How do you balance your playtime between "retro" & current?

[CavZee]

This is a thread I've been thinking of posting for quite a while now. It's something I kind of struggle with and I wanted to see how everyone else handles it. This isn't necessarily about spending money between the two, so much as it is about finding time for it all.

I've got quite a wide range of gaming interests and I'm consistently looking up or discovering new series and types of games to get into. At the same time I've got current era and upcoming releases that catch my eye as well. The problem is juggling my time between it all.

One thing I try to do is stick to one "retro" console at a time in addition to my gaming habits on current platforms. I'll try and play 3-4 games on that system before I move on to another. Another thing I'll try to do is tie my retro gaming to an upcoming release that I'm excited for. An example would be how I played LTTP (for the first time I might add) in preparation for Skyward Sword's release a while back. Another example would be how I want to play through the Viewtiful Joe games before The Wonderful 101 due to the obvious similarities.

Now, I'm sure there's some of you who don't really keep up with current games at all. That's fine, but I really don't need you suggesting me to do the same, thanks. =P

So basically I was curious as to how some of you do it? Maybe even get some tips and suggestions for myself. I know I can't be the only one who at times, can feel a bit overwhelmed by all the gaming goodness there is to soak in from the past, present, and the future.

[Ghegs]

I just play whatever I feel like regardless of the game's age. I've been working on an arcade shmup from '91, played through Dust: An Elysian Tail a while ago, been finishing off the last races in Grid 2 every now and then when the mood strikes me, and I just got some Famicom games in the mail so I might delve into Sword Master. Or maybe that's a little further down the road.

I never think about in advance what's the next game I dedicate my serious gaming time into, it just happens. In fact, nothing kills my interest in a game faster than the "Okay, now I have to play this" -mentality. Just feels like forcefeeding myself.

[Erik_Twice]

I dunno, I just play the cool games.

[CavZee]

I just play whatever I feel like regardless of the game's age. I've been working on an arcade shmup from '91, played through Dust: An Elysian Tail a while ago, been finishing off the last races in Grid 2 every now and then when the mood strikes me, and I just got some Famicom games in the mail so I might delve into Sword Master. Or maybe that's a little further down the road.

I never think about in advance what's the next game I dedicate my serious gaming time into, it just happens. In fact, nothing kills my interest in a game faster than the "Okay, now I have to play this" -mentality. Just feels like forcefeeding myself.

I try not to turn gaming into a chore, don't get me wrong. I just like being a little organized when it comes to how I go about playing things. I don't really like hopping around between various systems too much for some reason.

I'd say my biggest problem is when there's a cool new game coming out that I haven't played it's prior installments. I almost always feel like I should play it's predecessors beforehand. Case in point would be Pikmin 3, Mario & Luigi: Dream Team, or the upcoming Ys game on Vita.

[SpoonyBard]

Usually I try to play whatever i've recently purchased. Most of my retro systems are on a shelf, so when I pick up retro stuff, I usually try to go through a few games on the system at a time so it's more worthwhile. I don't deliberately devote my time to playing just "new" or "old" games, I just play what i'm interested in going through at the time. I'll spend two months on my PS3, then I won't even power it on while I play my Genesis for a month.

[RyaNtheSlayA]

I mostly just play what I feel like. Generally, that equates to 90% modern games and then maybe I'll play a little retro stuff in an emulator on the side if I only have a few minutes to waste. Retro games are better for that as a general rule.

[fastbilly1]

I play what I feel like. Sometimes I feel like playing a Genesis game, some times a Wii game. Honestly my likes change based on the seasons. ie. Once we get a good crisp fall smell in the air, I want to play a JRPG.

[ZenErik]

It's pretty easy since I've been playing current games 90% of the time lately. What do we consider retro, btw? I mean, just played Muramasa Rebirth. A Vita remake of a Wii game. Is that retro? And I have some PSP games on my Vita. Recently played the first Prinny game. And am planning to play Disgaea 1 and ZHP on it soon.

[FerretGamer]

I dunno, I just play the cool games.

Pretty much this. It's weird though because I've beaten about 28-29 games this year and looking at the list it is actually 50% retro and 50% modern games. Weird, I guess I just naturally like having a balance between the old stuff and the new.

[TheRev]

I just play whatever.