So many games to try, so little time to do it… We always want to try new things, and end up leaving behind what we used to love. Is it that easy to go back to a game you’ve already finished? Let’s find out!
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I've got a very simple rule for this.
If it doesn't affect my mood in any way and/or affects it negatively (before/while playing)? Then I stop playing and go for the next one.
And yes, this also goes for "muh childhood" games.
For longer games, if I replay them it will be immediately after my first playthrough, and even if I found a game to be really fun the first time, for me there has to be enough variety on the second time through to warrant putting in the time. One game mentioned in the article, Fire Emblem Three Houses, is a great example of this. Completing one path can take upwards of 50-70 hours on its own, and there are four paths available. However, each path is so unique, with completely different units, maps and story, that it's like a brand new game every time, which prevents any potential experience of monotony someone might have from doing a repetitive action ad nauseam or seeing a certain cutscene for the billionth time. Games that allow for a big variety of character builds/loadouts or party configurations can let players try a bunch of new things to play through the game in a fresh new way, even if levels and story are essentially the same. Playing the three different runs in Undertale is another example of a game that can provide vastly different experiences based on player choices and actions, allowing for great replay value for your time. New Game + modes can also help cut down time investment depending on the bonuses you can carry over.
The games I come back to for replays years after the first time or that I go in on remakes for, though, are the ones that don't require a lot of time or effort from me to get through, those comfort games I know like the back of my hand and can beat in one sitting. The standout one for me in that regard is Sonic 2. I've played that game since childhood, I know all the secret stuff to find and all the best pathways, but there is still something about it that scratches that platformer itch and is just long enough to get good enjoyment from it and put it down satisfied when I get through it without it being the majority of my day. If I want to mix it up, there are a billion and one remakes and mods that I can choose to change things up just enough to prevent it feeling stale. As a working adult, it's games like that that have the highest and most lasting replay value for me.
