How to get back into gaming?

Asking for a friend... named me. I haven't played a newly released game in four years. Hell, I haven't played any game in two years, but I'm starting to feel the itch again. I still have little to no interest in most modern games, and I would prefer to play the old stuff I never tried, but I don't know where to start.

I don't think it would be too hard to compile a list of great games I missed, but I'm wondering if I should play them at random, or start with the 80's and work my way forward. And should I replay all my favorites first, or should I try to separate myself from my long held biases?

Do you guys have any other suggestions with this endeavor? Thanks 👍

I would say start with something light like a Mario game. If you're still hungry for more, try Super Smash Bros or Splatoon 3. The sky is the limit. There is no right/wrong way to get into gaming.

@dimebag667: I'm a Sega connoisseur of sorts. So, if you have a question in regards to Sega I will try and help you out.

But yeah, modern day gaming sucks for the most part, I would definitely go retro and work your way up.

Last_Lap is in the exact situation you're in. Hasn't played anything since Remnant 2 came out.

I think the most important thing is that you are enjoying the time you spend playing. Don't force yourself to finish a game, or play the next thing on a list.

What kind of game do you want to play right now? Start there.

I'm actually playing Shenmue 3, which means i've played a PS console more than you have this year, you germy hermy fakeboy.

Hmm... the old stuff you never tried, eh? Would definitely recommend the SNES library. I'm probably biased myself in that regard, I can't see myself playing anything older than that other than Super Mario Bros maybe. SNES in my opinion had a lot of hits, though.

How do you play SNES now a days? Well, you could find an old SNES, a remake console (like from analogue, hyperkin etc.), the "SNES classic" from Nintendo, emulation, you could buy a Switch and get the basic subscription for SNES games. etc.

@dracula_16: Cool. Do you recommend the switch for the older titles (NES though N64), or is there a more realistic option?

@last_lap: Right on. Same question about acquiring the games, and what are some you would recommend? Are there any Saturn exclusives worth checking out?

You said it yourself, you have a lot of trouble playing through the game, which isn't really playing a video game.

@pyro1245: I kinda have an itch for some point and click adventure, but I don't know how I want to start. There are plenty I could play, like a the quest games (kings, police, space), but I also have trepidation about burning through all the good old games. I'm a nutball with this stuff, but the idea of there being nothing left, actually freaks me out. Also, I'm wondering if I should make a pool of 80s point and click, 90s point and click and so in. Then play them randomly from those pools? Or should I play a few old games, then move to the next decade, and eventually circle back to the older decades?

@dimebag667: Playing old-school games on the Switch requires a special subscription (it's a monthly subscription fee). I'm not subscribed to that stuff, so I have no idea as to whether the subscription is a good deal or not. Sorry.

@hardwenzen: Yes I'm playing it in small doses, but still playing it, as for you, well you haven't turned on your PS5 this year, rumour has it you sold it and are a fill on germs hermy. That's why you're buying Dragon's Dogmeh 2 on PC.

When you're trying to make a point, at least be accurate. I played MHW on the ps5 daily for two months straight🤡

@dimebag667: There's a ton like Nights, Panzer Dragoon Saga, Dragon Force, Shining Force 3, Guardian Heroes, Burning Rangers among others.

Just comes down to what genres you like.

@hardwenzen: Of course you did 🙄

I did, and also solo'd Fatalis, a boss you wouldn't even dream of doing solo😢

@hardwenzen: Of course you did 🙄

I know, hard to imagine when you're playing 3/10 shovelware like shenmue3.

@dracula_16: No prob. I'm just collecting info right now, so anything helps. Thanks 👍

@Sam3231: Yeah SNES is what I had back then, so I've played a lot of those games. But there are some glaring omissions from completed list. And some of those carts are way too expensive for what I'm willing to pay. I'm assuming the shadier option is the route I would take, but finding one of those all-in-one boxes that isn't loaded with Chinese spyware is my concern. If there was a more legit option, that was also economical, and covered Genesis, 3DO, Jaguar, etc, I would be interested. But I doubt there is one.

I'm having the same issue. I've barely been playing video games in recent years. I usually just stick to shorter arcadey games nowadays, as I don't have the time or patience for long games anymore.

Play your favorites first, they'll make you remember why you love them.

Easy... Play The Last of Us... God of War... Bloodborne... you will be back to gaming in no time.

Go back to basics:

• Play games that offer fun and excitement ("something new around each corner")
• Play linear games
• Stick to the genres you know you love
• Avoid games heavy on cutscenes, instead put gameplay and the player first.

It's easy to get burned out by modern games, heck many of them feel like second jobs.

@Jag85: I can see that. One of the last thing I played a couple years ago was 40k Kill Team. I love 40k, and had a hoot knocking out some top spots on the leaderboard. Unfortunately, my PS3 crapped out shortly after.

That being said, I wouldn't mind a long involved game, as long as it's worth the investment.

@adsparky: That's probably the route I'll take. I wonder if I should alternate the old with the new. That way if I get a dud, I'll have a classic to get me back on track.

@Mozelleple112: Haha, I wasn't overly fond of any of those, but I might have to give them another whirl.

@R4gn4r0k: Fair points 👍

When you play great games, you really start to lose track of time. I played Batman Arkham Asylum the other day and before I knew it the credits were rolling, I've never beat that game before.

Did you miss the part where he says he has little to no interest in modern day games?

As for your list, not even Sony cares about Bloodborne. And God of War and The Last of Us are some of the best examples of how bad modern day games are, full of cutscenes.

Play shit you like. It's very simple.

Start of with something easy..say a Sony first party game......30 hours of cinematics sprinkled with bits of game play here and there then maybe move into a proper game say dragons dogma or the newly released stalker for consoles 👍