Game Length vs Game Freedom...which do you prefer?

[vIRL Nightmare]

Freedom is the best, only if there is content to fill it. If I can wander through an open world and every so distance the game calculates a percent chance to throw one of every one-hundred possibilities at me then that is enough with whatever narration is present.

 

[regalphantom]

Ill say its all one big 'it depends'. Ultimately some games want you to have a lot of freedom (Elder Scrolls, Fallout, Minecraft etc.) while others are more restrictive (Halo/Transistor). Both are only as good as the game is put together. I personally believe that you need a balance of both to keep a game entertaining (I find in games with too much freedom I loose interest due to a lack of focus (minecraft as an example) and games with too much length just drag on), but everyone has different preferences.

 

[Dalisclock]

Neither, really, I prefer Game Quality. I like taking a third option.

Totally agree. A long game doesn't mean anything if it's boring because I'll either never finish it, or if I do, I'll probably hate every moment and feel like I wasted my timed.

 

[Raikas]

I don't have a preference for one or the other, I just want a game to be engaging. Whether it's engaging because it has endless gameplay choices, or a single linear-but-entertaining story, or a combination of the two doesn't really matter to me. After all, an entertaining game almost always feels too short and a dull one will end up feeling endless, so the actual length doesn't really matter (although obviously a good game can be ruined if it goes on too long).

PS: The Dubstep Gun might be the greatest weapon I've ever used in any game...ever. And I'm not really that into dubstep to begin with. =P

This almost sums up what I loved about Saints Row IV - it had humour, and it was humour with a slant that I enjoy. I did enjoy the rest of the game, but the humour alone was what made me love it.

The lack (or presence) of that certain something is the same reason I haven't gotten into some games that are almost universally adored (I was bored by Shadow of the Colossus even though I loved the concept and look of it), and why I enjoyed some games that are widely hated (I enjoyed Dragon Age 2 primarily for a handful of the snarky lines, and no amount of railroaded endings and enemies raining from the skies could ruin that for me).