How do you prefer to use save systems in games?

[Herr der Verboten]

I’ve been thinking about how people actually use save systems in games:

Some games lock you into checkpoints, others let you save whenever you want, and some barely let you save at all. But the way people use those systems isn’t always how they’re intended, and some people even set their own rules to make things a bit more challenging.

There’s also “save scumming”, reloading saves to avoid bad outcomes, retry choices, or just get better RNG.

So, I’m curious:

• What kind of save systems do you prefer?
• And do you stick to the intended challenge, make your own rules or… bend things a bit?

 

[Herr der Verboten]

For myself - mostly depends on the game but I try to use it "fairly" and if not and I know the game well then self-imposed ruleset like with dishonored I don't save and its all-in-one single go per level.

 

[Nerfherder]

I don't mind checkpoints but when they are miles apart its very frustrating.

You should be able to save anywhere out of combat.

Also I think different games suit different styles of saving.
Linear games need checkpoints and you cheat by being able to save everywhere.
Other more open games need manual saving.

One thing I always find with JRPGs' is that the save points are just so far apart, if you are not playing for 2 hours at a time then its just not worth starting. There are a few games i'm playing on emulator and it takes so damn long to get to the first save that I never reach it and have to replay the intro every time... a few of those I have abandoned.

 

[wbot]

Quicksave anywhere, anytime. Why all games don't have a quicksave button, I don't know.

I don't reload quicksaves when I see the wrong outcome or whatever, I purely use it so that I don't lose any progress when I die or when the power goes etc. And I quicksave pretty much after every fight, completed task, discovery etc.

Absolute worst are games with a checkpoint system only.

 

[wbot]

Currently playing KCD2 and I guess you can say it has its very own unique quicksave system where you can drink a potion anywhere, anytime to save the game there and then. I don't mind it as long as I don't run out of those potions but I much prefer a no-nonsense instant quicksave button.

 

[RedViking]

F5

 

[RedViking]

Currently playing KCD2 and I guess you can say it has its very own unique quicksave system where you can drink a potion anywhere, anytime to save the game there and then. I don't mind it as long as I don't run out of those potions but I much prefer a no-nonsense instant quicksave button.

Thank goodness for mods.

 

[Jet-Fighter7700]

interesting question never really thought about it till you mentioned it,

I autosave, but if there is a place I keep failing at, over and over again, yes save, problem is some games dont take you to that exact place, kind of frustrating sometimes,

like for instance watch dogs legion, keep getting my robot spider zapped in the same place when a guard turns around at an in-opportune moment

 

[wbot]

Thank goodness for mods.

Mods schmods. Thank goodness I have plenty of potions (at least 30 and counting). Unlikely to ever run out.

 

[RedViking]

Mods schmods. Thank goodness I have plenty of potions (at least 30 and counting). Unlikely to ever run out.

You just like drinking. Stop making excuses.

 

[stefan9]

Save wherever and whenever I want. If I really dislike a outcome I see no reason why I shouldn't be able to reload.

 

[Werner1975]

Depends on the saving system of the game but I prefer Manual saves, usually before a scenario that might test me like dying.

 

[Rayne]

Like From Software does it.

If you move an inch then game saves without me pressing anything.

 

[Herr der Verboten]

I don't mind checkpoints but when they are miles apart its very frustrating.

You should be able to save anywhere out of combat.

Also I think different games suit different styles of saving.
Linear games need checkpoints and you cheat by being able to save everywhere.
Other more open games need manual saving.

One thing I always find with JRPGs' is that the save points are just so far apart, if you are not playing for 2 hours at a time then its just not worth starting. There are a few games i'm playing on emulator and it takes so damn long to get to the first save that I never reach it and have to replay the intro every time... a few of those I have abandoned.

Kinda the issue with Doom Darkages. Literally too long sessions which reminded me about diablo and that "small hole" you see, then you think its one level and it turns out to be 12 deep. haha.

 

[Nerfherder]

Kinda the issue with Doom Darkages. Literally too long sessions which reminded me about diablo and that "small hole" you see, then you think its one level and it turns out to be 12 deep. haha.

Conversely where you have autosave and it saves you with 5% life 3 seconds before getting hit.

Some of my best moments have been where I have a terrible save point but somehow manage to make it work by just GTFO as quickly as possible

 

[Beyond.Celsus]

Completely depends on the game

After replaying the Metro series recently, their system works perfectly

The fist two is checkpoint only. Works perfect for the linear gameplay

The third, which is open world, uses autosaves and quicksaves, however, saving is automatically disabled as soon as you are in combat and only reactivates when the last enemy is down, so you can't savescumm when in danger

I also like KCD and KCD2's system of needing consumables and autosaves. It gives a sense of danger and consequence to your actions which works especially great in an RPG