Out of mild interest and because it's Friday

When playing a new game, do you go slow and steady, overturning every rock and 100%-ing it the first time, or do you rush through the main story, then come back for the leftovers?

I personally try to complete as much as possible the first time, mostly because time is limited, and I just know I probably wont be back, despite my best intentions. I also lose interest in the game once my main boss is hacked apart... just seems like there is no point to getting stronger
So I do as many side quests as possible, backtrack and explore, then show up for the main boss with BFG 9000 Sword of Doom.

Sometimes i just get halfway and think "Meh, whatever. Chaaaarge!"

@Teb - definitely slow and steady through all my games. Seeing as you reference Starcraft - turtling and teching up in RTS games definitely.

I love seeing everything on offer and as someone who replays games, the first playthrough is the best time when things are new. If I replay the game later, I know what the highlights are and what to skip (prime example - open-world filler bull**** that obscures an otherwise great game).

Sometimes I also have to shift gears if it bogs down the game too much - the recent Doom has excellent high-speed and high-intensity combat but secrete hunting in each level could really destroy the pacing.

Ok... I have to admit. In the new tomb Raider, I make a point of FINDING all the books/scrolls, but I'm certainly not sticking around to listen/read them. I just file it under "a long time ago, stuff happened"

Depends on the game. For a Battlefield or COD or HALO I ignore the secrets and collectables they add f'all to the game experience or story really. In an openworld game, I do selective siedquests, I usually 60% the games. In AC I never collect the feathers, songs etc, but I do the interesting things. In RPGs I try and do everything, sometimes I succeed, sometimes I don't.

I like to take my time, & explore.
If there are collectibles, then I try to get as many as I can on the first run.
If I do a second play through, then I run through it. Doing what I missed the first time around.

Stop and smell the rose I water them and plant a few more for the next traveller

It really depends on the game and whether or not finding everything adds anything to the overall experience.

slow and steady!
it takes me almost a month to finish a JRPG because of this.

Generally take my time if the game is good, only race to the end if the game is terrible (AC3 I'm looking at you)