So why not make a fun, solid three hour game? Instead of wasting so much time and so many resources developing complete crap, they could’ve made a good short game. I think I speak for many when I say I’d rather have a fun, pure experience than a stupid, watered down one. Sonic team could’ve used all of their resources to make that crazy mileage, thrown in a time attack mode and perhaps a few cool competitive modes, sold it for perhaps $30-$40, and they would’ve had a winner on their hands, instead of another nail in the once-unstoppable blue Hedgehog’s coffin.

I know it sounds like I’m being a bit harsh on one game – especially since filler is an industry-wide issue. But being a casual core gamer, I’ve only got a few extra hours per week to play for fun. Obviously, I want those hours to be something special – not a few great moments surrounded by hours of slogging through uninspired filler.

That brings me to another case in point: Portal. You know, the game that’s another of 2007’s best titles, with as many awards (and superlatives) to its name as BioShock. And it’s a 3-hour game, with no filler, no crap, and no boring bits – just pure, mind-bending puzzle action and fantastic humor. It got high scores across the board and spawned a massive following – you couldn’t count the number of Internet memes it inspired.

Don’t get me wrong – I’m not calling for every game to be a quickie experience. There’s absolutely room for epic 100+ hour RPGs and huge GTA style environments in which to mess around in. I just want to see an end to the often damaging “super size me” effect that completely ruined Sonic and countless other overstuffed games.

Developers, here’s my humble request – in terms of gaming minutes, let’s go for quality over quantity. Give me shorter, better, games over long, bloated, unnecessary experiences. Don’t chase Hollywood – go with the length and style that best suits the game you’re creating. If you’re making a long, expansive game, make sure all of those hours are filled with fun, interesting content – not padding.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a few little sisters to save. Just after I go find a bunch of damn plants.

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