Critically Acclaimed Games: Which to Play First

This guide helps you decide which critically acclaimed game to play first when your backlog is overflowing. It ranks the usual suspects by how well they hold up today, how much time they demand, and what they teach you about the medium, then gives you a clear starting point. The short answer: start with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild if you want a modern classic that respects your time, or Portal if you want a 3-hour masterpiece that changes how you think about games.

Formula

The average pace is the total time divided by the distance: pace = t / d, where t is the finish time in minutes and d is the distance in kilometers. The average speed is the distance divided by the time in hours: speed = d / (t / 60) km/h. Both are standard ways to express how fast you covered a given distance.

Worked Example

Using the default values from the calculator: finish time = 50 minutes, distance = 10 km. First, pace = 50 / 10 = 5.00 min/km. Then speed = 10 / (50 / 60) = 10 / 0.8333 = 12.00 km/h. So you ran at 5 minutes per kilometer, which is 12 km/h.

Why “Critically Acclaimed� Doesn’t Mean “Play First�

Critically acclaimed games are often the ones that win Game of the Year awards and top “best ever� lists. But that acclaim is usually based on how the game felt at release, not how it feels a decade later. A game can be a 10/10 in 2011 and still feel clunky in 2025 because controls have evolved, UI conventions have changed, and pacing expectations have shifted. So the first step is to separate “important� from “enjoyable now.�

For example, Bioshock is still a great story, but its gunplay feels dated compared to modern shooters. Skyrim is beloved, but its combat and quest design have been surpassed by later RPGs. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t play them—just that you should know what you’re getting into. If you’re new to gaming or returning after a long break, start with games that still feel modern, not just ones that were revolutionary in their day.

How to Choose: The Three Filters

Before picking a game from your backlog, run it through three quick filters. If it passes all three, it’s a strong candidate to play next.

• Time commitment: How many hours to finish the main story? If you have 5 hours a week, a 100-hour RPG will take five months. That’s not bad if you love it, but it’s a big risk if you don’t.
• Mechanical age: Does it control like a modern game? Check for things like camera control, checkpoints, and whether the UI is readable on a modern TV or monitor. Older games often lack these.
• Story vs. gameplay balance: Do you want a narrative experience or a gameplay loop? Games like The Last of Us are story-first; games like Celeste are gameplay-first. Knowing your preference helps you pick.

If a game fails the time filter, save it for a vacation. If it fails the mechanical age filter, consider a remaster or a sequel instead. If it fails the balance filter, you’ll likely drop it halfway through.

Short Games First: The Backlog Strategy That Works

Most backlogs are full of long RPGs and open-world epics. The smartest move is to clear out short, acclaimed games first. They give you a sense of accomplishment, teach you different genres, and don’t burn you out. Here are some examples that are both critically acclaimed and under 10 hours:

• Portal (3-4 hours) – A puzzle game that’s funny, clever, and has no filler.
• Journey (2-3 hours) – A wordless adventure that’s more about emotion than challenge.
• Undertale (6-8 hours) – An RPG that subverts expectations and has a memorable soundtrack.
• What Remains of Edith Finch (2-3 hours) – A walking sim with incredible storytelling.
• Super Mario Odyssey (10-15 hours for main story) – A platformer that’s pure joy.

Starting with short games also lets you sample different genres. You might discover you love puzzle games or hate walking sims, and that knowledge helps you plan the rest of your backlog.

Long Games That Are Worth the Time

Some acclaimed games are long because they need to be. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is 50+ hours, but its side quests are as good as the main story. Red Dead Redemption 2 is slow and deliberate, but it creates a world that feels alive. Persona 5 Royal is over 100 hours, but it’s a character-driven JRPG that respects your time with a fast-forward button.

If you’re going to commit to a long game, make sure it’s one that matches your preferred genre. Don’t force yourself through a 60-hour strategy game if you’ve never liked strategy games. Also, check if the game has a “New Game Plus� or a chapter select—those features make replaying or finishing easier. And remember: it’s okay to drop a game after 10 hours if you’re not enjoying it. The sunk cost fallacy is real, but your time is more valuable than a completionist trophy.

Common Mistakes When Picking a Game

Even experienced players make these errors when tackling a backlog. Avoid them, and you’ll enjoy your picks more.

• Starting with the oldest game first. Chronological order is fine for history lessons, but not for fun. Play the most modern-feeling game first.
• Ignoring remasters and remakes. Shadow of the Colossus (2018) is a better entry point than the 2005 original. Remasters often fix controls and visuals, making the game more accessible.
• Playing a sequel before the original. Some sequels are better starting points. God of War (2018) is a soft reboot; you don’t need to play the old ones. Yakuza 0 is a prequel that’s perfect for newcomers.
• Not checking for difficulty options. Many games now have story modes or accessibility features. Use them if you want to focus on story or if you’re not good at the genre.
• Forgetting that you can quit. If a game isn’t clicking after 3-4 hours, it’s okay to move on. There’s no rule that says you must finish every game you start.

Comparisons: What to Play Based on What You Like

If you already know you like a certain genre, here’s how to choose between the big names.

• Open-world exploration: Breath of the Wild is more about curiosity and physics; Elden Ring is more about challenge and discovery. Both are masterpieces, but Breath of the Wild is friendlier to newcomers.
• Story-driven shooters: The Last of Us is linear and emotional; Bioshock Infinite is more action-packed with a mind-bending plot. If you want a modern feel, play The Last of Us Part I (the remake).
• RPGs: Chrono Trigger is a classic that still holds up, but it’s 16-bit. Final Fantasy VII Remake is modern but only covers part of the original story. If you want a complete modern RPG, try Persona 5 Royal.
• Indie darlings: Hollow Knight is hard and atmospheric; Celeste is hard but forgiving with its assist mode. Both are excellent, but Celeste is shorter and more focused.

These comparisons aren’t about which is “better,� but which fits your mood and your tolerance for difficulty or length.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I play the original or the remake?

Usually the remake, unless you want to experience gaming history. Remakes like Resident Evil 2 (2019) and Final Fantasy VII Remake modernize controls and graphics while keeping the core story. The originals are still worth playing for context, but they can feel dated.

How do I stop buying new games and focus on my backlog?

Set a rule: you can only buy a new game after finishing two from your backlog. Also, use a wishlist and wait for sales. The urge to buy is often about the fantasy of playing, not the actual time you have. Remind yourself that the backlog isn’t going anywhere.

What if I start a game and don’t like it after 2 hours?

That’s normal. Some games take longer to click. Give it one more hour, then decide. If you still don’t enjoy it, drop it. There’s no shame in quitting; your time is better spent on games you love.

Are there any acclaimed games that are too dated to play now?

Some games are historically important but genuinely hard to enjoy today. For example, the original System Shock (1994) has clunky controls and a confusing UI. The 2023 remake fixes that. Similarly, GoldenEye 007 (1997) is a classic, but the controls are archaic. If you want to experience these, look for remasters or fan patches.

Should I play games in release order if I want to understand the story?

Only if the story is serialized. Metal Gear Solid games are best played in release order because the story builds on itself. But many series are anthology-like, such as Final Fantasy or Grand Theft Auto. In those cases, play whichever entry appeals to you most.

How many games should I have in my active rotation?

One or two. If you play too many at once, you’ll forget controls and story details. Stick to one single-player game and one multiplayer or casual game. That keeps your focus sharp and your progress steady.

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in t | Finish time | min | 50 | 0
in d | Distance | km | 10 | 0
out pace | Average pace | min/km | t / d | 2
out speed | Average speed | km/h | d / (t / 60) | 2