The Most Backlogged Games of All Time (and Whether They’re Worth It)

Summary

This video explores the concept of gaming backlogs, focusing on some of the most iconic and challenging titles that often sit on players’ to-play lists. From *Elden Ring*’s punishing difficulty to *Hollow Knight*’s captivating world, the video delves into why these games are both beloved and daunting. It highlights the personal nature of gaming experiences and the satisfaction of persevering through tough challenges or knowing when to move on. Ultimately, it emphasizes the unique qualities of each game, and why they remain essential experiences in the gaming community.

Takeaways

• 😀 Backlogs are a common experience for gamers, with many popular games waiting to be played despite their hype and reputation.
• 😀 The Witcher 3 is often on backlogs due to its massive world, dense story, and slow start, making it difficult to commit to for some players.
• 😀 Some games, like *Elden Ring*, are infamous for their difficulty and can end up abandoned in the backlog after players hit a tough challenge.
• 😀 *Borderlands 2* stands out for its unique mix of RPG mechanics and first-person shooter action, offering replayability and memorable characters.
• 😀 *Baldur's Gate 3* is praised for its deep role-playing experience, allowing players to make meaningful choices with huge impacts on the game's world and story.
• 😀 *Hades* offers a brilliant mix of tight combat, excellent art design, and addictive roguelike mechanics, rewarding players even for failed runs.
• 😀 *Portal 2* remains one of the most important puzzle games ever, with its perfect blend of humor, innovative mechanics, and a co-op campaign.
• 😀 *Elden Ring* introduces an open-world take on the challenging *Souls* formula, offering vast exploration and boss battles that reward perseverance.
• 😀 *Hollow Knight* is known for its punishing difficulty and unique world-building, with players often leaving it on their backlog due to its tough challenges.
• 😀 The importance of backlogs is highlighted, as they reflect the complex relationship gamers have with the expectations and hype surrounding these iconic titles.

Q & A

Why is the backlog such a common issue among gamers?

The backlog is common because new games are constantly being released, creating a never-ending list of titles players want to experience. Gamers are often overwhelmed by this influx, and while some games are seen as essential experiences (like Minecraft or Breath of the Wild), others end up sitting forgotten due to time constraints or other priorities.

What makes 'The Witcher 3' such a polarizing game for players?

'The Witcher 3' is polarizing because while it’s regarded as one of the greatest RPGs ever made, its slow start and long commitment (100+ hours) can be a barrier for many players. Its complex narrative and mechanics may also overwhelm newcomers to the genre or to the series, leading some to drop the game early despite the universal praise it receives.

What is the appeal of 'Borderlands 2' that keeps it on so many backlogs?

'Borderlands 2' stands out due to its unique blend of first-person shooter action with RPG elements. Its loot system, replayability through different character builds, and engaging co-op multiplayer experience all contribute to its appeal. Despite not being seen as a 'must-play' for everyone, its chaotic, fun gameplay and memorable characters like Handsome Jack make it a game worth experiencing for many players.

How does 'Baldur's Gate 3' excel as a game of the year contender?

'Baldur's Gate 3' excels by offering an unmatched level of player freedom, with branching choices, intense character development, and a rich narrative. It faithfully adapts Dungeons & Dragons' rules into a video game, while also providing a captivating turn-based tactical combat system. The game's open-ended exploration and co-op multiplayer enhance its replayability and its status as a standout RPG.

What makes the presentation of 'Hades' so memorable?

'Hades' shines due to its stunning art style, vibrant character designs, and atmospheric music by Darren Corb. The combination of these elements makes it visually striking and immersive, while its addicting roguelike loop, witty writing, and evolving character relationships keep players engaged run after run.

Why is 'Portal 2' considered a timeless classic despite being over a decade old?

'Portal 2' is still a timeless classic because it improves upon its predecessor with innovative puzzle mechanics, a deeper story, and unforgettable characters like GLaDOS and Wheatley. The seamless puzzle design, witty dialogue, and the co-op campaign continue to captivate both new and returning players, making it one of the best puzzle platformers ever made.

What makes 'Elden Ring' so universally discussed despite its challenging nature?

'Elden Ring' became universally discussed because it bridged the gap between hardcore 'Souls-like' fans and mainstream audiences. Its open-world design, rich lore, and innovative gameplay made it accessible and exciting, even for those new to the FromSoftware formula. However, its difficulty and complex mechanics also contributed to its presence on many backlogs, as some players struggle to progress past certain bosses.

How does 'Hollow Knight' manage to attract players despite its high difficulty?

'Hollow Knight' attracts players due to its mesmerizing hand-drawn art, atmospheric world-building, and engaging combat system. The challenging nature of the game, combined with its beautifully designed world and music, makes it a memorable experience. While many players may set it aside after hitting difficult bosses, the game's world pulls them back in, especially with its post-release content that expands its story and difficulty.

Why do some players struggle with completing 'The Witcher 3' despite its acclaim?

'The Witcher 3' can be daunting due to its sheer length and slow-paced start. The massive world and its depth can be overwhelming, especially for players who are not used to RPGs with intricate mechanics. It requires a significant time investment to truly appreciate, which causes many to put it on their backlog and eventually abandon it. However, for those who persist, the story, character development, and world-building provide a deeply rewarding experience.

What is the primary reason that 'Elden Ring' and similar 'Souls-like' games end up in backlogs?

'Elden Ring' and other 'Souls-like' games often end up in backlogs due to their punishing difficulty. Many players hit a wall with a challenging boss and either take a break or quit entirely. The lack of traditional difficulty options means players have to learn by trial and error, which can lead to frustration, especially for those unfamiliar with FromSoftware’s design philosophy.