Funily enough i have those feelings but only when playing newer games. I've finished so many linear single players where there were little to no surprise elements but for some reason the games that look overcomplicated but have a simple gameplay besides a hollow open world and tons of repetitive sidequests get boring so fucking fast. I've finished borderlands 3 about 3 times already and wondering if i should give it a fourth shot. If the gameplay whacks, element of surprise as you said is the only thing that would keep you playing.