I noticed that many RPGs I've been playing lately: Jade Empire, Fable, KOTOR all have both the ability to save files separately when you so choose as well as Autosave at points set in the game (usually before and after significant events) by the original designers.

Do any of you play with only the Autosave, thus you are stuck with every decision that you make but it keeps you honest, or would you rather save a couple extra files in case you want to go back and play something different by loading the personal save file?

EDIT: While I am more interested in RPGS specifically, I am also asking about any game type like shooters for example.

If my game is stopped just to autosave, it gets on my nerves. But usually I just load manual saves like on Oblivion.

I actually like Autosaving. However, there are also games that let you save at any point you want to, as well (Bioshock, to name one). I think that's the best policy.

QTF.

Though, to DP's point... saving the game is going to pause gameplay reguardless if it's auto or manual.

...

Wait, actually... I take that back. I think that Assassin's Creed autosaved without pausing gameplay, if I'm not mistaken.

It depends. For Fire Emblem on the GBA, auto-save is a lifesaver when you have to turn the system off. Very nice.

Do any of you guys play with just the Autosave or do you always reserve the right to replay a part if you don't like the direction the game eventually ended up by reloading a manual save from an earlier save point where you comfortably chose to save?

I sometimes keep a backup save just In-case I don't like the current direction of the game.

I have always utilized the auto-save. But the thing is, if I really wanted to go back, you usually will have a list of all autosaves and can go back a good ways. I know Bioshock and Crysis was like that, and I'm pretty sure that's the way it is in most cases. So really, you aren't "forced" to be honest, or forced to do anything really... but save.

im a micro manager at heart, i have to be in control of everything. manual saving is the only option for me, auto saves dont make me feel comfortable though i havent played many games that offered this feature.

Yeah Jade Empire had multiple Autosaves, but Fable had only one. The way that I played Fable, I didn't need to have manual saves (though I did save manually as well) because I had decided for Fable specifically I was going to go with whatever choices that I decided to make at the time and not look back.

The only place that I think the manual saves would have been useful from this point of view is if I really intended to choose one option and mistakenly pressed the button when the other option was highlighted.

But I have a friend who plays PC MMORPGs and he hates the idea of going back to change your choice if you don't like the outcome. I might agree with that but I guess opinions differ.