Considering a Backlog Cleansing

[noiseredux]

We have a lot of topics on Collecting Vs Gaming, game-hoarding and ridiculous backlogs too big for our lifelines, so forgive me for starting this new thread. Though it surely overlaps with some of those, this is something specific I've been thinking about lately. Well, really more and more for the past year I've been trying to trim the fat from my collection. The idea is that while I love collecting, it's also hard because I find I can't help feeling this need to own games... that I don't even like.

1. The Series Problem

This is probably the worst offender, as it plays in to my OCD quite heavily. It's that thing where you like some games from a series so then you need to have them all. You feel 'wrong' if you look at your shelf and see Game Part 1, 2, 4 and 5 but no 3.

Example:

Final Fantasy is maybe the easiest one to admit. Man, I love a lot of FF games, but not all of them. I had a blast playing through the first game recently, but found the second to be an absolute chore to attempt. So why is FF II still sitting on my shelf? Why can't I let go of it?


2. The Genre Problem

Here's another issue - favorite genres. It's so easy to want to support new games of a genre you like. So you buy those games to 'vote with your wallet.' But what happens when you don't actually like the game?

Example:

Shmups. Man I love shmups. But (tbh) not every single one of them ever made. How about this? I hate Last Hope (sorry, dunpeal). I hated it the first time I played it. Yet, I've held on to it for like 3 years. Why? Because it's a shmup. An even worse offender is Dux, another game I hated right from the first time I fired it up. Not only do I still have it (and have had it even longer than Last Hope), but I even have Dux 1.5 as well. What is wrong with me?


3. The Re-Release Problem

This is of course more a problem of redundancy. I'm actually slightly better with this issue than others. It's when you own GAME X on PS1 but then it gets ported to PSP and you figure it would be nice to play on the go so then you buy that one too. And then it gets an HD remake on PS3 along with its sequel, so now you've got several versions of it.

Example:

Dead or Alive. I've owned so many versions of these games, it's kind of nuts. But it is a favorite of mine, so can't help but be curious the changes in each version. That said I was able to get rid of the US version on DC and the PS2 version. But I still own it on Xbox and the JPN LE on DC. The first game I got rid of on PS1 but still own the Xbox and Saturn versions. Do I really need multiple ports?

4. The History Problem

This is of course where the collecting itch is our own worst enemy. I guarantee 9 out of 10 of you own a game that you (A) don't like or (B) have no interest in actually playing because it has some sort of importance in the history of the medium.

Example:

Wing Commander. We played it for TR and it bored me to tears. Yet it's still sitting here.


5. The "Rarity" Problem

This is where we don't necessarily like a game, but we're scared to get rid of it because it's deemed (A) Rare or (B) Expensive - this is another OCD thing I think, where your concerned that should you change your mind it won't be an easy game to replace.

Example:

I suppose Last Hope could apply here as well. See #2 above.


6. The Curio Problem

This might be more a personal thing but I often collect games that are deemed really bad. I can't help but have a lot of fun looking into bafflingly bad games.

Example:

Street Fighter The Movie The Game. I had always wanted to see how bad it is, as I'm a huge SF fan. Well, it's really bad. I couldn't even force myself to finish the arcade mode. Just horrible. But... it says "Street Fighter" on the box! I can't get rid of it! (?) Another example might be BMX XXX. I picked it up based solely on its infamy, but I've never really had any desire to play the thing.


7. The Everybody Likes It Problem

And last, this one is similar to The History Problem, but it's maybe when a more recent game gets rave reviews so you feel you should try it. But instead you buy it, and know that you'll never really have an interest.

Example:

Dead Island. This got great reviews. I do like zombies. The screens of the tropical locale are beautiful. Yet I really don't see myself wanting to play this game.


Conclusion (if there is one)

It might be time to clean things up. Make room on the shelf for games that I actually like. Of course, as outlined above, the OCD in me is pretty difficult to overcome. I try to imagine a collection filled with games that I consider to be awesome regardless of glaring omissions of classics that make me sleepy.

One way to go about this might be to start thinking of games (I seriously hate saying this) by score. Maybe make piles of all these games and starting giving them an hour to try to wow me. An hour to prove they deserve to stay on the shelf. It'll be a Pass/Fail system.

I don't know, y'all.

[dsheinem]

I have these same collecting issues (especially the genre and series ones), but I guess I end up figuring that I don't really have any good reason to get rid of them. Is space that much of an issue for you at this point already in your new game room that you need to start clearing stuff out? If not, I'd say just hold on to the stuff. I think your OCD will thank you.

The other option, of course, is to start going digital where you can. I know you hate that, but I've been happy to sell a physical game that I was kind of "meh" about anyway, replace it with the digital version, and have enough left over to pick up a physical game I actually want.

[prfsnl_gmr]

You have pretty much described how I collect games. I enjoy hunting down games and adding them to my collection just as much as playing them; so, this is not really a problem for me. That said...I also own a bunch of games that I do not like very much. (Seriously...I just picked up Ninjabread Man and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer for the Wii...)

Also, my family lives in a historic bungalow...which was cavernous when it was just my wife and me. Now that we have two children, however, storage space is at a premium. I have nonetheless found ways to pack up some of my collections so that they are: (1) safe; and (2) out of the way. I also anticipate moving into a larger house in the next few years; so, I should have more room for my collection then.

[AppleQueso]

I've considered this sort of collection trimming, but I've always had trouble dealing with the fact that 90 percent of the time when I sell a game, I end up regretting it later for one reason or another. I kinda feel like I'd rather have a bit of collection "fat" than deal with the potential headaches of trying to re-acquire games that I once sold off.

This is only vaguely related, but you know, I've always liked really focused game collections. Someone with every fighting game or shmup they can get their hands on, or someone with a full library and a ton of accessories relating to a specific system for example. Just something about that has always seemed really appealing.

[noiseredux]

Is space that much of an issue for you at this point already in your new game room that you need to start clearing stuff out?

Nope. I now have plenty of space. It's more - again - my OCD. If I think about a game that I know I really like and don't have (say Wind Waker), then it starts to really bother me that instead I own a bunch of games that I don't even like. I think I see it as wasted $ sitting on my shelves.

The other option, of course, is to start going digital where you can.

Fuck that. You're talking to a guy who will import a $40+ physical copy of a game just so I don't have to download the cheaper version from US PSN/XBLA.

You have pretty much described how I collect games.

Yup, I knew you'd feel me on that one!

That one only half-applies though. I mean, a lot of the "bad games" I collect I actually do find enjoyable. There's enough laughs to be had with a drunken session of Marky Mark Make My Video to deem it a keeper, y'know?

This is only vaguely related, but you know, I've always liked really focused game collections. Someone with every fighting game or shmup they can get their hands on, or someone with a full library and a ton of accessories relating to a specific system for example. Just something about that has always seemed really appealing.

Me too, but again I run into problems with that. Everytime I've tried to focus on a single console I end up selling off really good games for other consoles to buy really bad games for the one I'm focused on.

That's why nowadays I'm trying to not focus on any console in particular, and aiming for just games I actually want to play.

[Xeogred]

Sounds like you should just stop selling games if you keep regretting it. I've been far happier since I stopped ages ago.

Dunno, I feel like none of those points apply to me and my collection. I overlap a lot sometimes with the re-releases and compilations, but I don't really care since it gives me more access to the games on multiple platforms usually, and is more convenient having an entire set on one disc or something.

Kind of what ds is saying about digital though, I have been thinking of buying some stuff cheaper on the PSN store lately or whatnot and if I like them, I wouldn't mind getting physical copies afterwards. Using the cheaper digital releases to demo them out.

Nowadays I separate my beaten games and unplayed ones on my shelf though. So I can admit it's added up a bit (especially PSX/PS2), but other than that it's not too bad. For the 360 and PS3, I just threw in some small blank CD case for a "divider" between beaten and untouched stuff. I don't know if anyone else here does something similar, it's so simple, but it honestly helps keep me focused and organized a bit more haha.

Also maybe consider buying a new car? Then you'll be forced to be more selective with your purchases.

[BoneSnapDeez]

This is basically how I collect too. Some examples...

1. The Series Problem
Currently trying to finish up my Ys and Final Fantasy collections. Hell, I have the WonderSwan Color version of FFI in transit to my house right now. I own FFXI and XIV despite having no interest in MMOs (and my internet is too slow to even play them effectively)! And not owning Tales of Destiny II (Tales of Eternia) has bugged me for ages as I own the rest of the North American releases. The price of the game is just too damn high.

2. The Genre Problem
I want to fill my collection with a wide variety of JRPGs, both classic and modern. I just purchased Time and Eternity despite abysmal reviews.

3. The Re-Release Problem
Final Fantasy IV... Lunar: The Silver Star... Ys Book I & II...

4. The History Problem
Lots of the "classic" games I played as a kid are actually pretty bad - stuff like Athena, Bad Dudes, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Karate Champ. Those games will never leave my collection though.

5. The "Rarity" Problem
I can't think of any rare games in my collection that I don't also enjoy playing... I do have some rare consoles though that are just collecting dust.

6. The Curio Problem
See my multiple ports of Winter Games.

7. The Everybody Likes It Problem
I keep buying these Elder Scrolls and Mass Effect games, even though I find them to be pretty average. Maybe the next one will blow me away!

I'm not so sure I would consider any of these "problems" though - you need some focus when collecting.

[noiseredux]

Sounds like you should just stop selling games if you keep regretting it. I've been far happier since I stopped ages ago.

I've thought about this, but more than anything it seems my problem is not being selective enough for what games I buy (or trade for).

Dunno, I feel like none of those points apply to me and my collection. I overlap a lot sometimes with the re-releases and compilations, but I don't really care since it gives me more access to the games on multiple platforms usually, and is more convenient having an entire set on one disc or something.

Honestly, I generally prefer re-releases and compilations. I'd rather have Symphony of the Night on the 360 Konami collection than on PS1 for instance. It's cheaper, looks great, and comes with two other games. Win, win, win.

Nowadays I separate my beaten games and unplayed ones on my shelf though. So I can admit it's added up a bit (especially PSX/PS2), but other than that it's not too bad. For the 360 and PS3, I just threw in some small blank CD case for a "divider" between beaten and untouched stuff. I don't know if anyone else here does something similar, it's so simple, but it honestly helps keep me focused and organized a bit more haha.

That's actually a kind of awesome idea. Having a section for Unplayed and another for Keepers maybe? If I'm not sure what to play, just start digging into the Unplayed side and see if they should be promoted to Keepers?

[dsheinem]

Fuck that. You're talking to a guy who will import a $40+ physical copy of a game just so I don't have to download the cheaper version from US PSN/XBLA.

Sure, but importing a Japanese physical release fills the "rare" need in your OCD, so that makes sense. I've imported things for the same reason. By contrast, something like FF2 is sometimes like $4-$5 on the PSN, and you could sell your PSP copy for twice that. Something like Dead Island is often under $5 on Steam, yet you have it sitting on your shelf because...why? It's not like you wouldn't be able to pick up the physical version of these games for cheap later if you change your mind. Perhaps you can consider cheap digital versions a way to "try out" a game you aren't sure you'll love, and then if you fall in love with it buy a cheap physical copy to stick it on your shelf later. If you have the game on your shelf already, it is a way to get some profit from it without losing the right to play it.

[Xeogred]

Nowadays I separate my beaten games and unplayed ones on my shelf though. So I can admit it's added up a bit (especially PSX/PS2), but other than that it's not too bad. For the 360 and PS3, I just threw in some small blank CD case for a "divider" between beaten and untouched stuff. I don't know if anyone else here does something similar, it's so simple, but it honestly helps keep me focused and organized a bit more haha.

That's actually a kind of awesome idea. Having a section for Unplayed and another for Keepers maybe? If I'm not sure what to play, just start digging into the Unplayed side and see if they should be promoted to Keepers?

Haha, yeah it's pretty silly, but it honestly feels awesome taking one of those games off the shelf, beating it, and then putting it back up on "the other side". Makes me feel more accomplished than simply updating my backloggery or whatever.

But now it hit me I am running into a silly issue right now, but I'm considering rebuying a handful of things I own on the 360, for the PS3. Not for trophies, but just because I've hilariously started to favor the PS3 this year and am predicting it'll be the one this gen I care to keep out and keep going back to years from now. Kind of "transferring" everything over. Already did it with Vanquish which I barely touched on the 360, but want to give another shot... and now got DMC4 as well (though I'll argue I want that there since I got the HD collection on the PS3, for consistency sake and the controller). I'm thinking of getting SoTN for the 3rd time (have it on the PSX and XBLA). But yeah like I want to rebuy the Dead Space games, Mass Effect, and some of my other favorites... for no major reason other than maybe a silly excuse to replay them and experience them on a different console.

Oh well, lol. This has been the case sometimes all the way back to the Genesis and SNES for me, so nothing totally new I guess. I can be selective with this and often don't have a problem rebuying or owning multiple versions of some of my favorite picks, never really regret it.

I guess the "transferring" thing applies to the PC a lot for me as well... but I'd argue this is slightly different, since here you can sometimes have access to mods, and there's a 99% chance the PC version will always be technically superior in a lot of ways. I'll always be more of a console guy, but when it comes to FPS's and some other exceptions I don't mind getting stuff again on the PC for an "upgraded" experience.