If I recall correctly in the Hitchhiker's Guide game:
You're given a time limit in the beginning as Arthur to escape before Earth is blown up. During this time you can also collect things in your house. Late into the game, the ship breaks down and you'll need something to repair it. You need to have every item you could have collected in the beginning, otherwise you'll be asked for an item you don't have and the game will be unwinnable.