Anyone else struggle to get pulled into a new game after finishing an amazing one?

analog_future

analog_future

Resident Crybaby
I beat Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 about 3 weeks ago, and I have struggled so hard at getting into another game since then. I was so enamored by Expedition 33 and everything just feels kind of milquetoast in comparison.

I've tried:
  • Talos Principle 2 (great game but it turns out I'm not in the mood for 20+ hours of puzzles)
  • Mafia III (graphics are dated and the PC version runs like shit even on top-end hardware)
  • Bloodborne (I've tried this game several times now and I just haven't been able to get into it)
  • Revenge of the Savage Planet (fun but vapid)
  • DRAGON QUEST II HD-2D Remake (I thought going with another JRPG after Expedition 33 might fit the bill, but instead I just wished I was playing more Expedition 33)

I'm running out of shit to try! Next up is Tales of Kenzera: ZAU and I'm waiting on the DOOM: The Dark Ages path-tracing patch before I dive into that one.




Anyone else go through a similar lull after completing a masterpiece?
 
Yes all the time. I'd recommend games that are purely action driven and games based around pure fun so you don't need to really put time into getting into them. They'll satisfy all those primal gamer itches right off the bat. That's what I usually do when I'm in a gaming funk.
 
Having the exact same problem as you. Keep trying to get into Pirate Yakuza and it just aint happening. I fall back on stuff like fighting games, ARPGs, and deckbuilders when I don't feel like playing big games.
 
Yeah, I loved Starfield so much, everything else felt like a waste of time afterwards. But I found a solution, at least for myself: to play a small, unambitious but a good indie.
 
The few snippets of clair obscura i've seen were almost all CGI movie looking with great lifelike characters

Everything you rush into will feel hollow and pale in comparison

Just give this feeling some time to breathe. Go to the park and ponder life.

Once that's done, try re4VRemake
that was the last game that made me feel like you're describing

Bloodborne was the last one before that, and it will probably live in my top5 games of all time forever, it's really that good.
 
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Same here. After E33 I can't play any new games right now, everything looks weak in comparison.

So I replay old games, this is part of MGS refresh I planned before DS2 drops:

- completed MGS2 few days ago
- now playing MGS4
- Peace Walker is next (probably)
 
Yep, I have that every time I finish something with an immersive story and good characters.
Witcher 3, Nier Automata, CP2077 or recently Expedition 33 ...after games like these "standard" stuff just feels pointless.
 
Just find a series of games that is so expansive and simultaneously so amazing, that by the time you finish the last game in the series, you're ready to replay the first game. Then, you'll always have a 10/10 experience to play and you'll no longer have this problem.

What I'm saying is to play The Legend of Heroes. Or Xenoblade Chronicles.
 
analog_future said:
I beat Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 about 3 weeks ago, and I have struggled so hard at getting into another game since then.
Click to expand...
BlackTron said:
I'm trying to stretch it out to about 33 weeks personally
Click to expand...
7qnvW0v.jpeg
 
Gotta buffer the story games with sports, racing or evergreen shooters. Very difficult to go back-to-back story games, especially on the heels of a great one. We're entering a racing game golden age, so I'd recommend starting there.
 
Not really, but I think it's due to my huge backlog and how I juggle between several games at the same time, the moment I finish something I'm already in the middle of finishing something else.

Like I remember back in 2022 I finished Elden Ring and I had already started Stranger of Paradise FF, which by all metrics is a worse Soulslike but I still continued it and finished it without thinking too much about it.
 
I just push on and so far it has worked. However I don't go for 100%, just finish the game with a good ending unless it's really good, otherwise I don't really bother with post-game stuff.
 
Video games are meant for fun, I don't think giving them a schedule on when to play is necessary how they were meant to be played, and I want to bring in the OP again, focus on the fun and joy in the game instead.
 
All the time. It also happened with me with Clair Obscur.

In that case, I tend to play filler games that are more action/arcade-y and less story-focused until one actually hooks me. I played Vampire Survivors, Universal Paperclips, and Oblivion remake but didn't finish any of them.

Eventually I got really into Sekiro and beat it for the first time because of Clair Obscur's dodge/parry system.
 
Starfield. But I solved that problem pretty easily by just playing more Starfield. I think I made it to new game +8. Will finish up the +10 when more DLC hits. A great Bethesda game gives me that "I want to live here" vibe more than almost any other game. I really didn't experience that at all with Clair Obscur. I'm at the very end and kind of hoping it ends so I can move on to many other games waiting.
 
I never force myself to play the next game. I can take a longer break and then jump in when I feel like it again. Same with movies or TV shows.
 
Currently in act 3 of Expedition 33 and I'm sure I'll start feeling the same way once it's finished. I like to follow-up/replay a shorter game that I can blaze through in about a weekend - my current go-to is Sekiro. The focus on deflect/parry should feel especially good after coming from E33.
 
I played The Precinct as a palate cleanser and then decided to finally give Death Stranding a go. I love it whenever it isn't forcing me to do combat / BT shit etc.
 
This happens when I get fully absorbed and play a lengthy game, 70-100 hrs.

Gets difficult to get used to something new for a while.

Recently it happened with Avowed in my case.

One game where I considered quitting gaming cause no way I will play something better, ever : Baldurs Gate 2.
 
Yes. Mostly after playing after big games with >30h . I'll then start with some small retro games or indies. Works everytime for me.
 
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Usually I don't have a problem with this, as I often chose a very different game from the one I finished.
Atm i'm playing Clair Obscur and Doom Dark Ages, and switcing between the two.
When those are done, i'll probably play two very different games.

The last time I had problems getting into a new game was probably when I started playing Tunic after finishing Elden Ring.
 
So true! I am always very engaged with a good game, even after finishing I watch reviews, read forums etc. It's not easy to switch to another game!
 
Yep... all the time - and THATS where my PS+ Library comes into play - in between bigger games I always finish little indie ´Palate Cleanser´ games... preferably with odd artstyles or quirky concepts. Through this I "neutralize" my perception again... AND like in many cases discover awesome little gems, I NEVER would´ve tried otherwise ...it really is a Win-Win for me :messenger_peace:
 
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Finished FFXVI a week ago.

Keep thinking about it, about the world, the characters, the two brothers story, that heart breaking ending. I miss it. Can't bring myself to start something new yet, so i'm going through the motions in Ninja Gaiden remake, which is a good distraction.
 
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