This is partially a rant, partially a question and partially a commitment device.
Earlier today I was thinking about how much I liked HL2 and didn’t like Doom 2016 when it dawned on me. Sure, the moment to moment gameplay of HL2 feels tighter and the level variety is much greater; but the thing I enjoyed about it the most was the complete lack of optional content.
In HL2 here’s no score, no collectibles, no upgrades and no side objectives. You play with the tools given to you in the way you find the most fun. Doom 2016 not only has those things, but they’re not even restricted to a end of the level screen like the original Doom. You actually have to do optional objectives if you want to upgrade your weapons! So I played most of it with the long list of things I needed to do before finishing the level constantly occupying my mind.
Recently I started playing 2 new games, both of which I just realized I’m doing similar things in: Meteo Exodus and Lego Skywalker Saga. With Metro, I had a guide detailing the places of collectibles open from the moment I stated playing. This was out of habit, I played the previous 2 games the same way because I hated to see “not found” in place of a journal entry. But this game seems to place the entries in much more obvious spots compared to those two, and it’s obviously supposed to be an exploration game.
With Lego, I was playing the story with minimal exploration because I knew some secrets would be unattainable without freeplay so if I want them I will need to replay the level anyways. But I also know from experience that exploring as you go is the most fun part…
So I guess the question is, what should I do? Go on as I’ve been or somehow overcome the urge? If so, how?
I kind of think the solution to this problem is modding. Like to make the progression system of Doom 2016 be only based on which level you’re in, unlock all diary entries you haven’t found when finishing a level in Metro, or have freeplay powers the first time you play a level in Lego.
What do you think?
Honestly, I think it sounds like those games just aren’t that much fun to you. It sounds like that particular gameplay loop feels more like a checklist of chores instead of a day at the playground. And that’s perfectly fine. Nobody is requiring you have a good time while you play Metro Exodus.
Personally, I don’t like those kinds of games either, and it took me a while to realize it too. Assassin’s Creed, Bioshock, Farcry, the Wolfenstein remakes, Dying Light, they all feel like the same bland slop after a while, just with slightly different paint. It’s chasing map markers, ticking boxes, and filling up bars, all rather tedious stuff, with just enough gameplay sprinkled in to keep you engaged until the next room.
If you’re really determined to find a way to like those games (and you really don’t have to, there are plenty of games without those things) I would suggest playing games and coming up with your own challenges, missions, or new ways to play them. Play Jak 3, go into the wasteland with no vehicle and role play Mad Max or something. By doing this, maybe you’ll find ways to make your own fun you can apply to those other titles.
It’s not that I don’t like Metro, being obsessed with collectibles is an annoyance but not a deal breaker as the rest of the gameplay is solid. Collectathons are some of my favorite genres, I love seeing what percentage of the things I’ve collected and getting that number to 100. I’m wondering though if I’m taking it too far and approaching all games with that mindset
Sounds like maybe, yeah. At the end of the day, games should be fun. If you’re not having fun, you can either change the game or the way you play it. It sounds like you’re sure the game isn’t the problem, so let’s think about different ways you might be able to play it.
When it comes to these things, controlled, intentional overexposure can sometimes lead to desensitization. Maybe try playing the game and figuring out all the things you can do without increasing the progress bar? Maybe try to role play a scenario you invent? Maybe finding ways to enjoy the game without focusing on the completion percentage will remind you why you enjoy the game?
Another option might be to give yourself a new goal. That way, the fun you have comes from you and not the game. Maybe spend some time testing boundaries and seeing if you can glitch out of the map?