I’ve always enjoyed exploring new games, but over time, my enthusiasm led to a significant problem: an ever-growing backlog. My library kept expanding, creating a huge pile of unplayed games. I needed a way to tackle this backlog while still enjoying each game.
My Steam library grew fast with new releases, sales, and impulse buys. This was exciting but also overwhelming. Each time I looked at my library, I felt both excited and worried. I needed a system to manage my games and make the most of my collection.
To solve this, I created DeckFilter. It’s a tool that helps me quickly pick games that fit my Steam Deck and match my playtime. This tool has been super helpful in rediscovering my library and choosing what to play next.
I also developed a specific approach to managing my gaming time. I tend to play short games in between larger ones. After spending a lot of time on a long game, I take a break and play a mid-length game. Then, I return to the long game. Sometimes, I also pick a short game I’ve already completed to achieve 100% achievements.
Using DeckFilter and my new approach, I picked several games to play in the first quarter of this year. Here are the ones i completed:
Tell Me Why
Tell Me Why is the multi-award winning episodic adventure game from Dontnod Entertainment in which twins use their supernatural bond to discover the truth of their troubled past.
Playable9.7 h
Main Story
11.1 h
Main+Extras
13.5 h
Completionist
I spent 30 hours on this game, completing two playthroughs – one on my old PC and one on my Steam Deck. While it didn’t quite match up to Life is Strange, it was still a fantastic game with a touching story and memorable characters.
Minute
A 3D action platformer where you play as a wind-up toy in a Tinkerer's workshop set in the Victorian Age. As a small wind-up toy, you must rely on your wind-up key to embark on an arduous journey. Defeat enemies and uncover a dark secret within the rooms.
Unsupported0.5 h
Main Story
0.6 h
Main+Extras
1 h
Completionist
Although it took only 45 minutes to finish, it was a fun experience despite rough performance on the Steam Deck. For a free game, it was definitely worth it.
A Juggler's Tale
Lead Abby the string puppet through a bruised, but beautiful fairy tale world in this cinematic adventure. Solve riddles, evade traps and shake off pursuers on the way to find freedom. Can Abby take control of her fate with all the strings attached?
Verified2 h
Main Story
2.5 h
Main+Extras
2.5 h
Completionist
This cute little game took me 2 hours to complete. Its storytelling and gameplay were perfect for the Deck.
LEGO® Builder's Journey
LEGO Builder’s Journey is an atmospheric, geometric puzzle game that asks us to sometimes follow the instructions… and sometimes to break the rules.
Verified2.3 h
Main Story
2.5 h
Main+Extras
2.5 h
Completionist
I spent 4 hours immersed in this super cute game. The puzzles and visuals were delightful, and it rekindled my love for LEGO.
Grand Theft Auto IV: The Complete Edition
Niko Bellic, Johnny Klebitz and Luis Lopez all have one thing in common – they live in the worst city in America. Liberty City worships money and status, and is heaven for those who have them and a living nightmare for those who don't.
Playable31.7 h
Main Story
54.8 h
Main+Extras
102.2 h
Completionist
I ended up pouring 145 hours into this game, playing through the main story and DLCs. It was awesome on the Deck, and I’m already planning another run to go for 100%.
The Gunk
The Gunk is an action-adventure game in which you play as Rani, part of our duo of gritty space haulers. As they’re struggling to bring in funds, they chance upon an untouched planet brimming with life. They came in search of valuable resources, and it looks like they’ve hit the jackpot…
Playable4.7 h
Main Story
5.6 h
Main+Extras
6.5 h
Completionist
This game provided 7.5 hours of engaging gameplay. Its unique world and solid mechanics made it a great indie title.
Dead Space (2008)
You are Isaac Clarke, an engineer on the spacecraft USG Ishimura. You're not a warrior. You're not a soldier. You are, however, the last line of defense for the remaining living crew.
Verified11 h
Main Story
12.8 h
Main+Extras
20.2 h
Completionist
I spent 40 hours on two playthroughs – one on my old PC and one on the Deck. The game remains a masterpiece, and I even wrote an article about my experience.
Bully: Scholarship Edition
Bully tells the story of mischievous 15-year-old Jimmy Hopkins as he goes through the hilarity and awkwardness of adolescence. Beat the jocks at dodge ball, play pranks on the preppies, save the nerds, kiss the girl and navigate the social hierarchy in the worst school around.
Playable14.5 h
Main Story
19.4 h
Main+Extras
27 h
Completionist
I logged 26 hours into Bully. Unfortunately, I killed my savegame with modding, but it was a blast on the Deck. I’m looking forward to playing it again on PlayStation for the achievements.
I managed to complete several games, each offering unique experiences and satisfaction. Some turned out to be hidden gems that I might never have played if not for this focused approach. I also started a few games but did not finish them, so I excluded those from this list. Additionally, I have some all-time favorites that stay on my Deck, which I’ll feature in a separate article later.
While I’ve made great strides in tackling my backlog, the journey is far from over. I plan to continue using my strategy to manage my library and make the most out of my gaming time. My future strategy involves sticking to the habits I’ve developed and continuing to enjoy my games one at a time. I encourage you to take a look at your own backlog and share your experiences.
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