The new year looms, but for many gamers, the real challenge isn't finding something *new* to play – it's conquering the mountain of unfinished adventures already owned. One gamer recently laid bare his backlog, a testament to impulse buys, fleeting interests, and the sheer volume of incredible games released each year.
At the top of his list, a surprisingly daunting title:Baldur’s Gate 3. It wasn’t a lack of quality that stalled his progress, but a feeling of being overwhelmed. A newcomer to the genre, the intricate combat and sprawling narrative felt less like an invitation and more like a complex puzzle without instructions. The initial hype had been powerful, leading to a day-one purchase for both Steam Deck and Legion Go, yet the game remained largely unexplored.
The struggle wasn’t unique toBaldur’s Gate 3.Cyberpunk 2077, a game repeatedly started and abandoned, lingered in the backlog. Despite reaching further into the game on the Switch, distractions always intervened. A commitment to finish, or a quiet acceptance of disinterest – the decision hung heavy.
Not every purchase was a source of frustration.The Plucky Squire, initially captivating with its charming visuals, proved to be “just fine.” While the stealth sections grated, its short length offered a glimmer of hope for completion. Sometimes, a game doesn’t need to be groundbreaking to be worth finishing.
Familiar comfort could be found in revisiting past favorites.Resident Evil 7andVillage, both enjoyed previously, beckoned as a warm-up for the upcomingResident Evil Requiem. While not the pinnacle of the series, they remained worthy additions to the survival horror landscape.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2presented a different kind of challenge. Immense enjoyment of the previous installments had given way to a strange fatigue. Hours spent swinging through the city on the Legion Go hadn’t ignited the same passion. Perhaps too much of a good thing, a consistent effort was needed to rekindle the excitement.
A recent acquisition,Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, offered a fresh start. A Black Friday bargain for PlayStation 5, it bypassed the performance issues experienced on the Legion Go via Game Pass. Initial impressions were promising – polished art design, an intriguing premise, but a daunting turn-based combat system loomed large.
Looking ahead to 2025, the wishlist was equally ambitious.Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, despite lukewarm reviews, held a certain appeal as a platform exclusive. A cautious approach was planned, waiting for a price drop before committing.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows, another series previously unexplored, piqued his interest, especially with its availability on the Switch. A similar strategy of patience was adopted, anticipating a future sale. The sheer size of these modern open-world games demanded a careful approach.
Hidden gems also caught his eye.Dispatch, a point-and-click adventure with striking art, emerged from the shadows of best-of lists.Ghost Of Yōtei, a potential sequel to a partially completedGhost of Tsushima, offered a tempting graphical showcase for a new television.
Finally,Blue Prince, a well-regarded puzzle game, presented a unique challenge. The need for note-taking, however, raised a practical concern – could a complex puzzle be solved comfortably while playing in bed? The simple joys, and occasional inconveniences, of gaming life.
The backlog, a personal museum of gaming intentions, served as a reminder of the endless possibilities and the inevitable compromises that come with a passion for interactive entertainment. It was a story of hope, hesitation, and the enduring allure of the next great adventure.
