That unfortunate "In-Between Games" stage

[Wispmage]

I know I can't be the only gamer who deals with this problem. I've got over 200 games, yet despite the huge selection and wide array of choices, I can't seem to find one that I can get invested in. Most of the time, I have a particular game that I can't wait to play, and that I go straight to whenever I have more than an hour free.

But as of late, I find myself in that dreaded "in-between games" stage, where I'm racked with indecision and can't find a game that I can get into to save my life. When I find myself in this gaming limbo of-sorts, I usually try to figure out what genre of game I want to play, then I narrow it down to a few titles that peak my interest. However, after trying this method recently, it's becoming clear that it's failing to deliver. I know I could just close my eyes and pick a game from my library, but that doesn't usually deliver the invested experience I'm looking for either. So my question to you is this: when you find yourself in my position, what steps do you take to get out of it?

[Ack]

I know I can't be the only gamer who deals with this problem. I've got over 200 games, yet despite the huge selection and wide array of choices, I can't seem to find one that I can get invested in. Most of the time, I have a particular game that I can't wait to play, and that I go straight to whenever I have more than an hour free.

But as of late, I find myself in that dreaded "in-between games" stage, where I'm racked with indecision and can't find a game that I can get into to save my life. When I find myself in this gaming limbo of-sorts, I usually try to figure out what genre of game I want to play, then I narrow it down to a few titles that peak my interest. However, after trying this method recently, it's becoming clear that it's failing to deliver. I know I could just close my eyes and pick a game from my library, but that doesn't usually deliver the invested experience I'm looking for either. So my question to you is this: when you find yourself in my position, what steps do you take to get out of it?

We actually have threads about this, but it seems the best thing to do is actually quite simple: ask us.

And you're playing Donkey Kong Country 3 next. You have to complete the set.

[Wispmage]

And you're playing Donkey Kong Country 3 next. You have to complete the set.

Haha that's a possibility, though I have to admit, after playing through the first two, the third seems a bit lacking. I've gotten about an hour or two into it, so perhaps I'll pick it up again.

Oh, and if there's a more appropriate preexisting thread that my posts belongs in, feel free to move it accordingly.

[Ack]

And you're playing Donkey Kong Country 3 next. You have to complete the set.

Haha that's a possibility, though I have to admit, after playing through the first two, the third seems a bit lacking. I've gotten about an hour or two into it, so perhaps I'll pick it up again.

Do it! Truth is, I played through it last year, and the first only a few weeks ago. While it may be a little lacking in some departments, DKC3 offers a few features which helped the completionist in me, such as markers for showing whether all secrets had been uncovered. Also, I appreciated the open world design which allows for some progression at your own pace in different areas. It's still a fantastic game.

[Wispmage]

The markers denoting completion progress is pretty cool, nice to see they added that. And the open-world aspect threw me completely when I first played it, but I can see how I might get used to it eventually.

And for what it's worth, the four games I've been considering are a second play through of Red Dead Redemption (lost my 100% complete file to save corruption ), a fourth play through of Resident Evil 4 (one of my all time favorite games, that I haven't played in years), Dishonored (I've never gotten farther than an hour or two in, and I love stealth games), or Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles (which I've put a lot of hours into, but have never actually beaten). Any comments or suggestions that will tip the scales are more than welcome.

[graffix_13]

This happens to me a lot. How do I 'fix' it? Well, here's what I do: I pick a genre that I either have never played or haven't played in a LONG time.

For example, I don't play racing games. But awhile ago I was in this "in-between" rut and I needed something to kick start me out of it. So I decided I was going to play a racing game. I did some reseach and the best one/one that appealed to me the most was Burnout Paradise. I played that for awhile (after I received my plat trophy) and BOOM. That brought me out of it.

I don't know what it is. Playing something totally new gives me a refreshed interest in games, PLUS I get to play games/genres I normally wouldn't have any interest in.

[Ack]

The markers denoting completion progress is pretty cool, nice to see they added that. And the open-world aspect threw me completely when I first played it, but I can see how I might get used to it eventually.

And for what it's worth, the four games I've been considering are a second play through of Red Dead Redemption (lost my 100% complete file to save corruption ), a fourth play through of Resident Evil 4 (one of my all time favorite games, that I haven't played in years), Dishonored (I've never gotten farther than an hour or two in, and I love stealth games), or Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles (which I've put a lot of hours into, but have never actually beaten). Any comments or suggestions that will tip the scales are more than welcome.

Of those, I'd say don't worry about replaying older games you've beaten before. I know you enjoy those titles, but you've got so many others, and for all you know, there might be more diamonds hidden in that backlog! As for Dishonored, I couldn't say, but as I recall, Crystal Chronicles is much better when played with others. So...have fun with Dishonored!

[ZeroAX]

I second DKC3. Even though 2 is better, 3 is my favorite in the series. And I think it's way better than the original game which I never understand why, gets a free pass from many people, despite its many shortcomings.

[Wispmage]

Well, after trying out a few games, I ended up deciding to start Dishonored over, and thankfully I'm finding it more enjoyable this time. My girlfriend and I also started a joint Ocarina of Time file using my Master Quest copy, since neither of us have actually beaten it. Looks like I've finally gotten out of game limbo... for now. Thanks for the suggestions guys, and for what it's worth, I think DKC3 will be next on my list.

[Xeogred]

Yeah the whole DKC trilogy is incredible. People might have their favorites (original for me actually), but the whole series was fantastic. 2-3 definitely had a lot of content and stuff to find/unlock.

I can't say I ever really feel I hit "slumps" with my hobbies, but I alternate without really thinking about it. One week I might be heavy on watching anime or whatever, the next it's games, rinse and repeat. I dunno, guess I have a good balance and a decent sized library for both to keep me busy when the mood strikes.

I definitely have a lot of games I haven't touched yet, but not enough to feel overwhelmed. So that probably helps too.