A Game Feature You Never Bothered With.

[ohnoitsabear]

I've never gone online in Dark or Demon's Souls. For Demon's Souls, it was one of the first games I got for my PS3, and I hadn't bothered getting the online stuff to work on it yet. I got Dark Souls on PC, and I absolutely cannot convince myself that making a Games for Windows Live account is in any way worth it, and I was so used to playing it offline that I didn't see the need to go online. I might go online if I get Dark Souls 2, I don't know yet.

 

[flying_whimsy]

xbox live: I used it once to activate some dlc content that came with a special edition game, but that was it. It took weeks before the ads expired and my dashboard cleared up. I also never bother with achievements, collectibles, hard modes, or anything else that people usually pimp out for gamer scores.

As far as specific features: consumable combat items (spell items, grenades, etc.). I always just try to save them and I'm terrible at keeping track of my use when they are tied to a core combat mechanic. I either cheat so I have infinite amounts or just find a way to get by without them.

I also never go down the evil path in moral choice systems: I'm just not that kind of person and even when role playing it bothers me to be that evil (including the renegade options in Mass Effect outside of one or two scenarios where it was more chaotic good vs lawful good).

 

[Exius Xavarus]

Final Fantasy VIII - Junction System. I got to near the end of Disc 3 without it. Then I just...stopped playing.

Final Fantasy IX - Tetra Master. Didn't care for it. Left it alone and never touched it.

Final Fantasy X - Blitzball. Hated it. I only play the Luca Goers because it's mandatory. Usually sit there until it's over.

Final Fantasy X-2 - Sphere Break. Same deal as Tetra Master. See Final Fantasy IX.

Final Fantasy XII - Gambit System. I beat the game with the default Gambits. Couldn't be bothered to change them.

Deus Ex: Human Revolution - Guns. I never use them, instead opting for close range take-downs. Always non-lethal.

Megaman Zero - Cyber Elves. I tend not to touch them. No real reason. I just don't need them, so I don't use them.

Megaman Zero 2 - Cyber Elves. See Megaman Zero.

Megaman Zero 3 - Cyber Elves. See Megaman Zero.

Megaman Zero 4 - Cyber Elves. See Megaman Zero.

Mass Effect 2 - Fish. Never bought them. Couldn't bothered to go feed them.

Mass Effect 3 - Fish. Never bought them. Could've bought the VI but I decided there are better places to spend my money.

Dragon Age: Origins - Traps, poisons, weapon coatings, crafting in general. They weren't worth my time.

I'm sure there are more, I just can't remember any others right off the top of my head.

 

[The Wykydtron]

Magic in Souls games. I play through the games using nothing but melee and sometimes bows. I never found any need to use magic...until Dark Souls 2, where the game seems to be constantly trying to get you to use magic. There are items you can't get unless you have magic or absurdly high health and with less than a quarter of the game left, I have not encountered a single boss that wouldn't have been significantly easier if I used spells or miracles. I still refuse to use magic though.

I also don't do co-op and play in offline mode whenever I'm in an area with a high invasion rate. I prefer playing online for the messages and blood stains, so I can be more prepared, but I can't stand pvp

Really? Magic is a focus now? Damn, that sucks I always disliked it, aside from maybe Pyromancy since it's technically not magic. You're just throwing demon crap at people. Is Dark Magic still a thing by the way? I guess PVP might have a higher emphasis on rushing the fucker down while he's checking off the required long winded safety regulations before carefully firing some missiles that get dodged through anyway. Pyromancy was worse too, slowest throwing speed ever. I might try Chaos Storm though, it's flashy as fuck at least. Some tryhard Poise stacking guy will inevitably walk right through it for instakill backstabs though.

OT: I also ignored PVP, not for a dislike of shit talking and laggy thirteen year olds but because I was so bad at the game I couldn't stay human for more than 5 minutes. Glad that bloodstains are non-human friendly, some of that is fucking hilarious.

My one friend would cry real tears at this thread. So many people ignoring "the best part of Dark Souls." I have no idea how many times he actually bothered to beat the game but he's successfully PVP'd with every single build available including a truly brave Trusty Patches cosplay build.

 

[IFS]

I always tend to ignore parrying in Souls games, partly because I don't want to bother practicing enough to be good at it, partly because I don't like how it feels. Other than that I'd say traps in Dragon Age Origins was something I ignored, poisons and other craftings I used but traps I never bothered with.

Really? Magic is a focus now? Damn, that sucks I always disliked it, aside from maybe Pyromancy since it's technically not magic. You're just throwing demon crap at people. Is Dark Magic still a thing by the way? I guess PVP might have a higher emphasis on rushing the fucker down while he's checking off the required long winded safety regulations before carefully firing some missiles that get dodged through anyway. Pyromancy was worse too, slowest throwing speed ever. I might try Chaos Storm though, it's flashy as fuck at least. Some tryhard Poise stacking guy will inevitably walk right through it for instakill backstabs though.

OT: I also ignored PVP, not for a dislike of shit talking and laggy thirteen year olds but because I was so bad at the game I couldn't stay human for more than 5 minutes. Glad that bloodstains are non-human friendly, some of that is fucking hilarious.

My one friend would cry real tears at this thread. So many people ignoring "the best part of Dark Souls." I have no idea how many times he actually bothered to beat the game but he's successfully PVP'd with every single build available including a truly brave Trusty Patches cosplay build.

Magic is improved in DS2 but hardly needed, the only items int/faith helps you get that I can think of are items specifically for magic users, and you can always murder the NPC to get them anyways. There are a lot of new spells though, Dark magic is its own class now called Hexes, and has some interesting spells in it.

PVP is also greatly improved in my experience, it was something I generally avoided in Dark Souls 1 but in 2 I've actively sought it out a number of times, including messing around with 2 PVP covenants. There is little to no lag (its only been an issue in a few of the fights I've been in), the damage types are a lot more balanced so there aren't people running around with PVP builds that just massacre nonPVP players, and finally the system for determining who you can invade/be invaded by is greatly improved so there isn't any more being invaded when you start the game by some jerk with endgame equipment.

 

[Casual Shinji]

- I never touched the multiplayer in The Last of Us. Apologies to all those people who probably worked on it for more than a year, but I could not give a rat's ass.

- Parrying in Dark Souls. I know most swear by it, but I don't feel like sacrificing 2/3 of my health bar just to get one good stab in. I'll just block or dodge. I hardly ever parry in most games really. It never really feels responsive or effective enough to not just do standard attacks. The only exceptions are the Batman: Arkham games and Assassin's Creed.

- Friends messaging. I have some online friends on PSN, but I never contact them. Not out of spite or because I can't be bothered, I just... don't. I don't know exactly why. I never contact Friends here on the Escapist either, unless they contact me first. Weird, I know.

 

[Johnny Novgorod]

Title.
Here's a MARVELOUS EXAMPLE:

Spoiler

Assassin's Creed II. Three words: SCREW MY BROTHER. You really think I'm going to actively search 100 feathers in the huge world? Oh game, you're so adorable! Also glyphs (although I found all of them, had to go to GameFaqs.)

Also, one more thing: it can be a weapon or anything the game gives you, but you got through the game perfectly without it. You've seen my pick above, how about yours?

I think I finished the game with like 40 feathers without even trying to look for them... then found 10 more feathers in the end game... and that was it. I've got 100% completion - even the chests - on that game save for the damn feathers.

 

[BraveSirRobin]

I had no idea the entire gift giving/romance system in Dragon's Dogma existed until some random character showed up in the cutscene before the final boss and it gave me the choice to save my love or walk away. Turns out that walking away from a character you had no idea existed (but is somehow still your lover) gives you a "losing" ending, but I wanted to kill that dragon anyway so eh.

After a certain point I also ignored literally every weapon and vigor in Bioshock Infinite except Bucking Bronco/crow storm and the shotgun/volley gun. Outside of bosses and the 3 handymen that killed pretty much everything in one shot on hard.

Tomb Raider I pretty much only used the bow/melee finishers to the point where I don't think I got any of the other "Kill enemies with " achievements. Because seriously napalm arrows is all you need. Honestly this goes for pretty much any shooter I play; if you give me a bow I will use it almost exclusively, see also Farcry 3.

 

[Casual Shinji]

Tomb Raider I pretty much only used the bow/melee finishers to the point where I don't think I got any of the other "Kill enemies with " achievements. Because seriously napalm arrows is all you need. Honestly this goes for pretty much any shooter I play; if you give me a bow I will use it almost exclusively, see also Farcry 3.

This means the game just doesn't balance the weapons very well. I could get through Tomb Raider by just using the pistol too.

But if I try the same in Resident Evil 4, Half-Life 2, or The Last of Us, I don't think I'd have as much succes.

 

[Guitarmasterx7]

Achievements in PC games, i just couldn't care less, if it happens then it happens, i don't look up what kind of achievements are available or try to complete them on purpose.

Same, or achievements in general rather. I have notifications turned off on everything. I don't even know when I get them.

Usually I won't go out of my way to get rewardless collectibles of any sort, (though I will pick them up if they're right next to me) or do anything that's purely aesthetic for anything other than my character. Never bother with house mechanics in games or anything. In skyrim I have one box with everything I've ever picked up in it.

As for specific examples, I played GTA 5 online for all of two minutes. Lamar told me to get in a car, my character ran up to the car and rather than opening the door his hand just pulled on it and he stood there and I just went "nope" and never had touched it since.

Oh or any kind of social interactions in any of the fable games. Every now and again id fart on a passerby, but I never married anyone or anything.

 

[BraveSirRobin]

Tomb Raider I pretty much only used the bow/melee finishers to the point where I don't think I got any of the other "Kill enemies with " achievements. Because seriously napalm arrows is all you need. Honestly this goes for pretty much any shooter I play; if you give me a bow I will use it almost exclusively, see also Farcry 3.

This means the game just doesn't balance the weapons very well. I could get through Tomb Raider by just using the pistol too.

But if I try the same in Resident Evil 4, Half-Life 2, or The Last of Us, I don't think I'd have as much succes.

I meant this more in the fact that I just like bows and tend to use them significantly more that other weapons if possible, rather than it being overpowered. It probably would have been easier using the assault rifle/shotgun but going for stealth headshots with a bow is more my style of play, by the time you get the napalm arrows it was just too fun to say no. I also don't mind needing to use other weapons though I get more annoyed when they make me use other weapons because of non-plot related total lack of ammo rather than effectiveness vs enemy types.

For failure in weapon balancing see my comment on Bioshock Infinite where Bucking Bronco/Crow Storm meant that only ~5-6 enemies in the game were capable of moving let alone hitting you.

 

[Padwolf]

I never used the traps or poisons in Dragon Age Origins, but then again I barely used enchantments either from both DAO and DA2. I don't know why, I just didn't feel the need for them, combat was easy enough anyway.

I never played Blitzball in Final Fantasy X. I didn't like it, to be honest I found it more slow paced than anything and it was a game of numbers. Would have been great if it was like a football game and played like it, but eh, it doesn't really matter much.

The Seed Maker in Harvest Moon A Wonderful Life. Partly because the scene where you unlock it for free never really happened for me for some reason. I will try and figure it out in this play through. But also animals were always the main focus of my farm, so I didn't feel the need for all those seeds.

I don't know if it counts but when I first played Kingdom Hearts 2 I finished it without leveling up anything, without changing keyblade, without getting any skills or abilities. I got to the very last boss when I realised I had all that stuff. I felt like an idiot but at the same time proud that I got that far and finished it without that stuff. Never done it again though, combat is much better with an updated keyblade.

 

[Dragonlayer]

This is gonna sound like a weird one, but buying fish in the Mass Effect games. (Well, Mass Effect 2 & 3 specifically)

I heard it's possible for them to die if you don't feed them or something. So I thought 'fuck it', and never bought any.
The fish tanks in my Shepard's quarters remained empty of fish, for the entire series.

Buying the fish is the only way to unlock the super secret ending where Shepard is revealed to have been a aquarium salesman/woman the whole time.

I generally ignore collection quests in games unless they have a significant impact on the game (like unlocking intel documents that reveal background lore). I also have a weakness for taking the most obvious approach to combat in RPGs and just bludgeon everything to death in close-combat, completely ignoring any crafting/trap-setting/magic-casting mechanics the game has.

 

[Lilani]

Final fantasy 14.

I turned off the experience bar. I'll tell you why. Every mmo i played started out for fun, then ended up being a " i need x more experience to level up". Which ended up killing the game for me. So by turning off the experience bar, the game becomes more about the journey than the desination. Not knowing when i'm going to level made me not care when i did.

Eh, I can see that. I do like to have a visual indicator when I am leveling, though. Especially when leveling a craft because that helps me determine how much of a certain material I need to buy. My first job to 50 was scholar, and when you get into the level 50 stuff you sort of forget about leveling for a while. And just this weekend I got bard to 50 as well, but before I got there I relied on that exp bar to tell me if I could just do a few FATEs or levequests to level or if I needed to do a dungeon.

Anyway, for me in FFXIV it would have to be the PVP stuff. I'm just not into that sort of thing unless it's with people from my group of friends, so we can get on Skype and allow hilarity to ensue. And the one I came here to write about was Civilization V, where I also don't do the online multiplayer. It just never appealed to me, and I don't think I felt confident enough in my skills to take other people on. Plus, I like to play on my terms, leaving and taking a break whenever I need to. Playing with other people I feel this sort of obligation to continue, and I don't like playing with that feeling looming over my head. At least when playing a game that isn't a MMO.

 

[Redflash]

As far as the Fallout series goes, I have never bothered to craft a single weapon, nor have I ever applied a poison or regularly used combat drugs (and when I do use the latter it's only because my back is against the wall and I can't fight my way out otherwise). Just too much effort scurrying around grabbing all of the requisite crafting junk, and when it comes to potions (which Fallout chems pretty much are) I can never seem to override my hoarder instincts. In fact, add combat potions in RPGs in general to the list of unused features, just can't be arsed.

It's also pretty rare that I'll go for collectibles/100% in a game unless I really, really, really like it and sink a lot of time into it - like a few others on here, Assassin's Creed is pretty conspicuous in that I just don't give a toss about murdering Templars/grabbing feathers etc. In fact FTL is pretty much the only game I've ever gotten 100% completion on, although thanks to advanced edition I now feel a compulsive need to do it all over again on hard T-T

 

[BrotherRool]

Grenades. In any game. I do not use them, nor do I use items. You're only going to give my a finite number of something? Well I'll do without. Sometimes the Uncharted series convinced me to use them and remote mines in Red Faction were amazing. But otherwise? Not really.

I rarely ever collect a 'find 40 things' deal and I almost never craft in a game with crafting

 

[the December King]

So far, I have refused to aquire a Golden Key in Borderlands 2. I mean, rare loot is fun, but I want to earn it.

 

[The Funslinger]

Achievements. Does anyone care about someone else's achievements? Do YOU check your achievement lists and go "oh yeah, I'm so proud of that, good memories"? The only one I ever tried was "carry the garden gnome through the entire game and put him in the rocket at the end of the game"-achievement for Half Life 2 Ep2, because that sounded funny. Until you realize the game is basically a long as drive through enemy territory, and your gnome will get flung out of your car every few seconds.

At least with the Left 4 Dead 2 equivalent of that achievement, I had a lot of fun doing it. Probably because it was a joint effort between me and some friends and we felt a good sense of group accomplishment when that little bleep bloop alert came up.

Despite the insults people give it, I've always rather liked the achievement system.

Edit: Ah yes, the thread:

I've never used the campfire in New Vegas outside of the tutorial mission.

 

[faefrost]

Me lee in Fallout 3 and Fallout NV. I just never found much point in wading through enemy fire to go whack on something with a baseball bat or chainsaw. Ok the crafted sword thingy that lit stuff on fire was mildly amusing for about 5 minutes.

 

[Synthetica]

So far, I have refused to aquire a Golden Key in Borderlands 2. I mean, rare loot is fun, but I want to earn it.

Spoiler

It's just Purples, not even legendaries. Might as well not even bother.

Grenades in most games, like most others.