I just beat the Colorado Rapids for the 20th time this week.

I don't mean literally -- not in that way that sports fans refer to themselves as members of the team they support. In that sense, we (meaning my MLS team, Real Salt Lake) only beat Colorado once this week. But I'm referring to my recent victories over a computer-controlled Rapids opponent in FIFA 11.

See, I can't stop playing that game. And I'm not even working through a full season or managing a team or anything. I'm just setting up exhibition matches...over and over and over. Arsenal vs. Chelsea. United States vs. Mexico. Whatever I feel like.

I have other things I should play. I still haven't voyaged through the Omega 4 mass relay with Commander Shepard. My Pokémon are probably listless and bored with inactivity.  And those demons' souls aren't going to harvest themselves. But I just can't bring myself to do any of it.

That's not always a bad thing.

I've written before about the merits of playing games in large chunks, to completion if possible. I think it helps me get a handle on the narrative, the themes -- the whole artistic experience. So what happens when I don't have the time to devote to a long session in front of my TV or computer?

These days, my gaming time is scarce at best. An hour here after work, half an hour there before bed...sometimes that's all I can muster. On such occasions, a couple matches of FIFA or a few online rounds of Tetris on PSN hit the spot perfectly. I appreciate playing something without any long-term consequences.

Even social, free-to-play games have entered the equation. I've been exploring Dragon Age: Legends on Facebook (a title that Bitmob editor Brett Bates just left our fair company to work on), and I've found that the limits it puts on gameplay actually help my experience instead of hindering it.

In DA:L, as in many similar games, you're only allowed to take a certain number of actions before you run out of "energy." At that point, you're expected to either wait for your allotment to refill or pay (with real money) to purchase items that will let you continue. I'm definitely not gonna pay for the game, but I don't mind. I usually get about half an hour of interaction in before running out of juice. It's just enough to enjoy the experience while keeping me hungry for more.

Don't get me wrong; I still want those lengthier journeys like Mass Effect 2 and Demon's Souls. But I'm deferring the pleasure. I want to have the time to savor those experiences. If that means it takes me a little longer, then so be it.

This week -- maybe even right now, if you're a Steam-aholic -- Portal 2 hits computers and consoles everywhere.  The original Portal was the poster child for my "play-games-in-one-sitting" philosophy. But the word on the street is that each of the sequel's modes will take twice as long to complete. I'm not sure that's a good thing for me. I'll definitely still play it...but I'm worried it might not be as sweet.

Fortunately, I've got some time off coming up this weekend and a couple spare mornings next week. And the Normandy still needs her commanding officer. And my Emboar isn't going anywhere.

For now? I'm gonna beat those Rapids again. They've got it coming.