Current Events > Games you enjoyed but did not/could not finish

(+) Yeah! (+)

Tomb Raider (ps1) - Great game once I got used to the controls. I read a lot about how revolutionary the grid system was, and yea I agree, the level of predictability and consistency it offers you for platforming is the only way a game like this couldve been done. The gunplay was pretty atrocious tho lol. I will say, though, it really respects the player a lot, and perhaps even expects too much from them. You need to balance puzzle solving, exploration, combat, item management, platforming and so much more all in one. Honestly a lot of games could be described like that, but here, every element is equally as tough and expects the player to be someone who is hyper-competent at video games. I hate to admit it, but this game kind of made me feel like Dean Takahashi at points, that dude who couldnt beat the tutorial in Cuphead. Bad at video games and kind of stupid. I feel like i had much more time and patience, it wouldve started coming together for me, so I will applaud the game for demanding the play to git gud and have some level of intelligence. The near-absence of background music made the moments when it did pop up that much more powerful in setting the tone, and the atmosphere in general was a strong suit. I played the first 5 or 6 Levels, and loved the atmosphere and wonder of what I played. Stopped at the Colosseum level. For simple caves there sure was a lot of variety. Reminded me of Journey to the Center of the Earth, with Brendan Fraser. Not sure what the reception of that movie was, but I loved it as a kid and the sense of wonder and discovery it put into me, the possibilities of what could possibly be there deep in the earth was exciting to me. Tomb Raider filled me with that same feeling. Eventually as the levels got more and more complex, it was kind of overwhelming, and I wouldve either been at this game for literal months, or would have to follow a video walkthrough, and at that point, there wouldnt really be a reason to play myself, imo. Dungeons in Zelda games seem like hand-holding guided tours compared to Tomb Raider. Once I conceded that I wouldnt beat this game, I put it down and watched a quick long play on YouTube on 2x speed. And yes considering the stunts, navigation, and puzzle-solving needed to just beat the game, I would not have gotten through it any time soon. Some of the stuff seems like thing required to find secrets and hidden Easter eggs, but nope, its literally just progression through the game. Im gonna check out TR Anniversary cuz I feel like this game would really benefit from features like a map and other features that Anniversary might offer. Havent looked into it yet, though. Anyways, this is a real gamers game, and if you beat this, kudos. The longplay was about 8hrs, but thats with the dude playing full speed and knowing exactly what to do and in what order for maximum efficiency. A kid getting this on Christmas morning could easily spend 50+ hours on this game and not even be done with it.

Disco Elysium because of the walls of text this topic reminds me of.

Dragon Quest II (SNES) - I was actually really close to beating this game, was basically almost done. I cant remember all the details correctly, but I had collected all the orbs and was basically ready for the final dungeon and boss, I was just making my way there. Theres a giant mountain/cave/labyrinth dungeon right before the castle where the final boss resides, and thats where I stopped playing. Not out of frustration over the cave dungeon or anything, although yes the cave was a mess. Moreso just because life got in the way and by the time I wouldve been able to pick the game back up, it had been like 2-3 weeks and all momentum and desire to continue had kind of disappeared. I had already experienced 90% of the game anyways so I was happy with the decision. But Ive still got the save file there so who knows, maybe if I ever have some time to kill Ill finish it up. As for the game itself, I thought it was good. I love those classic JRPGs with the *visit town, deal with corresponding problem/dungeon, move on and visit next town* structure. Final Fantasy 1 and Dragon Quest 3 being some of my favourite examples. DQ2 was more of that, and its also impressive how much bigger it is than DQ1, and its much-improved in a lot of ways, too. But would I recommend playing it? Honestly probably not, its not a bad game by any means but you wouldnt be missing out on anything special. In fact, Id actually recommend the first DQ over this one, due to its historical significance and the fact it can be beaten in like under 10hours, even on a first playthrough when you dont know what youre doing. Like I said, its a good game, and I might finish it, but I wouldnt replay it from scratch. Ive experienced what I needed to experience. Time to move on.

A Boy and His Blob. Playing the Vita version and hit some physics bug that I couldn't progress past no matter how many times I reloaded or restarted. Probably an oversight due to being the only person playing that game on the Vita lol

sabin017 posted...

Disco Elysium because of the walls of text this topic reminds me of.

lmao. Tbh I just spill my thoughts on games here, then copy/paste them into my Notes app so I have a journal of my gaming experiences. Since I write them for myself I figure might as well see if anyone wants to discuss/add something

Big Bang Mini (DS) - nothing too insightful to write here. Absolutely phenomenal game, great sound design and visuals, fun gameplay that builds on itself really well by introducing new projectiles, enemy types, etc., throughout the game at a steady pace. I just didnt beat all the levels. But this one is HIGHLY reccomended. Will continue to pick up when I have an itch to play until I slowly finish all the levels.

Witcher 3

Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire.

I really enjoyed what I played of it, and its story, but about 50 something hours in, the game kept crashing on me.

I started a new game, but I haven't had the motivation to play that much.

Elden Ring.

I guess my level of engagement started dying down once I hit the one capital.

Ninja Gaiden 2 (NES) - I actually played and beat the first Ninja Gaiden (and Castlevania 1 and 3, although they werent as bad), but this game was just too damn hard. Ended up watching a speed run of 2 and 3, as well as all the story cutscenes. The story was actually great and really comes together nicely at the end. I highly recommend anyone who hasnt, to watch the story cutscenes of Ninja Gaiden 1-3, its legitimately great. Even though I only got through the first one, I really appreciate what these 3 games did for gaming as a whole. The cinematic feel of the cutscenes was revolutionary. I dont know who directed the game/was in charge of the project, but they mustve been a movie lover. You could seriously make a trilogy of movies based on these games with a similar direction to the Indiana Jones movies, they would fit right in with other action/adventure movies at that time.

discodancer77 posted...

Ninja Gaiden 2 (NES) - I actually played and beat the first Ninja Gaiden (and Castlevania 1 and 3, although they werent as bad), but this game was just too damn hard. Ended up watching a speed run of 2 and 3, as well as all the story cutscenes. The story was actually great and really comes together nicely at the end. I highly recommend anyone who hasnt, to watch the story cutscenes of Ninja Gaiden 1-3, its legitimately great. Even though I only got through the first one, I really appreciate what these 3 games did for gaming as a whole. The cinematic feel of the cutscenes was revolutionary. I dont know who directed the game/was in charge of the project, but they mustve been a movie lover. You could seriously make a trilogy of movies based on these games with a similar direction to the Indiana Jones movies, they would fit right in with other action/adventure movies at that time.

I'm the exact opposite when it comes to Ninja Gaiden. I've beaten NG2 too many times to count, a few times without dying. I've beaten NG3 as well, although it was the SNES Ninja Gaiden Trilogy version where there wasn't a continue limit. It is still tough, because no matter how long any stage is there's no checkpoints at all.

NG1 is easy for the first 2/3 of the game. Act 5 it picks up a bit in difficulty and Act 6 goes completely insane. I've never beaten 1.

Im trying to beat Wall of Text Simulator atm, but it's kickin my ass.

If I couldn't finish a game despite trying to, it probably pissed me off to the point of non-enjoyment. I don't enjoy significant difficulty in games.

Cave Story (3DS eshop) - The original updated eshop port, not the poorly-received 3D remake. This one really hurts me because this game is an absolute 10/10 must play that you need to try if you havent already. Like DQ2, Im very close to the end, and still have my save file so I can pick it back up if I ever feel up to the task. I had the upgraded jet pack and had saved Curly Brace, both of which are required for the true ending. The reason I couldnt finish it? Its just too damn hard. I had climbed the outside of the tower/island instead of flying away and ending the game early. Found the Mimiga slave plantation and did everything there, restored Curlys memory, etc. Im basically saved in front of the cave that resets all your weapon levels to 1 before entering. Having all the true ending requirements makes the cave way harder, and after a couple days worth of attempts, I had to accept that I just couldnt beat it. Great game and like Dragon Quest 1, I recommend everyone try it, not only because of the amazing gameplay, atmosphere and music, but also for its historical significance. This is literally THE first indie game, made by one dude in his free time, who goes by the pseudonym Pixel. What a weird and imaginative game. This ones a must play, but sadly I couldnt beat it (yet). Ill definitely pick it back up when Im ready to tackle that final gauntlet again. Might just restart the game from scratch to experience it all again.

Ys 8.
The boss-gauntlet at the end just isn't worth the annoyance, and I've already done everything else anyway.

I think thats all of mine. Hopefully others add to the conversation. Maybe less long-winded than me

Xenosaga Ep. 1
Red Dead Redemption
Cuphead

Skyrim. I get too engrossed doing all the side shit. Eventually something else steals my attention and by the time I return, I want to try a new build.

Borderlands 3, I think the series just ran its course for me and I lost interest

Liked the 1st, loved the 2nd, didn't play the spin off

Satisfactory. It has no real end and I really would want to play multiplayer if I wanted to do more.

Rimworld. Once you hit a certain point the actual act of beating it is more a foregone conclusion and there isn't a lot of drive to go through the motions.

Bloodborne. I never got past Nightmare of Mensis. Im all for challenge but requiring specific armor just for that area was dumb af.

Elden Ring I got burnt out on.

Like half the games I've gotten in the past few years. A lot of them I plan to get back to so it doesn't feel right to list them. There were a few atelier games I had on PS3 but my system died.

Ninja Gaiden 1 (the 3D one).

I had rented it long ago as a kid, but wasn't able to beat it before it was time to be returned. And never ended up picking it up again.

Sekiro. I gave up on the final boss when I realized there were 4 phases. I beat all Souls games, Bloodborne and Elden Ring.

Oh man there are so many, mainly because of my short attention span and the fact that I just dont have time for gaming like I used to

I got all of the endings in Hollow Knight except for the true ending and after dying against the final boss for 2 days I think Im ready to quit

Most RPGs. I have/had a tendency to play through most of them but never would do the final boss. I loved the journies. I hated to end the games.

Bump

Persona 5 Royal. I love the game but I get overwhelmed with all the things to do and I can never sink enough time into it seems, and then life happens and I cant continue the fight.

MrDrMan posted...

requiring specific armor just for that area

que?

[LFAQs-redacted-quote]


AssCreed Valhalla

Gameplay is solid. The story was enjoyable. Holy duck though a main story ALONE should not take 60+ hours though.

Baba is You. Great premise and I love the game, but I couldnt get past some of the very deep levels in the endgame, and I felt like using a guide for a puzzle game was kinda cheating myself out of more game... I just promised myself id get back to it eventually

Skyrim. Played it for like 10 years but never even finished a third of the main quest. I could probably draw you a map of Bleak Falls Barrow from memory though.

I love Skyrim. I've dumped tons of hours into it. I've never completes the story. I always start a new game after taking a long break and I always burn out way before finishing the story. Still one of my favorite games though.

Just now remembered I never fully completed Shadows of Mordor either despite enjoying the game. Made it up to the part where it becomes a real grind unless you were willing to put real money into the game. Which since I didn't want to do either I ended up never actually beating it.

original sin 2

idk why but ive never finished it

i play it, finish act 1, stop playing, restart the cycle from scratch

Just thought of another one!

Boxboy (3DS) - same deal as Big Bang Mini, I didnt necessarily stop playing, I just stopped actively playing levels. Ill periodically pick up where I left off and complete a few levels when Im feeling in the puzzle-y mood. Good game simple mechanics but you gotta use them in pretty creative ways

Bet a lot of people are gonna say Okami.

Final Fantasy 12. I've played through to the lighthouse twice, but then just completely lost interest and never finished.

I get burned out from games around the 100 hour mark which is like half way through dragon age inquisition

jpenny2 posted...

Final Fantasy 12. I've played through to the lighthouse twice, but then just completely lost interest and never finished.

Same. Twice I got near the end and couldn't finish it. I can't get back into it now that it's been so long since I tried. The funny thing is that my characters are so powerful that I could probably steamroll my way through all the end game content and finish the game in a couple hours. If only I could just bring myself to load the game up.

I've got to finish Fallen Order one of these days...

Bravely Default

DQ11 comes to mind. By the time you get to the final final dungeon, I felt like I'd accomplished most of what I wanted out of the game, haha.

jpenny2 posted...

Final Fantasy 12. I've played through to the lighthouse twice, but then just completely lost interest and never finished.

I really like FF 12, but...yeah, you're not missing much. It's really strange how the game had a lenghty, bigass airship battle as its finale and still ended up boring and anticlimatic - FF9's Assault of the Silver Dragons had way more action and payoff packed into, what, 30 total seconds of FMV than FF 12's climax had over the course of 10+ minutes of FMV. The Bahamut skyfortress is a total asspull with next to no foreshadowing and a completely unmemorable design. The final fight with Vayne is about what you'd expect from a villain who's been at best a tepid presence throughout the story.

I do at least like the final boss music, though. And Balthier proves once again that he's the true main character by being the only one (along with Fran, of course) to have any direct impact on the story's ending.

Final Fantasy Legend (GB) - I liked this game but not enough to see it through. I used a meat guide to get a OP monster pretty early, but I didnt like how little control you had over your party, in terms of level up stats and spells. I got to the second or third floor of the tower, I forget which. I liked the idea of each floor basically being an entire world, that was a pretty cool concept

Most JRPGs.