How long does it take you to play a game?

I've been curous about this because so many of you have stacks of over 50 games..some over 100. Also because some play games more than once and don't trade in. As for me, I'll buy 5-6 games at a time, but in 4-6 weeks I need 5 or 6 more! And those first 5-6 are out the door for highest trade value. So I guess the average time I take to play a game or even have it in my posession is 8-9 days. Am I moving thru them too fast? I get so exited when I get a small pile of games that I speed thru them all just to see them. a few (a very few) I replay as soon as I get to the end, but that is the exception, not the rule.

I am very slow--sometimes I just don't have a lot of playing time--and others, I just like to savor it---enjoy every moment and try everything--so it can take me quite a while--but since I don't sell/trade--it does not matter to me

What's slow for you? a few weeks? months? I guess it's like some people can't have even a little money in there pockets because it starts to 'burn a hole' ....when I get a little pile of games ..they start to 'burn a hole' in my desk so I gotta get them played and get them out.

Hi

I normally would take a few weeks to finish a game because I play spasmodically according to what time I have and I like to explore and inspect everything

However, if a game really gets to me I become very bad and neglect things I shouldn't - because my will power has been weakened - and I play in long stints and finish the game in a lot less time

I never have a big stack of games to play because I don't keep games for long. I usually beat games within a couple of weeks and then sell it on Ebay. This is especially true for console games. So I'm mostly buying and selling and going through games at a fast rate. There are a few exceptions, like Rollercoaster Tycoon which I have been playing for years, and Day of the Tentacle and Indiana Jones: Fate of Atlantis which I will never sell.

I keep track of when I start and finish games.
In 2003 I played 32 games. In 2004, it was 35 games. So, it takes me on average about 1.5 weeks to finish a game. I work full time, but play games most weekends and weeknights.

Ooooh . . .
DaDungeon's always been one to bring in a game . . .
because "something" intrigued the Tinskster about it.

Then it gets parked on a shelf to wait until the current game is finished.

That's when one of them gets picked up to be played next.

However, since DaDungeon is typically in the midst of doing a bazillion things at once . . .

the ones that are picked . . .
and begun . .
even REALLY loved ones like Myst IV . . .

Well . . .
lemme put it this way:
I started MystIV's installation waaaaaaay back in October 04.

And when I "picked" it over Aura, Shadows of the Empire, Knights of the Old Republic -- which are on my shelves still waiting . . .

I was also . . .
in the midst of "picking" the next book to read . . .
from a bazillion books I've accumulated over the years . . .
because "something" about each one intrigued the Tinkster.

Sometimes that "something" is lost to time . . .
since the game or book sat so long waiting to be selected.

But faith in the Tinkster's gut instincts are always confirmed when they are played/read.

That's the main reason why . .
when DaDungeon FINALLY cleared off its overflowing game shelf . . .
(all of them enjoyed and savored) . . .

some of them were so very old.

Took weeks or months to play them . . .
took years for the number of them to build up to overflow.

Just thought I'd lay a different point of view on "how long it takes to play a game" onya.

*flits off down passageway toward DahLahboahtoahdy of D'niet Cola and stuffed green peppers . . .
to resume transcribing latest gameplay notes . . .
before resuming gameplay*

How long does it take me to play a game? That depends on the length & difficulty of the game, what my real life schedule looks like, how often I can get on THAT computer, the immersiveness of the story, and other things. I finished Simon 2, Nick Bounty's Case of the Crabs & Apprentice 1 the other evening. But Simon 2 was on its 3rd session (day) & the other two were *really* short.

Some of the Nancy Drews I finished in an evening, but Mysterious Journey 2 & Uru took me literal months. Myst IV is looking to take awhile too, for several reasons. One of them is that its on the newest computer (normally my daughter's) next to the main entertainment center (used most days by my son) & when neither are on I'm going over the lessons or doing the chores with them. I have been busier in the evenings lately too.

Susan

Never finished a Nancy Drew in an evening. Maybe in two evenings.

Mysterious Journey 2 took me less than a week - I forget exactly how many days. I played for several hours a day. I enjoyed that game.

The shortest game was Adventure at Chateau D'Or, which took me about 2 hours. Big disappointment.

Between working full time and household responsibilities, I like to spend my "free" time indulging in my two vices of reading and playing adventure games. I purchased my 1,500+ books and 100+ games because of their interest to me; and like looney4labs I have no interest in selling or trading them. A really good book or game is a joy that I love to revisit.

I have no idea how long it takes me to play a game. I do know that I don't like timed sequences because I feel like I am being rushed through a game, rather than proceeding at my own pace to explore and enjoy. I do take the time to try and figure things out on my own. I will only resort to the use of a walk through if my back is to the wall and I have exhausted all of "my little grey cells".

To me there are two sure signs to a good game.

• 1. If I am playing a really good game it will suck me right in. The next time I look at a clock, hours will have passed without me noticing.
  2. When the game is over , I'm not interested in the next game in line. I want more, more of that game.

I guess I'm trying to say, that when I play a game I like to savor the moment I'm in; without worrying about the next game in line to be played. Because like all good friends, my games are waiting patiently on the shelf for their turn to play.

I takes me a few weeks or more cause I play the Nancy Drew on my bf comp actully we both play it wheni get stuck i have to check it on the net to find out what to do

I think the fastest I have finished a game is 2 0r 3 weeks, because I don't play every day--I would like to, but life does not cooperate--and some games I play with my partner--who can only play very spasmodically--so we might have the same game going for months, but only play it a few times when she can play--I don't track my time--that makes me feel guilty--I just like to sink in and enjoy

Of course, it depends on the length and complexity of the game, but I'm generally a slow player. I hate to rush, and I like to think about the games after I finish them and not jump into the next. I'm also very stubborn about not using a walkthrough except as a last resort, which, of course, gets me going in the wrong direction entirely and means a lot of back tracking when I finally figure out what I'm supposed to do. Since I started playing adventures in Sept. of 1999, I've averaged 9 games a year.

I like to savor games and play without a walkthrough unless I really need one. I also work full time so my playing time is limited, but I still go through them pretty quickly if I really am enjoying them and not experiencing too many frustrations.

I've finished games in 2 days and others have taken me 2 or 3 weeks. Then there are the ones that I put aside because I can't get past a certain point or another game called my name louder and they take me months to finish.

Melanie

Like many have said, it depends on the game, and whether it holds my interest. And since I don't keep track of time when playing, I don't really know.

When I first played Myst I was glued to the monitor every night until I figured it out, though I did use a walkthrough a few times. The same thing happened when Riven and Exile came out, and when I played Rhem, though I spoiled the experience with Rhem by rushing through the game.

I'm also an avid Sci-Fi reader so I may chose to continue reading an excellent story over playing that night. Also, I've found I enjoy gaming when I'm in the mood and not because I've a game to finish.

wow.. thanks for the feedback. I thought I play games pretty thoroughly as well..except for the ones I disliked..eg..Conspiracies, Shadow of Destiny...I couldn't even finish them..they annoyed me too much.. ..I guess I WILL try to slow down a bit and savor each game before I trade it in!

It depends on the game, and I tend to measure in hours. On average I spend about 15-20 hours with a game, spread out over about the course of a week. But my favourites are the games that grab me, that I want to keep playing a long, long time. Probably the longest I've spent on a game was with Gabriel Knight 2 or The Longest Journey, both of which took me over 2 weeks, often playing about 5-7 hours at a stretch--about 70 hours. The shortest was Legend of Lotus Spring, which took only about 3 hours all told.

WW

I agree, it definitely depends on the game. I have finished a Nancy Drew in a day because I really like those games and I HAD to finish. But other games, like CSI take alot more time because so much more is involved. Then, I like to take my time to explore and be accurate and come out a SuperSleuth at the end. Sometimes I get all my housework done early enough to make time for that game. That's how I know it's agood one!!

I read slowly because I enjoy thinking about the book and savoring the ideas as I go.
Same with adventure games. Each one is a journey through the plot and the art work that I love to explore. I see each one as the production that it is, with all of the components that make it special.
I mourn them when they have ended, so I prolong the playing as much as I can.
And I dislike being interrupted a lot during something like Myst, so wait for long blocks of time to play.
So, to answer your question, it took me and a friend 60 hours during our holiday vacation to finish Myst I
because we were determined to complete it during vacation so that we could get our minds back on to work afterwards. After that, I have tried to make each game last as long as possible and won't sell them.

Sandy~ I also get up early to get my housework done so I can play a game more!

BeaSong~ I really mourn good games when they are through as well! I started a thread about that once, but no one replied to it..thought I was the only one! It's almost like a depression because you look forward to it all day..and then Nothingness when done..and then for awhile all games are bad..in comparison..

Hi S.I.M.R.
I have definitely mourned over a game when it ended.
Perfect Example: Syberia 2 I did not want that game to end!! I loved the graphics in that game so much, I got lost in there, and was happy to be lost!!
All the CSI games. I have played them all. I get so bummed when i am through the last case knowing there is no more mystery to solve
Then waiting, not my best personality trait!!
But There LOTS of great games on the way,Scratches, Still-Life, Delaware St. John The Curse Of Midnight Manor,Barrow Hill, Agatha Christie, and of course, the new Nancy Drew!
So when you finish a great game, think of howgreat the next one will be!!! ( works for me! )

- Sandy

Sandy, yes I am looking forward to some of those games you listed..also Anacapri!

I try to play a little most weeknights, on the weekends we go up to a friends farm where there is no computer, I like to play games slowly and go to bed when I realize I'm just plowing on. If I like the game--when it gets towards the end, I slow down even more and be sure I don't rush and don't play when I'm truly tired. I like to savor the last nights. When the game is over, I read a good book for a few days before starting a new game, just to have time to mull over the details of the game. Then I'm ready for the next game--I usually pick a different sort of game--even if I'm playing games that have a sequel out--just to prolong the experience and not rush through games I expect to love.

I don't sell my games--so far--I just love to look at them on the shelve, both my played favorites and games I'm waiting to play. It makes me feel relaxed to see them there--I know I'll have fun things to do that use my brain. I'm happy with anything, games--books--movies--even TV that uses my brain for my relaxing time after work (when I want to "hide out" from the real world and crowds of people).

I honestly don't understand why computer games have such a bad rep and that none of my friends will even consider playing them or talk about them, even dumb TV shows are discussed by university folks--but try to talk about a computer game and everyone just pooh-poohs it as mindless drivel. They don't seem to register that adventure games are quite challenging to your brain. (I'm just a university employee and not a professor or Tech, but I work and hang out with all the doctor/professors and tech's and I can't get one of them to "bite" on an adventure game or even just have a conversation, they blow it off immediately.)

eh I rambled but as you can read I'm a bit starved when it comes to talking about my favorite relaxation. Good Good Good thing there is Gameboomers!

I usually have two games going--one at home and one that I play at lunch with a friend. The lunchtime games can take forever to get through because we don't get to play every day and when we do it's just for an hour.

Depends on the game and weither I am playing this for first time or 1-3 years later. Usually takes about 5-8 days unless the game is boring or fustratingly difficult like BS3 and then this may take about a month.The longest I took to do a game was 3 years 3 months and that was Indy Jones and the Last Crusade,the second PC game I bought in 89

3 years???? You must have incredible patience!!!
It will be on my mind until I finish it.
Plus I only play one game at a time. I noticed at the bottom of allot of posts, people list the games they are currently playing. Some 2 & 3 at a time!
I like to put all my attention and focus on one.
If I did play 2 & 3 at a time, it would certainly take me allot longer to finish, that's for sure!

Hi Sandy.. I am the same way..one at a time..although I also have Sims 2 cued up, but that's just a filler 'tween adventures. I like focusing on one

Hi S.I.M.R,
I know I would also be confused, trying to remember where I saw what, and in what game...
The Dracula game (s) we play this weekend are "tweener's" for us as we wait for the release of the games that I mentioned in my above post.
We also bought Blackstone Chronicles to play as we wait. I looked around my local Media Play for more "tweener's" and it seemed like the section is much smaller that it was. They did not have anything!!
I have a few more places I can look though.
You mentioned Anacapri above, I assume then you played A Quiet Weekend In Capri. Did you like it?
My sister-in-law suggested that once, but it didn't seem like one I would be interested it. But then I did not truly read up on it either. So, If you have played it, I would like to hear your opinion on it, if you do not mind.
Thanks, I appreciate it.

Sandy

Hi Sandy! Yes, I did play "a Quiet Weekend in Capri". It's interesting the many views on this game, but here's mine: When I first installed it, and started a new game, I was soooo disappointed with the 'slideshow' way the game was set up. But by the end of the game, it had become one of my favorites! You really get a sense that you are walking around Capri. The pictures are beautiful. I wasn't thrilled about the storyline, but the puzzles were good and there are so many places to explore. The map is quite hard to read for some, but I seem to remember hearing that you can get a larger view of the map somewhere now.
Personally, I didn't have a problem with the map.
Also, if you are prone to get nauseous and/or dizzy playing games that move freely or pan quickly, this has none of that. I can see where this game is not for everyone, but I thoroughly enjoyed it! I hope you are good with directions and remembering how to get from place to place..that will certaintly help! I also liked the slow, peaceful and relaxing quality of the game.
if you decide to give it a try..and let me know if you do and like it or not.

Also there is a Boomer Review here:http://www.gameboomers.com/reviews/Qq/Capribysyd.htm

Thank you very much for your thoughts on the game and for the review too.
My sense of direction isn't as sharp as I would like it to be, but my son's is! So, If I do get that game I'll ask him to play it too! He likes to hang out and watch as i play, unless a game is scary, then he refuses. ( He's 9 )So, we''l see!
Thank you!

Well so far I've completed Black Mirror, Darkfall and Return to Mysterious Island in less than a week. Oh dear. I wonder what section of ebay I'd find a life under.

Visionism--I wonder if that is some sort of a record Are you playing with walkthroughs?

Since I first played MYST in May of 1998, I've played 75 adventure games. That's an average of 28 days/game. I do have obligations which tend to leave me a limited amount of time for games. Also, as some of you may be aware, for each game I write a "game journal" describing all my experiences in the game, the approach and logic I used, as well as the blind alleys I went into. I also try to transcribe the conversations and record the written material that arise in the game. These game journals get quite lengthy, even exceeding 200 type-written pages for a few games. All that writing (and typing) takes time.

I have never kept track of the hours spent actually playing the game, which is the most pertinent figure and one which would enable comparison of the difficulty of different games. Sometimes easier games take longer than some more difficult games simply because when I played that game I had less available time to play.

Anyway, my "rule of thumb" of a game per month comes pretty close to what I can do. Since I have well over a hundred games "on the shelf" available to play, at that rate I could be playing for quite a few years even if they never produced another adventure game. Cursed be the thought!

I need to re-stock all my shelves!!!!! Everythings been played. But I am impatiently waiting for all these new releases to come out this spring and summer. I'll be spending a small fortune, but hey it's all worth it!!
It's a good thing i get an "allowance!"

So far I've only had to refer to a walkthrough once and that for a puzzle that made no sense to me at all (the sword and helmet in the labyrinth at the end of Black Mirror.. do WHAT now?) Admittedly I've brute forced my way through a couple of puzzles that should have been done with a little more finesse - the computer password in Darkfall springs to mind. I just tried every possible answer based on the information at hand

That does account for a lot of hours of play though. I've had a lot of time on my hands this last week!

Hi Visionism
to GameBoomers!

I too, am itching for some new games! The one game I did get{which I thought would tide me over till new ones came out}, I can't get to install. It probably takes me about a month or so to play a game, depending how much time I get with it. When I get home from work I have to stop myself from running to the computer. I figure I should feed my husband and daughter first!

Oh ya! I wanted to say welcome to Visionism as well!

ps: I have as much fun here as I do playing games. Now I'm in double trouble!

Hi rose113,
Did you see Brown-Eyed-Tiger's post about being able to pre-order Still-Life? That's one on the list to get!!
I know what you mean! I have lots of fun too!

Hi Sandy S.: Thanks for the tip. I'm going to order it right now!

Anytime, my fellow Boomer!!!!

Hello again Sandy S.: I ordered the game. I hate to admit it but my heart is almost pounding in anticipation! Pretty pathetic aye?

Hi rose113,
NO!!! Not Pathetic at all!!!!!
I have been going through game withdrawl, and admit my incredible impatience in this area!!! I have talked about inbetween games in past posts or "tweeners" as i call them, that I need to play while greatly anticipating the new releases I'm dying to play!
Like tonight, my sister-in-law is visiting for the weekend from Pa. and we are playing Dracual. I'm totally excited!!!!
So don't feel bad!!!!!!

"Tweeners" That word could stick!

I guarentee I'll finish Dracula this weekend! I'll have to start the second one! My other tweener is Blackstone chronicles. It will be a race - If Still life gets here first, that gets prioity, if not, Blackstone Chronicles will be played . Ya gotta have a plan!! And you thought YOU were pathetic?????

See, I knew I'd make ya feel better!!
I HATE football, so every season I have to make sure I have something to play while my favorite fellas
are hooked on the tube! So, I confess I map out plans for that too!

Yeah I am desperate for some new good games to come out. It seems its either feast or famine. I wonder why that is!

Hmmm... good point!

My sister-in-law is here ( JkEerie) and my son is home from school, soon my husband will be home from work, we are going out to eat, and then FINALLY playing Dracula!!!!! YAAAAAA!!!! It's a great weekend already!
I finally get to play a game!!!

Sandy

Have a great weekend!

Thanks rose!
We will probably finish the first one this weekend.
I'll let ya know how it goes!!

Have fun Sandy! oh..Sandy..I also wanted to ask you, Did you play Remedy? I ask because for me, it reminded me somewhat of Weekend in Capri..the beautiful music, relaxing gameplay, stills and such..

Hi rose, Hi S.I.M.R,
We finished Dracula already!! It was fun, but a very short game!! We started it yesterday late afternoon, and we didn't pick back up on it until after 3:00 and finished before 6!
So, Dracula 2 The last Sanctuary I have and will start next with my husband. I also have "Shivers" in case we finish to quickly again.
It sure is fun to be playing again!!!! I am a happy camper again!

S.I.M.R - Thank you for the advice about Remedy,
I have not played that either! Monday we going shopping to look for more games. Maybe they will have that one! Games are Sooo much FUN!!!

Hi Sandy S! Glad you are having a good weekend. I have played Dracula 2, too. Hang on to your hat!

You mean , my neck!!!

Hi Sandy,

I just finished Dracula Resurrection also. I agree that it was one of the shortest games I've played. I finished it in a few hours also.

I guess Lady K was right when she said I have to play the next installment now.

Melanie

Melanie,
Did you start Dracula 2 Last Sanctuary? I ran into a problem and the walkthrough does not help. Let me know, if not I'll need to post my quetion. If I didn't run into the snag, i would have finished the second one last night too!

Rose, you have played the second one, right?

Depends on what game I'm playing and how quick I am at figuring out certain challenges.