So many systems, so little time

[tz101]

Are there any like me that own so many systems and games it is often difficult to decide what and when to play these? That is really an issue that is difficult to decide. With work and college, Church and family, I have not so much free time. Then, factor in that I have every system short of 3DO, Turbografx, Odyssey 2, Arcadia 2001 and Bally Astrocade. Any good suggestions? Do I do eeny, meeny, miny, mo? I have collected for so long and would actually like to play some of them now. Decisions like this can be tough...

[Austin]

What I find works best for me is picking something and sticking to it. It's easy to get lost in all of the choices when you look at your collection (I know, for sure!). Sometimes you just have to pick one and have a honest go at it. Another thing is it may also help to play what you are in the mood for. Maybe you're at work but know you are going to have some time to game when you come home. Perhaps there's a slight nagging feeling to play some Space Invaders clones when the time comes. If that's the case, then make yourself do it, and stick to it! As crazy as this sounds, I think as the collection grows and life becomes busier in general, some have to be disciplined when it comes to their personal game time. I know I have to, otherwise I don't get particularly involved in any single game, bouncing from one to the next, and I never really enjoy it.

[toptenmaterial]

I have recently had the luxery problem of having too many games (mostly GBA carts). I have even sold and traded a lot of them lately without even trying them out! I am going to try sticking with one game until completion from now on, though with my personality it may be easier said than done.

[BydoEmpire]

I have very little time to play, but the 5200 (and occasionally Inty) High Score Clubs on AA give me some incentive to fire those up. My classic consoles are split between two rooms, so depending if I can play in one room or the other I may choose something different. I like to change it up, too. I'll play 2600 for a week or so, then switch to Inty, then to 5200 or 7800, then maybe NES. Keep it fresh. Of course, buying a new cart will give me a reason to fire up a certain console...

 

I also sold a couple of systems a few years ago and I honestly don't miss them; plus it makes deciding what to play (and buy for) easier.

[Bloodreign]

I've got a ton of a stuff and have fallen into the what to play on free time rut, trouble is when I'm off I'm beat and in lazy mode. It's time to motivate myself for any free time to go out and play something. But soon I'll have some good stuff to play, along with what I consider a ton of other good stuff. 11 systems to play, so little free time.

[Algus]

I've got a lot of stuff that doesn't get much playtime but really it just depends on my mood. In a way that's good as the less it gets used, the longer it will last before breaking down (at least in theory). I do tend to hop back and forth a lot. My real regret is that I don't have more games for some of my lesser used systems. Outside of my Genesis collection, my Sega consoles really need to have their libraries bolstered.

[SlowCoder]

I'm in this rut, too. So much to play, but so limited time to do it.

 

I think Austin's recommendation to pick a game and stick with it is a good idea. (+1'd).

[LynxVGL]

I'm in this rut, too. So much to play, but so limited time to do it.

 

I think Austin's recommendation to pick a game and stick with it is a good idea. (+1'd).

 

That's one of the reasons I'm on my Colecovision kick lately. Most of the 80's era 2600/5200/CV/INTV games are great because they are pick up and play. Play for a bit, and move on. Between my family and work, I have what feels like 0 free time. If I'm going to dedicate some quality retro-gaming time, right now I don't want to get stuck in 40+ hour RPG. (even though I love them,) My PS1 & PS2 Collections feature far too many unfinished RPG's.

 

I want to take some time to dedicate to Snatcher for Sega CD. Glad summer is finally here.

[the-topdog]

I have just three words to say... Vectrex

[bretthorror]

I'm pretty sure what most of us here go through with our collections is essentially the reasons our parents never bought us too much shit as kids... eventually, you kind of stop and realize there was no use getting 75% of the stuff you just bought.

 

But I still love it.

[raskar42]

I have just three words to say... Vectrex

 

"Vec Tre X"

[the-topdog]

I have just three words to say... Vectrex

 

"Vec Tre X"

 

 

I was never any good at math.. I always confused my nouns and verbs so my algebra equations only worked with the color orange.

Edited June 10, 2011 by the-topdog

[fiddlepaddle]

Most of the time, I just let random external stimulus(es) control what I play. If I bring a new game home, I'll pull out some older games and play that system for a while.

 

I might, for no particular reason, take a game from my "clean it" stack and clean it, try it out ("This is crap!"), then go play a good game for that system, and feel better.

 

Other times, I'm inspired by something I read here on AA or a magazine, or some discussion at work. Or, I just get the urge to play Tetris or Space Invaders or Kaboom. Many times, one game just naturally leads to another, and another (and another).

 

I did discover that I really dislike going through an alphabetically organized box of games in sequential order because "I need to play all these." Having lots of games should expand my freedom, not restrict it; choice and flexibility is a GOOD thing.

[SlowCoder]

I might, for no particular reason, take a game from my "clean it" stack and clean it, try it out ("This is crap!"), then go play a good game for that system, and feel better.

 

About a month ago I finally hit a wall where I actually now have more stuff to be "processed" than I have time to do. Until then, when I'd receive a box of goodies, I'd tear down the system, controllers and games, and normally have cleaned, tested and cataloged ... all in one night. Now I actually do have a couple boxes of stuff waiting for processing. Each evening, when I have time, I'll grab 5 or so carts or controllers and work on them. I just can't tackle everything at one time any more.

[Cobra Commander]

I decided a couple of years ago to get rid of a lot of stuff, just don't have time. I centering on the 2600. I decided that I'd rather say "I had one of those, it was fun, but I sold it" than say "I got one of those in a box somewhere and I haven't played it in a long time". I got three boys now and my stuff couldn't compare to the amount of stuff that they have/need. Consider yourself fortunate to have those close to you that you cant waste away all your time with games even if it is really fun Maybe start a game night fellowship thing at your church, a lot of the classics are fairly wholesome.

[tz101]

^

Y, I have thought about a church video game night, but don't know, what if someone broke one of my consoles?

 

Also, is it "wrong" to hold onto systems/games I don't play?

[SlowCoder]

^

Y, I have thought about a church video game night, but don't know, what if someone broke one of my consoles?

 

Also, is it "wrong" to hold onto systems/games I don't play?

The chance that something will get broken is directly proportional to the value (personal, monetary, etc.) you place on it. So you can bet your butt it'll get broken if it's one of your favorites.

 

I don't think it's wrong, but I'd say it's a waste. I try to rotate my consoles periodically, so that each of them gets some love. Just closeting something without it ever getting played is almost a sin, in my opinion. But perhaps having it out on display in some fashion would be ok, because it's actually serving a purpose.

 

One thing I've thought about is a wood lined glass enclosure high on the wall, about 12" tall, and 6" deep, and long enough to house 4 or 5 consoles vertically in a decorative manner.

[TheGameCollector]

what I used to do when I had no idea what to play was give every category a separate number and roll dice then take paths calculated by the totals until I got to an individual game. Picking a game turned into a game

Edited June 16, 2011 by TheGameCollector

[accousticguitar]

I use "The Hat."

 

http://www.harmonyhollow.net/hat.shtml

[fdurso224]

Hi guys,

 

Yes, its difficult for me as well! With my health and work, I just don't have the time like I use to back in elementary school! Oh well, I miss those fun days!

 

Anthony....