{
  "id": 16991689,
  "title": "10 Games That Are Way Too Long for Their Own Good",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/29/10-games-that-are-way-too-long-for-their-own-good",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-29T02:00:27.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Polygon",
    "slug": "polygon",
    "url": "https://www.polygon.com/10-video-games-too-long/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Consumers desire maximum value for their money when purchasing video games, particularly when the price tag approaches $70. While this expectation is reasonable, it does not always align with the reality of game design. Some titles become excessively long, stretching the gameplay and narrative beyond what is enjoyable for players. Developers often pad the experience with busy work and extensive narratives, which can wear down player patience over time.\n\nDragon Quest 7, for example, attempts to deliver an epic adventure by following Auster as he explores his island and travels back in time to save various continents from calamities. While the game features multiple islands, each with its own story and characters, the sheer number of isles can feel overwhelming and repetitive. The extensive class system, while initially intriguing, soon grows tiresome. In fact, the remake, Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined, even removes several islands to address this issue.\n\nGrand Theft Auto 4, returning to Liberty City for a crime saga, follows Niko Bellic's quest for revenge against those who betrayed him. He works as a mercenary for various gangsters, but the missions become repetitive and grindy. The game's downbeat tone and lack of variety in missions contribute to a sense of fatigue. Despite being shorter than its predecessor, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, Grand Theft Auto 4 somehow feels longer.\n\nYakuza 5, set in a world of crime and betrayal, follows retired Tojo legend Kazuma Kiryu as he investigates the disappearance of the Tojo Clan's chairman. The game features multiple characters with their own stories, but these narratives are largely separate until the final act. This structure results in a fragmented plot that feels disjointed and unengaging.\n\nAssassin's Creed Origins and Assassin's Creed Odyssey both strive to offer immersive historical experiences. However, Assassin's Creed Odyssey can feel meandering with its emphasis on busy work like raiding forts, reaching distant locations, and killing basic enemies. The game's focus on Ancient Greek grandeur often overshadows player engagement. Similarly, Assassin's Creed Valhalla doubles down on repetition with its Viking hero Eivor leading a party of settlers in England. The quest for mythical artifacts and alliances with various factions becomes a repetitive cycle, with the main narrative becoming an afterthought amidst the endless tasks.",
  "summary": "Even the most exciting adventures can get old after a while",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}