First thought was an RPG should last 40 hours or more, but as I think about it (and in my older age!) I sometimes wish that an RPG could be shorter, mainly due to not having enough time to finish them.
Case in point, Oblivion; I bought it 3 years ago, and still haven't finished it. Mind you, I have put over 200 hours into it, and barely halfway through the story. I love Oblivion, but the thought sometimes crosses my mind it would be shorter, but truth is I can't help completing sidequests... that's it, blame the sidequests.
On the other hand, Dungeon Siege 3: many of my fellow gamers (read: fanboys of the series) complained that it was too short. Ok, this is where i believe for an RPG to be a bit shorter due to its pick-up and play appeal, and being the sort of game you could play with your girl, or a friend, and not have to devote your life to it. Note I said 'a bit'. People played it on Normal and Easy and then complained it was too short, at maybe 12 or 14 hours. I took the advice of a friend and started on Hardcore mode, and again, halfway through I have clocked in 25 or so hours, and with the sidequests, it is a decently long game.
In the end it is down to people's tastes, whether they have the time (some of us gotta work and study), or just straight-up if they like the game. If you like the game then you more likely to take your time and soak in the atmosphere, etc. In Dungeon Siege 3, I read the lore and soak up the atmosphere.
At the end of the day, I think the gaming world needs long games: I can't stand full-priced games that clock in for 4 hours, but that is only my view. I would much rather 100 hours of slaying goblins and demons, than 4 hours of Michael Bay style explosions and set-pieces.
Log in to comment