Gamers often yearn for deep, compelling, and massive experiences; games that can often get them lost in the virtual realms for dozens or even hundreds of hours on end. Particularly with games missing an online component, many engage in solo campaigns that never seem to end. This is usually territory RPGs will cover, as they often hold giant, epic fantasy worlds brimming with complexity, and hordes of monsters to grind for XP.

Still, this sort of long-term grind isn't for everybody, and many often find it difficult to stay interested in games that seem to go on forever, and ever... Even for super fans of a particular genre or franchise, an experience can start to get dull or repetitive after slaying 2000 monsters, watching cheesy cutscenes with uninteresting characters drone on, or scrolling through hundreds of lines of mundane text. Perhaps the writing is lame, the aesthetics are repellent, or a game just overstays its welcome by refusing to change throughout.

Many developers, though, have managed to tread that line of providing a robust and rich experience, while keeping the player drawn into their epic fantasy worlds and addictive gameplay. Gamers might tell you they're still finding enjoyment for over 200 hours into their favorite RPG 85 levels later, or are endlessly captivated by that thrilling racer.

Clearly, creating massive games is an art form which relies on a delicate balance, and it's one that some managed to ride over the years, while others have fallen flat. There is, of course, some subjectivity to this, but many can agree that, even if a game is praised, it can be a drag to stick with long-term.

With that said, let's look at some of the most massively long games out there, and discuss which stand the test of time, and which are just too long and dull to stick with.

25 So Long It's Boring: Monster Hunter Freedom Unite

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This is one of those games you either seem to "get" or you don't. In the case of many, myself included, the latter is true. This monster-slaying role-playing game isn't just massive for video game standards, but even RPG standards.

At 130+ hours just to knock out the main campaign, the game really banks on the notion that you enjoy it.

While going toe-to-toe with a diverse palette of monsters may be fun for a while, Monster Hunter Freedom Unite is extremely grinding and grows repetitive. Battles are often drawn out, as can the long distance traveling and scouring for resources. This is a solid title for those who appreciate RPG grind-fests, but it's not for everybody.

24 So Long It's Boring: Phantasy Star Online

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Props where props are due - this Dreamcast/GameCube classic is essentially the originator of online RPG gaming. Though, it hasn't quite aged that well in a number of areas - not the least of which is the cumbersome, grinding gameplay and myriad of chore-like tasks.

Playing the game cooperatively at least makes the experience more interesting.

The wonky camera, clunky, stiff movement, and the now archaic graphics also don't do the game any favors. Sifting through the endless lists of stats and items, and powering through the campaign of both episodes can be a drag in today's climate of more action-packed and flashy RPGs.

23 Worth Every Minute: Forza Horizon 4

via: forzamotorsport.net

It's not easy for a racing game to remain exciting for the duration, but Playground Games manages to take you on a ride that's both thrilling and somehow relaxing. This epic, open-world racer ropes you in and never lets you go. The game is just chock full of content, from the massive and diverse single player campaign to the feverishly addictive online gameplay.

The game is one of the first open world racers to feature dynamic weather.

There are even ongoing online events that always throw a new set of challenges at you, keeping the gameplay fresh. The crisp, vibrant graphics are among the best ever seen on a console, especially in glorious 4k. Forza Horizon 4 is a hypnotically captivating experience.

22 So Long It's Boring: The Lord Of The Rings: The Third Age

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Ok, so this RPG from EA isn't all that lengthy, but it sure tends to feel that way. The combat is awfully dull and repetitive, containing some pretty basic turn-based mechanics. The characters are similarly plastic and stock, and the fact that most of them are no-names rather than characters from the film doesn't help their appeal.

The environments and graphics are pretty bland for a title based on an epic fantasy trilogy, featuring a bleak and murky color palette. It's not a horrible RPG, but is something of a yawn-fest compared to reading the imaginative books or watching the epic movie trilogy.

21 So Long It's Boring: Everquest

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Don't get me wrong - Everquest is a solid MMORPG that's long since reached iconic status. Heck, there is a dedicated community out there that still gets lost in its digital world of Norrath. But to many outsiders, the complex gameplay can prove to be a drag. This is especially true given the current MMO landscape full of far more glitzy, epic experiences.

As the game is now nearly 2 decades old, the crude graphics have not aged well at all.

It can be tough to remain invested in such a massive game with essentially no end game. It also contains many quests that don't have much variance. It's wrought with a combat system that can grow repetitive after a while, since so much revolves around grinding for XP.

20 Worth Every Minute: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

via: entertainmentmonthly.com

Many entries on this list - both entertaining and boring, feature some epic RPG experiences brimming with content. There is a delicate balance of providing the player with an epic experience without overwhelming them with burdensome, boring gameplay. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim treads this line just about perfectly.

The game dazzles with its graphics but keeps you engaged with a solid mechanical foundation, satisfying magic-based combat, and of course, epic showdowns with dragons. The diversity in environments and quests keep things fresh throughout and helps make for one of the most engrossing and entertaining single-player RPGs in the modern era.

19 So Long It's Boring: Dragon Age: Inquisition

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If your game features a whopping 80+ hours of gameplay just to tackle the bulk of the campaign, it's probably a good idea to make sure it offers extremely interesting world-building and appealing gameplay. Dragon Age: Inquisition is spotty on both fronts. In typical BioWare fashion, there is a ton of NPC chatter to sift through, much of which isn't particularly interesting.

The combat often succumbs to long-winded battles, and the amount of pausing to perform tactical moves makes this experience even more drawn out. Don't get me wrong, the game as a whole provides a decent fantasy RPG experience, enjoyable magic spells and all, but it doesn't quite hold up when compared to the original Dragon Age: Origins.

18 So Long It's Boring: Dragon Quest VII: Fragments Of A Forgotten Past

via: ign.com

In yet another title featuring dragons on our list, this RPG runs with perhaps one of the most grind-heavy and repetitive formulas featured. Let's face it, you'll either love the rich system of progression and won't have an issue with the combat, or you'll eventually grow tired of it and move on. Considering the game can run you into hours reaching the triple digits, chances are it'll be the latter.

While just about all games in this iconic series contain massive campaigns, this 7th entry takes the cake. It also doesn't help that the gameplay features particularly standard JRPG mechanics, is slow to get going and contains some pretty dull environments.

17 Worth Every Minute: Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Nintendo certainly isn't exaggerating when they brand this title "ultimate." It truly is a massive culmination of everything we love about Smash Bros., from the solid mechanics6 to the endless array of features, characters, and stages. The new single-player mode, World Of Light manages to offer an interesting new way to play the game solo.

Its overworld is massive and seemingly endless, but the diverse environments and showering of rewards keep you coming back for more. The game's classic mode also ropes you in by offering a different path for every character and throwing a new unlockable character at you just about every play through.

16 So Long It's Boring: Super Mario Sunshine

I know - "blasphemy!" But hear me out. Nintendo's GameCube Mario title is actually quite well-crafted and has moments of exhilaration. Yet, while the lush, semi-open tropical lands are neat, Super Mario Sunshine succumbs to repetition and uninspired gameplay.

This may not be too long, but with the tedious rinsing of mud splatters all over, it sure feels that way...

The lack of diversity in the environments also begins to grow stale rather quickly, as do the endless scavenger hunts of going around snagging "shines." This formula feels like a pale imitation compared to Super Mario 64, and the game doesn't approach the grandiose levels of Super Mario Odyssey. The game just feels somewhat soulless compared to most 3D Mario titles.

15 So Long It's Boring: Fallout 4

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Some of these entries fall into boring territory in part because they succumb to a bad case of "more of the same" syndrome. Aside from the slicker aesthetics, the building feature, and the inclusion of massive power armor, there just isn't much to differentiate Fallout 4 from recent entries. You still have the massive open worlds of post-apocalyptic greys and browns, and a meaty solo campaign mode full of weapons and items to scavenge.

Yet this time, it feels a degree staler, whereas Fallout 3 felt new and exciting. Between the VATS system slowing things down, and the endless array of distracting side quests, many will find this game a sluggish, tedious grind to make it to the end.

14 Worth Every Minute: Octopath Traveler

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It may be on the grinding side for some, but for my money? Octopath Traveler shines as one of the best JRPGs in the modern era. It contains some absolutely enchanting environments which blend 2D charm and flashy effects with a semi-3D perspective. Its gorgeous fantastical soundtrack further enriches the experience.

The game offers a liberating amount of freedom in the paths you can choose with your charming 8 heroes, and there's always something to do to keep you busy. You'll find yourself lost in the variety of stories which beckons each hero. Battles are frequent, but the combat manages to be satisfying and nuanced enough that it keeps you engaged.

13 So Long It's Boring: Forza Motorsport 5

via: gamespot.com

Racing Sims are not for everybody, and I certainly count myself in this category. While these sorts of games can sometimes be a "drag" (lame pun intended), Forza Motorsport 5 stands out as a particularly dull experience - slick graphics notwithstanding.

This isn't a bad game, but you'd have to be a huge fan of racers and/or car enthusiast to stick this out.

For one, it's quite a massive undertaking, even compared to some others of its ilk, taking upwards of 50 hours just to coast through the main campaign. And if you want to go the completionist route, you're looking at a massive 180 plus. For a game that can feel a tad formulaic and lacking in variety, this can produce a drawn-out and bland experience.

12 So Long It's Boring: Final Fantasy XIII

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Most people wouldn't describe Final Fantasy titles as feeling like a chore, but this is the case when it comes to certain fans, with perhaps one of the rare low points in the series, FFXIII. While the aesthetics are pretty slick and some of the cutscenes are fun, there are simply too many of them; and with a cheesy, over-the-top narrative, it can get old quick. This game is particularly linear, and combat, while unique, can get repetitive after hours and hours of grinding for experience.

11 Worth Every Minute: The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild

via: thetelegraph.co.uk

Nintendo pulled quite a marvelous feat with their latest Zelda entry. Not only is it the biggest, most epic and open world Zelda to date, but it manages to stay captivating just about the entire journey. The sheer freedom involved this time is simply liberating and invokes you to venture on.

It certainly doesn't hurt that the NPC chatter is kept to a minimum.

Even something as simple as paragliding, or wandering off to discover a well-hidden temple is enchanting and exciting. Combat is satisfying (yes, even with the annoyance of breaking weapons), and exploration is as exciting as it's ever been with all the goodies to unearth and diverse landscapes to discover.

10 So Long It's Boring: Xenoblade Chronicles X

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It's a shame because I thought this game could have had more potential, and it's not the worst RPG I've played. But the game is almost too vast and open world. It just takes too long to get from point A to point B, and leveling up can take a while, especially since the placement of monsters is erratic. Often you'll run into either super high levels or under-powered pushovers.

The narrative, which stands separate from the more interesting Xenoblade main series, is pretty convoluted and uninteresting stock Sci-Fi, and so many characters just drone on and on... And God help you if you're looking to go the completionist route because that can take you close to 300 hours!

9 Worth Every Minute: Secret Of Mana

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Who says only modern games can provide a massive, epic experience? While even in the SNES days, Final Fantasy games seemed to hog all the limelight, Secret of Mana stands as a hugely underrated action-RPG. The game provides shades of Zelda with its more fast-paced combat that keeps you hooked, rather than sticking to cumbersome turn-based battles.

At the same time, the game doesn't sacrifice complexity in most areas, providing a deep system of progression full of an array of satisfying weaponry and spells. The environments are colorful, rich, diverse, and just a joy to explore. You'll venture everywhere from spooky ghostly mansions, to pink forests, and trippy mushroom towns.

8 So Long It's Boring: Dark Souls

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Don't worry, dedicated fans; this is actually a quality game and has some enjoyable moments. The problem is, it's so excruciatingly difficult that you'll often end up perishing and restarting to the point where you'll likely be wondering "why bother?" Heck, even without perishing much, the campaign is a long one, and it doesn't expand a whole lot.

Coupled with the fact that losing souls and humanity can set you back big time, this can start to feel like a boring grind to push yourself through. The once satisfying combat starts to grow dull, and the quiet, desolate nature of the environments will begin to feel bland.

7 Worth Every Minute: Xenoblade Chronicles 2

via: gamespot.com

While Xenoblade Chronicles X felt like a departure and a step back from the original, this true sequel on the Switch reminded many fans why we adored the first entry. The narrative was captivating again, and the characters were likable (well, except Tora). The combat is endlessly addictive with its palette of options at your disposal.

The unique, lush environments are simply entrancing, and beckon you to explore, whether to dig up buried treasure, clash with a unique monster, or landside quests. Unleashing the assortment of Blade powers, and watching the cool animations that come with them, never gets old.

6 So Long It's Boring: Lost Odyssey

via: lostodyssey.wikia.com

Despite standing as a new I.P., Lost Odyssey doesn't feel particularly new. In fact, its narrative and premise are pretty cookie cutter JRPG. Its combat system, while being somewhat unique, still relies on a pretty slow-paced and tedious turn-based system.

The system of assembling and equipping rings is unique but slows things down with the frequent micromanaging you'll often be succumbing to. The load times can also be quite brutal. This is by no means a bad RPG, but with the adventure taking upwards of 60 hours, the game needs to provide an epic experience, rather than just a "sufficient" one.