I've been trying to reduce the size of my backlog (~30 games) for around a year now. The problem is that so many of the games on there take 30+ hours to complete -- I've heard that several of them are likely to eat up closer to 100 hours of my time.

I typically spend 10-15 hours a week playing games, so it's a very slow process. And it doesn't help that every few months I get sucked into buying something new (eg. Civ 5, Uncharted 2, Heavy Rain, Fractal, Amnesia). Sometimes, as is the case with Amnesia, these new games end up on my backlog, which results in it shrinking at an even slower rate.

I don't think I'll ever get through it, but I'm determined to keep trying.

That's cool that you have a system set up, good luck stickin' to it.  Let me know when you make it to Red Dead and I'll play along!  I regret passing up RDR last year and need to see what all the hubbub is about.

Your plan sounds great, just try and resist the temptation of buying new games and you will be fine, also I think you should attempt the games on the following order:

- Assassins Creed 2 (Platinum - Easy)
- Assassins Creed: Brotherhood (Finish it then paly another game while trying out the multiplayer)
- Darksiders
- Fallout 3 (Platinum - Easy but needs planning)
- Prince of Persia (Platinum - Easy)

Here you can take a break of old games and try one or two of the many great new titles coming out. Then continue with the rest of the games which will take a lot of time.

- Eternal Sonata
- Demon's Souls
- Overlord 2
- Red Dead Redemption
- Final Fantasy 13
- Dragon Age: Origins Awakening

Tips:

1) Play one game at a time. You're on the right track. So you don't have to memorize the different control settings of different games.

2) If the game you are currently stuck with is boring but you are determined to finish the game, then i guess it's okay to play sports games or fighting games for your mental health break.

3) Play everything on Easy. Life is too short.

4) Dont try to unlock everything. Not worth it. gamefaqs save files are your friend.

5) play action/adventure and hack and slash games first. save sandbox games for later. play RPG games last (too time consuming)

Second the suggestion to play on easy. I've not only found it practical, I actually prefer it now. All the content, none of the frustration. 

Thanks for the suggestions everyone! I will definately be playing a lot of these games on easy, Otherwise I just wouldn't have the time.

Another thing I didn't mention, I wrote this on my birthday. For said celebration my boyfriend gave me a preorder and money down on Mass Effect 2 and Marvel vs. Capcom 3. Also I just preordered Dragon Age 2,  so I may already be in trouble.

Rachel, you are small time. I wish I had your backlog.

This is what I'm dealing with here:
http://backloggery.com/games.php?user=redswirl

@Daniel, your list made me sad, its cool that you own all of those games though! I should have been more specific, these are PS3 only and don't include downloadable only games or games from previous generations.

one quick tip about Assassins Creed 2. I almost got a platinum trophy on it, but there is one trophy that's a one-time shot and if you miss it, have to replay the game: (possible spoiler?) when you're using da vinci's flying machine, the trophy for kicking guards off of buildings. good luck with the backlog, my new year resolution was to write off most of mine as a lost cause.

(p.s. I'll soon be pummeling you all in Marvel v. Capcom 3! PSN=lankyninja)

@ Dennis PSN= Alcestis88

At least you have a great plan set up. I just picked up DC Universe Online last night, and now, my gaming backlog overrun me like an angry Krogan!

I have a question guys: Which games takes more time to finish on average? Good Sandbox, openworld games or good RPGs?

Good Luck also keep away from the rpgs do those last and play the adventure games first also enjoy the games and ignore the achievements and trophies for the first playthrough. I too have a large backlog to go thru going to try to lessen it this year.. I hope. :P

Great list, and a noble effort!

One note on this "Play on easy" business... I've actually found playing on easy difficulty removes a significant amount of fun from my game-playing experience.

For me, part of the fun is the feeling of accomplishment.  Even though it hurts my backlog situation, I try to play a game twice.  First on the difficulty between normal and stoopid.  (Legendary in Halo, Veteran in CoD, etc, etc).  Then I play through once again on stoopid difficulty.

Because if I don't have to give any effort, I may as well be reading.