The need to continue

[JamieOilyFcker]

Super Monkey Balls, continues a plenty!

[innovator]

It depends on the game. Sometimes it feels dirty, other times it stops me from abandoning a game. It's all about balance and sometimes the developers intend that you continue. PN03 is done so that you shouldn't take a single hit for example but if you let pride get in the way of using a continue in Shinobi PS2 then you're a complete retard. Some shooters I will never be able to 1 credit and frankly I don't want to put in the time required into what is essentielly a memory test. I'd rather use 3 credits (my personal max) than crawl through an electronic exam. I play games for fun, not to constantly hit my head against a brick wall. Beating a preset range of enemy patterns is not my thing, getting a streak going on a fighter is way more satisfying.

[Ady]

I think the fairest way of integrating continues into today's games is to make the player EARN them.

With that system, you have to be skilled enough to earn the continue in the first place. As such, you won't feel cheap for using it as you earned the 'right' to do so.