Seen as we are about as far from any reviewer having done this (the usual thing I see kick this debate off) as we have been in years I thought I would ask this now.
The question of what is finishing a game, especially a modern one, is up for a bit of debate as well. Does hard mode count or indeed does hard mode only count? If only hard mode counts could it be said not to if the classic "just double enemy HP" stuff comes into play?
Can I purposely not do something and what is a different run and thus possibly a modded game and what is afforded by the game itself (my example might be we have probably all seen kids use the starter pokemon and steamroll the game where the entire point of the game for some is to build a team)?
If I get to the final boss, decide the final boss is a four hour grind and then just watch the end on the internet does that change anything?
I have never played skyrim where I earned a shout, yet my saves will say over 50 hours and dicking around makes for a lot more. Did I not play skyrim? If not what if I said shouts were basically magic spells with different mana (I never used a two handed axe/proper hand to hand weapon either)? Change the previous sentence so it applies to GTA instead (your call as to whether it applies to the 2d ones, the console/pc ones or the handhelds).
You may say "but personally" and that may be true, however is it possible for others to not be in the same situation as you? What about the situations of the NES "congrauuulations for playong -- back to the title screen" style endings?
Naturally it might apply more for games with a story but if endless multiplayer exists and even NES Tetris 2 had a story of sorts.
On the subject of multiplayer does it count? Achievements?
The question of what is finishing a game, especially a modern one, is up for a bit of debate as well. Does hard mode count or indeed does hard mode only count? If only hard mode counts could it be said not to if the classic "just double enemy HP" stuff comes into play?
Can I purposely not do something and what is a different run and thus possibly a modded game and what is afforded by the game itself (my example might be we have probably all seen kids use the starter pokemon and steamroll the game where the entire point of the game for some is to build a team)?
If I get to the final boss, decide the final boss is a four hour grind and then just watch the end on the internet does that change anything?
I have never played skyrim where I earned a shout, yet my saves will say over 50 hours and dicking around makes for a lot more. Did I not play skyrim? If not what if I said shouts were basically magic spells with different mana (I never used a two handed axe/proper hand to hand weapon either)? Change the previous sentence so it applies to GTA instead (your call as to whether it applies to the 2d ones, the console/pc ones or the handhelds).
You may say "but personally" and that may be true, however is it possible for others to not be in the same situation as you? What about the situations of the NES "congrauuulations for playong -- back to the title screen" style endings?
Naturally it might apply more for games with a story but if endless multiplayer exists and even NES Tetris 2 had a story of sorts.
On the subject of multiplayer does it count? Achievements?