5 Video Games You Need to Play Twice to Appreciate

We've all been there—we finish a game and think to ourselves, “That was good. But I didn't get everything out of it.” Whether it's due to time constraints, a complicated plot, or just not being able to appreciate everything on the first go-around, there are some video games that you simply need to play twice to get the full effect. 

From complex, story-driven titles to exploring massive open worlds, these are games you need to play twice.

5. Call of Juarez: Gunslinger

2013's Call of Juarez: Gunslinger is an overlooked gem in the shooter genre. It's a stylish and fun game that takes inspiration from classic Westerns, and it's one of those rare games that's better the second time around.

Gunslinger is a fast-paced first-person shooter with plenty of gunplay and shootouts. But what makes it unique is its focus on the story. Silas Greaves, an aged gunslinger, narrates his life story to a young woman in a bar. As he recounts his adventures, the game flashes back to key moments in his life. Silas is also the story's protagonist and the only playable character available. 

The story is engaging and well-written but also full of surprises. I won't spoil anything here, but suffice it to say there are plot twists and turns you won't see coming. And because the game takes place in the Old West, some interesting historical elements are also at play. All of this makes for an enriching experience, one that's well worth playing through multiple times. If you're looking for a shooter with more substance than just mindless action, then be sure to give Call of Juarez: Gunslinger a try.

4. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim 

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is an open-world action RPG developed by Bethesda Game Studios. It was released in 2011 for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360. The game takes place in the fictional province of Skyrim, which is part of the continent of Tamriel. The events take place 200 years after The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. You play as Dragonborn, a human able to absorb dragon souls and use their power.

You get to play the action-role-playing game from a first or third perspective. The expansive world is free to explore on foot, or you can gait through the wilderness on a horse. Each town you visit has a set of jobs for youtube to partake in. 

If you're looking for an immersive and vast RPG world to get lost in, then Skyrim is a must-play. Even if you've played it before, there's still plenty to explore and discover on your second playthrough.

3.The Quiet Man 

The Quiet Man is a 2018 video game developed by Danish studio Square Enix and published by Square Enix. The action-adventure game follows the story of Dane, a deaf man who sets out to rescue a kidnapped singer named Lala from the clutches of a gangster named “The Bourbon Kid”. The game takes place in New York City's Little Italy district and features both real-world locations and fantastical environments.

The game is full of cut scenes and appeals to its title with no dialogue or subtitles. You may feel disengaged when interacting with characters, but the battle scenes are where your expertise comes to life. Dane can see and hear things that other people cannot, which allows him to solve puzzles and defeat enemies that would otherwise be impossible. The Quiet Man's gameplay revolves around this unique premise, with players using Dane's abilities to progress through the game's various levels.

The Quiet Man received mixed reviews upon release, with many critics praising its unique gameplay mechanics but criticizing its short length and lack of polish. However, despite its flaws, The Quiet Man is still an enjoyable and exciting game that is definitely worth playing at least once.

2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a masterpiece of a game and one that absolutely demands to be played twice. In this 2015 action role-playing game, you play from a third-person perspective. You take control of the Witcher, Geralt of Rivia, a renowned monster slayer. With a well-equipped armory and a loyal lover by your side, you soldier on to take down monstrosities in the fictional world, drawing inspiration from Slavonic mythology.

This isn't a game where you can breeze through the main story and get the whole experience—there's so much more to see and do in The Witcher 3, and playing through it a second time will help you appreciate all of the little details that you may have missed the first This time, however, Moreover, there are multiple different endings to The Witcher 3, so it's worth playing through again to see how your choices affect the game's outcome.

If you're looking for an unforgettable gaming experience, then The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is absolutely essential-play it once, and then play it again to appreciate everything this fantastic game has to offer.

1. NieR: Automata 

Have you ever imagined what the world would look like after a robot takeover? Well, NieR Automata gives you a glimpse of the action. Taking place in the apocalyptic world of Nier, you take the role of fighting renegade robot clowns in the mayhem-loaded open world. The combat androids are part of the YorHa soldiers with the simple task of freeing their domicile from artificial invasion.

In the game, you play as 2B, a female android who later gets a fighting companion, 9S. The two robots supplement each other's abilities, making them the ultimate fighting duo. Initially, the two protagonists start as strangers but soon develop a bond. Moreover, the anime-styled characters add to the hyped melee combat, which is hack-and-slash-based, ultimately delivering a gratifying and riveting battle.

If you've played the game once, a second playthrough will reveal a fascinating storyline you may have missed out on. You will soon uncover that 2 B's actions may affect 9S' ability to unlock a goal. To understand the intricate diversity in the storylines, this is a game you need to play twice to appreciate.

What are your thoughts on our list of video games you need to play twice to appreciate? Is there more we should add to the list? Share your pick with us in the comments below or on our socials here!