Less is more
Key Takeaways
More of something is always better, right?
However, that rule doesn’t always apply when it comes to video games.
Sometimes, more can seem intimidating.
Rockstar Games
That’s how I’ve felt aboutRed Dead Redemption 2since its release in October 2018.
It’s hugeterrifyingly huge.
Then the global pandemic hit, and I realized it still looked scarily vast.
Ubisoft
Unfortunately, it’s also far from the only game these days to suffer from that supersized nature.
Take a look at the originalRed Dead Redemptionand its sequel, for instance.
The originalRed Dead Redemptionclocked in at about 18 hoursfor the main story, with thesequel taking about 48 hours.
Sony Interactive Entertainment
That’s two solid days of gaming (with no sleep!).
Who watches a movie and stops halfway through, simply because they don’t have the time?
There’s been a similar-length spread in theAssassin’s Creedseries.
A completionist playthrough is likely to take well over 100 hours to achieve.
Why get into it when youll only ever see a fraction of whats offered?
Can a game even manage to offer 40-50 hours of solidly entertaining fun?
Balance is Good
Not all game franchises have struggled with creeping lengths, however.
It’s a mostly enjoyable time, too, with relatively little filler.
That tighter experience goes even further withMarvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Moralesa spinoff from the original game.
Such relative brevity feels empowering.
I get the struggle.
However, it’s important to consider a game’s value for your time, too.
One recent title that feels like it lacks respect for your limited free time isFinal Fantasy VII Remake.
The remake stretches that out to nearly 35 hours.
Is more really better if you’re unable to see it all?
I’m not so sure.
Such games may last longer, but they’ll certainly feel that way too.
Sometimes, shorter truly is sweeter.
