Video games Backlog, we all — gamers — have one. Is like an unwritten rule, or a universal phenomenon. Is a thing that probably did not exist when most of us were kids, as gaming choices and availability were less than what it is now days. And with the surge of retro emulation handhelds, well is much, much worse. I remembered when I first got my first retro thing, I said, “My backlog just got bigger.”  Hundreds of games, in your pocket.

I have myself been trying to limit the choices I have in my own retro device by keeping the minimum amount of games per system, in the hopes that I eventually may play at least half of them in the near future. Many of those games are games that most people would argue are the ones that every gamer should play at least once. Some of those I have started, many times, and some Pokémon rom hack comes along, and there goes that game. I think it is fair to say that my retro gaming device is mostly a Pokémon gaming device.

This is my list of must-play games. I have started many times but never finished.

CHRONO TRIGGER

I think I have this game in many versions. I have a physical cartridge for the Nintendo DS, well, for my 3DS XL, rather. I think I owned it on iOS, and of course, I have the SNES version. And yet, every time I start it, I can’t seem to stick to it. I am not sure which version is best; it seems like the consensus is the DS version.

The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap

I have started this one at least 4 times by now, and again, I can’t seem to stick to it and finish.

Fire Emblem (GBA)

I think my first Fire Emblem ever played and finished was Fire Emblem: Fates - Birthright, and I am yet to play any other, well, I did try Three Houses but never finished it either, and it’s one I mean to get back to at some point. But apparently, the GBA one is highly regarded. However, I am set on playing the Fire Emblem Legacy Rom Hack by TheSmithPlays, the same creator who got us the Pokémon Legacy games. Apparently its got some quality of life enhancements that make the playthrough somewhat better. 

Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver

My first Pokémon game ever played was Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, specifically Pearl. I did not know at the time that this was probably the worst game to play this generation, so HeartGold and SoulSilver had always been under my radar to play. Some may argue that Pokémon Platinum is probably the best, but I am set on either of the other two. But, as you probably guess, I have started them many times, even Platinum, and never got past the second gym.

Metroid Fusion

This one has been on my must-want-to-play list forever, and part of me is scared of it; I am not sure why. Perhaps because Metroid games are kind of difficult. But maybe with some skill-adjacent shortcuts, AKA cheats, I might dare to try and finish it for good, or just Git gud!

Golden Sun

I have been wanting to play this game, way before I was aware of Retro emulation and such. I have heard nothing but great things about this game, and this is also one of those must-play games out there. The thing is that I technically have no excuse. I can play it on my retor device or even on the Nintendo Switch, and yet, I can’t seem to be able to stick with it every time I start it.

Mother (video game series)

Another series of games that I feel like I must play, it is on my device, but, ugh, I don’t know what it is I can get myself to start.

Last but not least,

Advance Wars (GBA)

You have no idea how many times I have started this one, and yup, you’ve guessed it, I have never finished it.

I am not sure if it’s my attention span or the fact that these are games that require me to sit and follow along, whereas Pokémon games, especially any variation of Pokémon Crystal or Gen2 in general, are like comfort food to me, and they are easy for me to just sit and just play. 

I may have to challenge myself and play these games and not just “play” them, but finish them.

Oh, and another one, Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, not sure why. I did play and finish Emerald, but not the other two. I have tried many ROM hacks based on those, but never finished them. The release of them on the Switch kind of gave me the motivation to play it. I am still working my way through it. I am currently in some Team Rocket building, and I am dragging, but I promise I’ll see it through. My pinky promises.

So, I am curious, are you in the same boat as me with either of these games listed, or what are the must-want-to-play games that you haven’t finished?