Consumers naturally want the most bang for the buck. That wish is more important with the rising cost of video games. If players shell out $70 for the latest release, they expect to get several hours of enjoyment. That philosophy is a good rule of thumb on paper, but reality isn't always so simple. Even in gaming, people can have too much of a good thing.

Some titles are just too long for their own good. They strive to provide an epic experience, but the endless escapades wind up wearing on players' patience. The developers deliberately pad this time with busy work, overextending the gameplay in the process. They also lengthen the narrative beyond its natural pace. Yes, the content is plentiful, but it's not always worthwhile. These programmers take a potentially engaging adventure and turn it into an endurance test. Playing video games shouldn't be a chore.

The Dragon Quest series prides itself on whimsical adventure, the seventh entry being no exception. Players control Auster as he explores the bounds of his small island. Upon entering some ancient ruins, he discovers that the world once housed many other continents. Each one suffered a terrible calamity, but Auster has just the tools to fix them. Using mystical tablets in the ruins, he and his allies travel back in time to confront the evils plaguing the realm. Every victory restores an isle in the present. Saving them all, however, is a tall order.

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