Modern games - too much like hard work?

MODERN games are too complex.

There's a bold statement for a PC gamer to make, especially as I'm someone who looks down on titles released on consoles as being, shall we say, produced for the mass market.

I'm increasingly aware of friends who have got loads of games they have bought but have never really got into, or even started.

Some even sit on the shelf still wrapped in their cellophane. Heavy duty strategy games I know I'd love.... if I could just be bothered.

Perhaps it's because strategy games have got a bit samey. They all seem to operate at the same level of complexity so in some ways there's not a vast amount to take on board.

But for every one there's a whole new research tree to learn, the quirks of the game have to be got to grips with - and that only happens with a fair amount of play.

As someone who is not 'time rich' with young children, investing several hours in a game you might not even like much before you learn to play it properly is sometimes hard to justify.

So you almost get to the point where you just dig out an old title you know well for ease of use.

It even happens some times with more easily accessible genres. For example with Crysis I took a look at all the gubbins with the special power suits and wondered if I could face learning it all.

But then again - I'm glad I did take the trouble as it's such a great game.

Have you ever bought something and never actually got round to playing it, and why?