Poll: How do you play your games? (Define your gaming style)

[4RM3D]

How do you play your games? That's a very broad question. There are many aspects that determine your gaming style. I have mentioned a few below and I suspect there are many more I have forgotten to mention. So feel free to add them.

To keep it simple I have just mentioned the two extremes. But you can fit anywhere between them.

1) Playing one game vs Playing many games
Do you focus on playing one game at the time or are you playing as many games as you can fit in your spare time? Also, if you are playing just one game, is it a MMORPG?

2) Rushed playing vs Relaxed playing
You do rush through everything (in order to move to the next game ASAP) or are to trying to explore every inch of the game world and trying to get every achievement?

3) Small games vs Big games
This is more a question of quality vs quantity. Because in the gaming industry these seems pretty much mutually exclusive.
So to you tend to hop from one small game to another or try to invest in one big game?

4) Indie games vs Mainstream games
You do prefer to play indie games, where you might discover something new or you do prefer to go with the more familiar mainstream?

5) Casual vs Hardcore
Do you play casual games or hardcore games? Or to put it differently: do you play games on casual or (if possible) on hardcore?
Social games (like the ones on Facebook) are casual games (for me at least)

6) Multiplayer vs Singleplayer
You do mostly play multiplayer or do you rather enjoy singleplayer (for the story)?

7) Expensive games vs cheap games (games on sale)
Do you buy every game you want regardless of the price or do you wait for a price drop?

8) And finally, your choice of gaming platform:
PC - console - mobile

So, The Escapist, how do you play your games?

 

[Antitonic]

1) Playing one game (No MMO for me, thanks!)
2) Relaxed (If I can't immerse myself, there's no real point for me)
3) Big (See below)
4) Mainstream (See below)
5) Casual (I play games to relax, not claw my eyes out)
6) Singleplayer (See below)
6) Singleplayer
6) Singleplayer
7) Expensive (Gaming is an expensive hobby, and I have a job with which to afford it. If I want it, I'll get it)
8) Console

Some clarification though: #3 and #4, I could answer both, but that's what I lean towards. #6 is so in favour of that direction it needed to be answered multiple times.

 

[Daget Sparrow]

Very broad question...well, here goes;

1) I generally play through one new game at a time, but very occasionally divide my efforts amongst several games. Plus the really good multiplayer games get alternated (eg: play Halo: Reach for an hour, then Gears 3, etc etc)

2) Relaxed playing, even if sometimes I only have a game for a few days at a time. I've never managed to get 100% in any game though.

3) I play a fair few shooters, so I suppose Small games. The occasional RPG as well.

4) I like a few Indie games, but mostly Mainstreams for me.

5) Hardcore. Casual games are against my doctrine.

6) Singleplayer, then multiplayer if the game impresses me.

7) Expensive games. Money is rarely found in my pockets.

8) Console.

 

[Sixcess]

1) I usually have 2 or 3 games on the go at any one time, at least until one of them grabs me and I play it to completion, or I get sucked back into an MMO.
2) Relaxed, very relaxed. I'm not into achievements at all, but in MMOs in particular I will take my time to the point where I actively try not to reach the 'endgame'. I like the levelling - raiding sucks.
3) Big games. I play more MMOs than single player games.
4) I may lean a little to indie but when my current playlist includes WoW I can't seriously claim to be a mainly indie gamer.
5) Hardcore. Again, MMOs (debatable how 'hardcore' they are of course) and games with some level of complexity.
6) Despite, or perhaps because of my love of MMOs, I have absolutely zero interest in other forms of multiplayer. Multiplayer features in single player games will go untouched by me, ever.
7) Expensive, I guess. I'll happily pay a subscription, or several subscriptions, but only if I'm particularly enjoying the game.
8) PC.

 

[krazykidd]

1)I usuallynplay one game or two at a time . I usen to play many games at the same time but that resulted in a huge backlog . Since january 2011, idecided that one at a time is the way to go and my back log got cut in half . Yay me!

2) i usually start off relaxed and the further i get into the game the more i rush . The reason for this is that i a) want to get to the end asap to move on the the next game or b) i usually get demotivated to finish a game the closer i get to the end for aome odd reason

3)i usually play linear non-sandbox games , so i guess that means small? I am not a big fan of sandbox other than the occasional Elderscroll game ( right now playing skyrim.

4) mainstream , i have never bougt an indie game in my life. I did win limbo on these forums due to an awsome user thought. But i don't buy indie.

5)Hardcore . I am assuming you mean difficulty . I like challenge , for me challenge is fun . If a game doesn't challenge me at all i will get bored . I like playing games on hard mode. Sometimes i even start a playthrough on hard , because normal is usually too easy for me .

6) singleplayer . I am a JRPG fan so i am a singleplayrr man . Not to say i don't appreciate a good game of L4D or CoD online but most of my time is spent playing singleplayer . The only multiplayer game i am playing atm is UMVC3, and right now i am loving it.

7)Expensive . I will pay full price for a game i really want . Last year i payed full price for : Dragon age2 , Catherine , Agrest war zero, Dark souls , UMVC3 and Skyrim . Because i really wanted those . I also bought Deadspace 2 , deus Ex:HR and a few others at a reduced price because i had little interest in those but i was curious and had some extra cash to spend on a new game . I don't usually buy used unless the game is no longer in prince ( like most ps2 games). Not because of the use game sale debate , i just like to have new shit xD.

8) i am a console gamer . I grew up with he nes , sega masters, snes , sega genesis , N64 , playstation , dream cast , game cube ,playstation 2 , and currently have an xbox360 and a wii . Guess it's more an question of what i was brought up with than which is the best platforme.

 

[Fooz]

1) Playing one game vs Playing many games
I tend to play mainly 2-3 games at a single time, like at the moment, I am playing BF3, Crysis 2 and Skyrim

2) Rushed playing vs Relaxed playing
I guess I am in the middle, If a mission doesn't interest me, I will rush through it in order to get to a good mission, but if the story is really interesting or there are lots of really cool places to go i.e. Skyrim, I will take my time

3) Small games vs Big games
I generally play bigger games as I find the content better and when I play a game, it is usually for around 2 hours, and smaller games can get boring after long sessions. That's not to say I don't play smaller games, I love a session on Super Meat Boy and me and my friend have started playing Boxheads Co-op whilst listening to Metal

4) Indie games vs Mainstream games
Similar to the above question in a sense, but I do generally prefer Mainstream games as they usually have more content, but I do like some indie games as they usually are very original and innovative (Bastion comes to mind even though I have not played it)

5) Casual vs Hardcore
Hardcore most of the time, as it presents more of a challenge and it feels more satisfying beating a really hard bit on a hard difficulty (Gears of War RAAM battle on Insane)

6) Multiplayer vs Singleplayer
Depends on the game, I generally buy an FPS game for the multiplayer such as BF3, but i also like getting good single player games like Skyrim and Gears of War 3 (which also has awesome multiplayer)

7) Expensive games vs cheap games (games on sale)
If I want a game, I have no problem paying full price, and some games I kind of want but I'm not sure about, I will usually wait until the sales (STALKER Call of Pripyat)

8) And finally, your choice of gaming platform:
I have been a console gamer all my life, but last January I got a gaming PC and I have been hooked to PC gaming from there, I will only go on my Xbox360 to play with friends who don't have a PC

 

[zuro64]

1)Playing many games (unfortunately to many games, to little time:/)

2)Relaxed playing (got to explore everything, so RPGs takes time)

3)Big Games (though I do hop from one big game to another)

4)Mainstream Games (like to know what im getting into)

5)Hardcore (though I play is casually)

6)Both (I play about 50/50 MP SP)

7)Expensive Games (if i want it i get it)

8)PC (though I have a Xbox 360 aswell, but PC is where the heart lies)

 

[cgentero]

1.) Both, I'll play many games at once but usually not to completion, but if theres one game I'm really enjoying I'll set aside time to finish.

2.) Relaxed, since I don't plan on beating most games I'll just play how I feel like.

3.) Refer to my first answer.

4.) I mostly play mainstream games but occasionally enjoy an indie, especially since I can finish them in time.

5.) I prefer hardcore or core games, I don't really care for casual games.

6.) Either, I tend to play multiplayer games for a lot longer than single player games before I quit though.

7.) Cheap games, I play too many games to afford full price on each one and I don't mind playing games much later than their initial release.

8.) In the past couple years I've been playing more PC games but I've always played consoles since NES days and about a year or two ago I had a PSP.

 

[Ordinaryundone]

1. Mostly one at a time, though I'll ocassionally pop in more multiplayer-centric offerings during single player binges.

2. I guess it's rushed, as once I "beat" a game I'll usually move on for a while before coming back to finish up everything. However, the inner completionist in me usually tries to make sure that I see as much as I can on the first time through, if it won't require going way out of my way or using a guide to do.

3. I'm...not really sure I understand the question? I tend to play a good mix of AAA blockbusters and more "under the radar" stuff. I don't really play MMOs though.

4. I guess I spend most of my money on mainstream games, though I do buy a lot on the XBLA. (Side note: The word "Mainstream" is stupid. Stop using it.)

5. Hardcore, but only because I don't really use my facebook very often. I do, however, love me some Kongregate.
(Side note: The words "Hardcore" and "Casual" are also stupid. Stop using them)

6. I've definitely logged more hours in Multiplayer, but most of my favorite games are of the single player variety.

7. If it's a game I've been anticipating, I'll almost definitely buy it on release.

8. Console

 

[4RM3D]

(just to get the idea: 120h in Terraria)

A bit off topic, but how did you spent 120 hours in Terraria? I finally started playing the game this week (co-op) and it's pretty awesome. But I am already down to the lowest level, got all the hell ore I need. Which is the best ore I think. And I got all my slots full. So now I am just exploring a bit. It is still fun, but reaching 120 hours? I am just curious. Maybe I've missed a few things.

 

[4RM3D]

*snip*

Ah, okay. That explains a lot. I'm looking forward to another content patch.

 

[ms_sunlight]

It goes like this:

1 - Install RPG
2 - Poopsock it.

I sink absurd amounts of time into single-player games. It's probably because I'm such an introvert but I deal with the public all day at work; I find that isolation really relaxing. I'm the same with books and manga.

 

[piplink]

1) I like to play many games, like right now i have skyrim as my rpg and GTA SA as my shooter sand box and play them off and on.

2) I play one rushed playthrough first and then play a relaxed playthough.

3) i like big games with alot of content (TES, GTA, ECT.)

4) depends, minecraft is an indie game that i play from time to time, but skyrim is a mainstream game. so both.

5) i dont like to use "hardcore", but i dont play those social games. so i guess hardcore games on casual setting.

6) always singleplayer

7) i always to get them on sale if possible

8) PC 1st, console for games i cant run on PC.

 

[Trifer420]

1)Playing many games, I like multitasking.
2)Relaxed to a point, I like seeing everything the video game has to offer, but I wouldn't say I go for 100% completion.
3)both? Size or length doesn't matter, it's the impact and immersion. If a game has only one hour of game play and it makes good use of that hour, then I would say it is a good game.
4)Mainstream mostly I guess, I don't have a credit card so most indie games are out of my reach.
5)CASCORE!
6) The single player aspect is extremely important for me. I have a hard time getting interested in Multiplayer games. In terms of games like COD or BF, I usually skip over those games, yes your multiplayer is fun, but what do you have left when I get sick of getting yelled at by 12 year olds?
7)Unless It's a game I have been waiting for I usually wait for the price to drop.
8) PC 1st, then console if I can't play it on PC. I can never find a time where I actually want to play a handheld, like in a car I'm happy with staring out the window or sleeping.

 

[Epidemiix]

1) Playing one game vs Playing many games
I usually play many many different games from RTS's to FPS's.

2) Rushed playing vs Relaxed playing
I usually do not like to rush things. Rushing leads to missed content that the creator wanted in the game.

3) Small games vs Big games
I usually tend to play big games for most of my time and then hop to smaller games while in break periods of big games. That usually means that I am always playing something.

4) Indie games vs Mainstream games
I play both classification of games all of the time. This is a hard question because there are alot of mainstream games that are good and alot that are bad, much like the Indie side of it. I have to say though that it is a tie between the two.

5) Casual vs Hardcore
I usually play hardcore games(there I said it!). Mostly because my friends do. The other "hardcore games" that I play for myself would also fall into this hardcore genre.

6) Multiplayer vs Singleplayer
Singleplayer without question. Multiplayer is fun and all but the negative of the multiplayer are more then that of the singleplayer. With most good singleplayer games I have way more fun with the game play and the story of it.

7) Expensive games vs cheap games (games on sale)
Both. Games I want I usually just straight up and buy. Games that I would like to have I usually wait for a sale.

8)PC - console - mobile
Tie between PC and console. I play both evenly (which is alot) and i almost never play any kind of mobile games.

 

[Grouchy Imp_v1legacy]

1) Many games, definitely. Related to question 6), see below.
2) Relaxed. If I blitz through a game trying to do everything as quickly as possible I feel that I'm not getting my money's worth somehow.
3) Big games. See above comment re getting my money's worth.
4) A bit of both, but I suppose leaning towards mainstream industry. I rely on the mainstream to keep my beloved franchises going, but the odd pleasant surprise from the indie market every now and then livens everything up nicely.
5) It's a horrible phrase, but 'Hardcore'. The higher the complexity/difficulty the more rewarding I find the experience.
6) Depends entirely on mood. When I just want to unwind I always head for a good singleplayer RPG (Skyrim, Deus Ex: Human Revolution and Fallout: New Vegas currently) but if I'm feeling slightly more sociable an evening spent in the multiplayer lobbies (MW3, Halo: Reach and L4D2 at the moment) can be just as enjoyable.
7) If I see a game I want I just buy it straight off the bat. Usually pre-order.
8) For my old 90s games - PC. For my current gen games - console, 360 to be precise.

 

[Shoggoth2588]

1) Playing one game vs Playing many games

2) Rushed playing vs Relaxed playing

3) Small games vs Big games

4) Indie games vs Mainstream games

5) Casual vs Hardcore

6) Multiplayer vs Singleplayer

7) Expensive games vs cheap games (games on sale)

8) And finally, your choice of gaming platform:

Let's see what I can do about this list...I like lists, maybe I'll be an Auditor when I die and am reincarnated into the Discworld Universe...anyway!

1) Many games: At the moment I'm more than half-way through Saint's Row 3 and 2 badges away (in Leaf Green) to getting to the Elite Four. Also playing Skyward Sword and about to get back into DK Country Returns...also may steal Epic Yarn from my brother so MANY MANY GAMES

2) Relaxed definitely. You can't rush through Leaf Green unless you don't mind having a Hypno when Kadabra is better (ready for fire)

3) Big I guess...I've tried small ones but they don't all appeal to me. I remember hating Braid for example and yet loving the Newgrounds equivalent to Angry Birds.

4) Once again both. Games are games and my interest in them doesn't really take into account who made them

5) If I get to chose the difficulty, I always chose easy/ very easy/ casual unless it's a game I'm really familiar with. I don't touch social games but I love flash games like the ones on Newgrounds (depending on the genre of course)

6) Single Player. Fuck online-only multiplayer. Seriously, I hate when games tout their multiplayer only to say "wait a second, you don't have Xbox Live? Well, looks like no multiplayer experience for you Mr. I-bought-3-extra-controllers!" I've tried MMOs of course but the most fun I've had recently on MP was with Left 4 Dead

7) I'm a cheap, cheap, cheap person. I missed out on about 80% of the games of 2011 (100% of Shooter Season 2011) because I'm poor and too invested in collecting to trade anything. Better job now so I'll be able to grab some games this year...also, it's fun to gloat at people who bought Madworld on day one when I just bought it for less than the price of a personal pizza

8) Console.

 

[Betancore]

1) I usually play one game at a time, unless it's a game like Skyrim, where I know I'll dump several hundred hours in. I mean, I'm not going to play nothing but Skyrim for that many hours. But if it's a game that I know I can knock out in around 10 hours, then I'll probably play just that game until I finish it.

2) A mixture of both - I like to finish games if I can, because I do want to move on, but I don't see a point in rushing through a game. It's meant to be a leisure activity, right? And given that Aussie games cost so goddamn much, I'm going to get some enjoyment out it.

3) I prefer longer, bigger games, but that's more because I have a penchant for RPGs.

4) I play a bit of both, but I learn towards older games by major studios. If there's a cheap game on Steam, though, that looks interesting, then I'm not opposed to trying it out.

5) I don't really play what would be deemed a 'casual' game, unless I'm killing time while waiting for something and I don't have a book on me. But I wouldn't really call myself a hardcore gamer either.

6) Singleplayer. I don't like other people very much.

7) If it's a game that I really want, or have been waiting for, then I'll try to get it as soon as it comes out. Otherwise, I don't mind waiting for the price to drop a bit. Still waiting on Deus Ex: Human Revolution to go down even further than it did in the Steam holiday sales.

8) PC, hands down.