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Your thoughts on multiple playthroughs of a single game?

Dr. Cheesesteak

Well-known Member
So, certain genres or certain games are more inclined to have players want to play them multiple times. Whether it be for various challenges (speedrunning, 100%'ing, etc), wanting to try new builds in an RPG, or wanting to try different story paths. Or just wanting to get "the most" out of a game. Even genres that aren't partial to this type of behavior can still have players want to play it again for whatever reason (a missed achievement, a different ending, etc).

I'm 38 years old. And only when I was in middle school or younger, did I play games more than once. This was simply due to the fact that there weren't a lot of games to play. So I'd play the same ones over and over again. For the next 20+ years, I'd play a game once and be done w/ it. On to the next piece of art or experience. So few games were tempting to me to play again, I actually know them by memory - Mark of the Ninja for the other ending and Sekiro for the addiction of boss battles. Just those 2.

Blasphemous I played a 2nd playthrough, but only for all of the DLC that came out after I beat it pre-DLC, so I won't quite count that. The Nier games, also, just to get the "true" endings, but I also don't count that, as it's actual progress of the full story.

But anyway, yes, I have played Skyrim, Mass Effect, Dragon Age, Fallout, all the major WRPG's that ppl tend to play multiple times and yes, I've been asked by multiple ppl "You've only played Skyrim once?" like I was some sort of freak! lol

However, this mindset of mine has almost changed recently. This year, I played RE2make and Dark Souls 3 for the first time. After clearing Leon 1st Run and Claire 2nd Run in RE2make, I actually wanted to do the vice versa and get ALL angles of the game. Dark Souls 3 I wanted to replay right away as another build. Elden Ring, the same. Only Elden Ring did I play again, but it was a quick NG+ run, so I also don't quite count that.

Now the Cyberpunk 2077 DLC has been revealed and I'm tempted again to start a new playthrough for a new build, different sex V, different Lifepath, some different choices here and there, etc. I'm also still tempted to start a new playthrough of DS3 and even DS1, just for new builds. I know I can just reload my original CP77 save file to play the DLC...but part of me wants to just reroll, as I feel my original V's story was complete.

The issue w/ me is I simply like to keep my experiences of a game as a single unique experience. Or at least I used to w/o question. Now, if it's an RPG or a DLC-heavy single-player game, I may make exceptions for different builds, different story choices, experiencing new DLC, etc.

Plus, it seems like repetitive sunk time. But again, that's where different builds and storylines come in - to make things feel "new" or different. But still, why play CP77 or DS3 again for another 30-50 hours, when I can just put that 30-50 hrs in another game or multiple games I haven't played yet? Variety is the spice of life, after all. However, I also do respect the idea of getting more out of game.

Anyway, what are all of your thoughts on this? Not my own psychoanalysis, but just the idea of new playthroughs for games? Particularly new save files and not NG+ (unless the NG+ is pretty restrictive on what carries over)? Apologies for the wall of text and props to anyone who read the whole thing! :cool:
 

ef9dante_oSsshea

Well-known Member
Premium
Xen-Omni 2020
I commonly replay games, especially games that allow multiple approaches to passing missions like, stealth approach or going in like rambo etc

I have replayec hitman reboots, mgs v and loads of other games 3 or 4 times or more, only games i play just once is linear action games like a cod campaign
 

V's patron

be loyal to what matters
I replaid games more as a kid than as an adult. I just had other things to do and would sell old games/ systems after a while. But I replayed more games recently because I bought digital games. So I might as well relive some highlights.
 

BrawlMan

Lover of beat'em ups!
I do multiple playthrough of games with strong replay value, good or variety of character kits, and strong level design. I have about over 400 hours in Streets of Rage 4. That should tell you something. I pick games I know I am going to play and enjoy multiple playthroughs. I don't have the time for one-time games, or crappy games anymore. Not that I did to begin with.
 

Dr. Cheesesteak

Well-known Member
I don't have the time for one-time games
Well, to be technical, it's not about "not having the time" per se, but rather just how we decide to use the time. Like, instead of 400 hours of SoR4, you could have 398 hrs in SoR4 and then played Edith Finch for 2 hours, just as an example.

But anyway, yeah, it's interesting how single-player (or just non-online focused) game players decide to triage their available time for those games. I know ppl who are the opposite - prefer short games, 1-play games, etc. But yes, I know of plenty others who just play the same games over and over for the reasons stated in this thread. It definitely is more cost-effective lol.
 

BrawlMan

Lover of beat'em ups!
Well, to be technical, it's not about "not having the time" per se, but rather just how we decide to use the time.
Same difference for me. It's also why I don't bother with 40-80+ hour long WRPG/JRPGs. Nor touch 99% of sandbox games; especially when it's Ubisoft or done in the Ubisoft or GTA style.
 

ReaperHunter

Follow me to Apex
Premium
I used to replay games a lot more frequently when I was a kid and just had more free time. Now I still squeeze them in if I really liked a game. Or if its something like DMC I tend to play once on each difficulty before moving on.
 

Dr. Cheesesteak

Well-known Member
Same difference for me. It's also why I don't bother with 40-80+ hour long WRPG/JRPGs. Nor touch 99% of sandbox games; especially when it's Ubisoft or done in the Ubisoft or GTA style.
Yeah, in recent years, my enjoyment time for low-replayability games has turned into 25~30 hrs. Anything longer than that, it just starts to outstay its welcome.

Like Spider-Man Remastered now. Adored the first 20ish hours. Now I'm 26 hrs in and sorta wishing it'd just end already. I'm still gonna play the DLC though...
 

Gasoline Tank

Well-known Member
You talk about the RE2 remake.

In the original, they don't repeat things between the scenarios, so the experience felt more unique. Mr. X is also only in the B scenario in the original 1998 version, whereas they arrived at the same precise moment in the remake, regardless of who you are playing as.

I'm guessing they just couldn't be bothered rectifying that for a 2019 game.
 

Meg

Well-known Member
Moderator
I used to replay games a lot as a kid because there were less games out and I had less money to spend on them. Now I only replay my absolute favorites, but I’ll go years in between playthroughs.

That said, just yesterday I finished my fifth playthrough of the Mass Effect trilogy, and I have no idea what to do next to the point I’m tempted to start again. Never mind the fact my fifth playthrough was started mere hours after finishing my fourth playthrough. Or that I have a stack of games to play. It’s fine. I don’t have a problem. It’s just I played the trilogy three times on PS3 and then didn’t touch them again until this year. I forgot how much I love it is all. It’s fine. It’s totally fine.
 

Dr. Cheesesteak

Well-known Member
That said, just yesterday I finished my fifth playthrough of the Mass Effect trilogy
Honest question, how varying can each ME playthrough actually get? Don't most or all major quest choices just have 2 or 3 options? Kill the alien queen or let her live. Continue the genophage or stop it. etc. And they don't really affect each other, so it's not like some exponential narrative pathing going on. I guess the Suicide Mission in ME2 has the entire cast to choose...lol But basically, for a long term play it's just Paragon, Renegade, or balanced, yes?

Anyway, I ask b/c I'm curious what sort of enjoyment one gets from re-experiencing the same piece of entertainment/art again. Is the memory of it not enough? What about just watching the key parts or memorable parts on YT and save some time? It's one of those things where I can understand it, but still want to understand it more and need it to be explained to me. I mean, even as an adult, I sometimes I want to watch the same movie again (even though I barely watch movies at all anymore), maybe b/c they're less of a time sink and are the easiest to just turn on and take in. But comics, shows, video games, etc, I'll just go back to the memorable moments only.

As I think and talk it out, maybe it's just a time-consumption thing. I mean, movies aren't even a good example of something I would happily re-experience really. As much as I'd love to re-watch Akira or Ghost in the Shell, I'll likely still choose to watch the new Evangelion movies instead, for example. I think for me it just comes down to experiencing as much variety as possible, and "re-consumption" prevents that. It's why my video game, anime/shows, and comic backlogs are so huge...
 

Sparda's rejected son

For Edenoi!
Premium
Supporter 2014
It depends. Take a Sonic game, I can replay most Sonic games over and over because they require no thought. Grab the Emralds,go Super and bam done. It clicks a checklist off in my head that just works.

Now something like Persona 5 Royal requires time and effort but I really love the game so much that each new playthrough yields something new. 1,000 hours (yes not kidding) in and I can go for more. So it depends. Some games are just "brain off and let's go!"

While others Is "Will I watch Ann's awakening for the 7th time?" You bet your booty I will! Sometimes I'd rather replay a game than play a new one.
 

Meg

Well-known Member
Moderator
Honest question, how varying can each ME playthrough actually get? Don't most or all major quest choices just have 2 or 3 options? Kill the alien queen or let her live. Continue the genophage or stop it. etc. And they don't really affect each other, so it's not like some exponential narrative pathing going on. I guess the Suicide Mission in ME2 has the entire cast to choose...lol But basically, for a long term play it's just Paragon, Renegade, or balanced, yes?

Anyway, I ask b/c I'm curious what sort of enjoyment one gets from re-experiencing the same piece of entertainment/art again. Is the memory of it not enough? What about just watching the key parts or memorable parts on YT and save some time? It's one of those things where I can understand it, but still want to understand it more and need it to be explained to me. I mean, even as an adult, I sometimes I want to watch the same movie again (even though I barely watch movies at all anymore), maybe b/c they're less of a time sink and are the easiest to just turn on and take in. But comics, shows, video games, etc, I'll just go back to the memorable moments only.

As I think and talk it out, maybe it's just a time-consumption thing. I mean, movies aren't even a good example of something I would happily re-experience really. As much as I'd love to re-watch Akira or Ghost in the Shell, I'll likely still choose to watch the new Evangelion movies instead, for example. I think for me it just comes down to experiencing as much variety as possible, and "re-consumption" prevents that. It's why my video game, anime/shows, and comic backlogs are so huge...
Honestly, I don’t know if I can explain it in a way that will make it click for you, but I’ll try.

Firstly, Mass Effect has more variety than you think. The first game especially. Sure, I can look it up online, but that isn’t as fun as organically finding these differences myself. There’s still plenty new things to discover even if the game itself isn’t “new.”

I first played the games nine years ago. At the time, they were exciting space adventures with great characters, and I could get lost in the story for hours. But that was it. Finally going back to the series this year I had a different experience. The whole part about a government gaslighting you about the existence/severity of a looming crisis hits differently in a post 2020 world when people such as myself warned about the disastrous effect of lockdowns, mass printing of money, gutting America’s ability to produce its own energy, mandating a rushed vaccine, and so on and so on. Same trilogy of games, completely different experience.

Minus the games I replayed all the time as a kid due to lack of money, the Mass Effect trilogy is probably my most replayed game. To fully understand why the game resonates with me so much I keep going back to it would require a deep understanding of the kind of person I am and what my life is like. More than what I would like to share. The short answer is that twice, nine year apart, it’s been the right game at the right time for me.

But why play it over and over? Why not find a game will similar themes and play that? Because not everything new is better than what came before, a truly great experience that hits you on a deep level is not easily copied and sometimes what you need is to go back to that, and it’s important to make time for the things we love instead of always rushing off to the next thing.

I don’t think you’re going to get a satisfying answer from me or anyone else because we’re all different. Ask yourself why do you need new experiences so much? I used to be the same way, never making time to re-experience old favorites because I was always too busy with whatever was new to me. A few years ago I started making time to replay/reread my absolute favorites and it’s been a great time. I think the reason I’m so interested in the new is because 1) I’m a highly opened minded and creative person, which is a good thing, and 2) I was using new experiences to cope with the stagnation I felt in life as well as treated getting through my backlog as an accomplishment in order to make up for the lack of accomplishment I felt in life, neither of which are good. Maybe that is also true for you or maybe it isn’t. I have no idea.

So now I make time for the stories/games that mean the most to me. Sure that means it takes longer to get through my backlog, but that’s ok.

There will always be another new game, or book, or movie. There will never be another Lord of the Rings, or Witcher, or Earthsea, or Mass Effect.
 

Gasoline Tank

Well-known Member
I used to like the branching paths in the older RE games. In RE3, you sometimes got to watch a scene with Mikhail shooting a barrel. The remake has no options whatsoever. You just play it, and it's linear. The original locations are only in the background. Also, NEST 2!? No Dead Factory, bruh!?
 

Dr. Cheesesteak

Well-known Member
I don’t think you’re going to get a satisfying answer from me or anyone else because we’re all different. Ask yourself why do you need new experiences so much? I used to be the same way, never making time to re-experience old favorites because I was always too busy with whatever was new to me. A few years ago I started making time to replay/reread my absolute favorites and it’s been a great time. I think the reason I’m so interested in the new is because 1) I’m a highly opened minded and creative person, which is a good thing, and 2) I was using new experiences to cope with the stagnation I felt in life as well as treated getting through my backlog as an accomplishment in order to make up for the lack of accomplishment I felt in life, neither of which are good. Maybe that is also true for you or maybe it isn’t. I have no idea.
You know, I've honestly thought about that question you pose before and I'm really not sure why. And I'm not out of touch w/ psychoanalysis. I used to major in psychology, have been to therapy a decent amount, and am quite a good - though perhaps cynical at times - armchair psychologist. :LOL: Plus, as having lived alone for 12 years, I spend quite a lot of time analyzing my own thoughts and histories.

I think somewhere down the line, I simply valued variety for the sake of variety or for some deeper reason I cannot explain. This is not limited to just adding games to my video game backlog. I have a huge comic backlog and still buy new comics. I buy board games when I have plenty I have never played yet (although this I'm vastly improving on). I even try to diversify my food intake as much as possible, actually planning ahead a few days if I want Indian, Chinese, Mexican, Thai, American, etc, see what flavor profiles overlap and would be too repetitive too soon. I'd say none of this is in search for accomplishment.

While this is pretty harmless (besides to my wallet), I do think it has something to do w/ breaking up w/ a gf some 5~7 years ago. I remember that is when I decided to get into board games to fill that time/social void (video games, basketball, and comics were already my main hobbies). And I've kind of spiraled into binge buying hobby stuff ever since (I won't say "impulse" buying, b/c I actually plan the purchases out a bit). Even branching out, I think realizing how cool board games were made me more open to get into anime, to get into ttrpg's, etc. Just so much cool stuff out there. But perhaps that's just to fill ANOTHER void of some sort. I'd say to fill the void of a relationship maybe, but I've had 2 not-fully-satisfying relationships since and I was still buying new stuff just to have new stuff, even when dating the more recent ladies.

I'm still not sure how "variety" comes into play. I could easily fill that void w/ stuff I already have, whether I've played/read/watched it or not. But somewhere down the line, I really took to heart the saying "variety is the spice of life" and just mentally invested in not valuing the re-experience of a piece of art, which video games, movies, and comics fall under for me (music of course I'll re-listen to). Hell, just my list of hobbies (video games, board games, comics, wargames, basketball, football, ttrpg's, anime) is sort of subconsciously established for variety's sake - to always have something new or different to jump to. But I've definitely thought of forcing myself to just axe a hobby or two out of my life, just to get more out of the other hobbies. Perhaps some deeper psychoanalysis, done by a professional, would answer this.
 

berto

I Saw the Devil
Moderator
I replay games all the time. I'm replaying Bayonetta right now. Games I've played the most are Gravity Rush 2, RE4, DMC1, Bayonetta, Okami and a few other.

I think these are the games most worth playing, to be honest. I lose a bit of respect for a game that has no replayability. It's why I don't like the Last of Us. Beat it once, liked it, but I tried to play it again for a second run and it was tedious to redo all those plot sections again.
 

Meg

Well-known Member
Moderator
Oh my Lord. I remember when Witcher 3 came out and I found out NPCs go at your same pace, I was like THANK YOU. Jesus.
I have played and replayed Assassin’s Creed games for years and love the series so much. Currently replaying AC3 actually. I have so many fond memories of this series.

But TW3 made me realize just how much AC has been torturing me all these years. I think W3 is still the only game I’ve played that doesn’t have the slow NPC problem.

More on topic, I’ve been slowly replaying all the AC games pre Origins for a few years now. Play about two a year. I’m going out of order, which might not have been the best idea. Sure on the one hand I get to play whichever one I’m most in the mood for at the time, but it also means I have to keep adjusting to features that aren’t in the current game. It’s why I’m saving Unity for later. It revamped the parkour and combat so much that if I tried to play that and then go back to a previous game, I’d struggle HARD.
 
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