoid online guides and wikis as well as Steam/PS/Xbox. The letter will generally be the case for all mentioned games.
Yume Nikki is a… weird “game”. More like experience honestly. The whole gameplay is taking a walk in dreamworlds and collect “effects”. There’s nothing beyond that really. Don’t read up on “events” on the wiki though.
Outer Wilds is another game with a focus on exploring and solving a great mystery. No collectibles, no optional challenges, no permanently skipable content.
NO-SKIN is pretty straightforward too.
Have you tried to just… not do all of those things? It’s a conscious choice to open up walkthroughs and checklists. Just… don’t. Play the games the way you enjoy playing them. I’ve personally never had any urge whatsoever to chase achievements. So believe me when I say that it’s completely possible.
If you find that you’re unable to do that, then it sounds like might be bordering on a compulsion. If you’re like that with other aspects of your life, perhaps you should talk with someone.
