Summer Drought Survival Tips

Here we are again, in the middle of the summer, with a bit of a release drought.  While this simply means that there is an impending monsoon of game releases starting in September, what are we to do with our gaming time while we wait?  Hit the jump and I’ll share some of the tricks I use to get by during these sparse times.

Tip #1: Backlog

I have a backlog, you have a backlog, we all have a backlog and now I want ice cream.  Take a look at where you keep your games and I’m sure it won’t take long to unearth the games you bought and meant to play, but haven’t gotten around to it yet.  Whether they be downloadable games or disc-based, this is a great time to try and make a little dent in those awesome titles from 2009.  I really need to get on this myself, I think I have some Nintendo 64 games I haven’t finished yet.

Tip #2: Achievement/Trophy Hunting

On my first play of a game, I try to ignore these as best I can to get the best enjoyment out of it and suppress my natural completionist tendencies.  Once that first time through is over though, all bets are off and I’m ready to snag some points.  During a slump like this is a great time to go back into some of those older games and try to get them 100% complete.  My one word of advice here though, is to be very careful which game you choose to complete.  I’ve had one or two that I really liked before and felt very different after getting that full complete, except for Dead Space.  I still, and will always, love Dead Space.

Tip #3: Bargain Shopping

You’d be surprised how often you can find a fantastic deal on games during the summer.  A lot of brick and mortar stores have summer and/or back to school sales and online retailers are always a good place to check for deals.  This is the ideal tactic for someone who has inextricably been able to blow through their backlog.  When I really think about it, I do this despite my massive backlog.  Oh well, the more the merrier can apply to a shelf full of games as well.

Tip #4: Fund Raising

Let’s face it, those games have to come from somewhere.  While a job is certainly a great way to get money, sometimes that money is earmarked for silly stuff like food and shelter.  Sometimes, people will pay decent money for those old games you won’t play ever again.  With the money earned, you can afford to weather a bit of the storm when the heavy downfall of new titles hits.  Just make sure that you really won’t play a game again before you sell it.  Nothing is more sad than when you realize you desperately want to replay a game and you’ve sold it.

There are plenty more options out there for you, but I hope I’ve given you a few ideas.  If you have any ideas for ways to to keep your gaming thirst quenched, head over to the Land of ESH Facebook page and let us know.  I’d love to hear your ideas!  Just don’t tell me I should get a platinum medal on Demon’s Souls.