Why I Keep Coming Back to Games I Hate
There is a peculiar phenomenon in the gaming community where players find themselves drawn back to games they absolutely despise. These are not the classics that celebrate nothing but excellence, but games where the player's skepticism and frustration are palpable yet they can't seem to leave them behind. One such game is Dead Space 3, and another is God of War 3. Here, I will explore the reasons behind this strange behavior and delve into personal experiences with a few such games.
Dead Space 3: A Blast of Fun with Hidden Demons
What Game Do You Absolutely Despise?
Inevitably, the conversation leads to Dead Space 3. Despite thoroughly enjoying the game back in its day, it has a few elements that constantly irk me. The custom weapons were a blast to play with, and the ice planet sequences reminded me of John Carpenter's The Thing. However, the action-oriented gameplay deviated from the side-scrolling horror experience that made the series a hit. For those who aren't familiar with the series, EA's insistence on microtransactions and their constant marketing strategies to alter the suit were a formidable distraction. Changing my suit became a tedious chore, disrupting the flow of the game.
The Pursuit of Platinum Trophies: God of War 3 and the Burden of Achievement
Why This Game Keeps You Engrossed?
My relationship with God of War 3 is a testament to the lengths we go to in the pursuit of gaming achievements. Despite my initial love for the game, the quest for the platinum trophy brought to light several frustrating aspects. Here are some of the reasons why the game, despite being a masterpiece, became a source of frustration and procrastination for me.
The Unhuman Trophy: A Challenging but Manageable Feat
Unhuman was a tough but totally doable challenge. The task demanded you to beat the game on its hardest difficulty level, which is not as daunting as you might think. However, relentless enemies and the need for frequent save points made the process more tedious than initially expected.
The aMAZEd Trophy: A Humbling Frustration
aMAZEd is perhaps the most infamous trophy during my platinum run. The trophy's goal was to beat this stage without falling to your death, but it quickly became a nightmare. The stage required you to jump from pillar to pillar, constantly battling swarms of enemies, and without the luxury of checkpoints. This challenge not only made me feel stupid but also compelled me to play with a helmet on. The frustration of the situation led me to break my controller, an incident that truly highlights the psychological burden of such challenges.
Misplaced Focus: Platinum Trophies vs. Enjoyment of the Game
Realizing that the true joy of gaming lies in the experience, not the trophies, was a significant revelation. The pursuit of the platinum trophy made me question my sanity but also realized the true value of gaming. Achieving the platinum trophy eventually made me understand that the game itself, not the badges, is where the real fun lies.
Understanding the Addiction: Why We Keep Returning
Video Game Addiction and the Draw of Hated Games
There is a psychological aspect to this, where the very things that make a game frustrating can create a sort of compulsion. The initial joy and excitement are replaced with a sense of obligation, and the player's obsession with achieving specific goals can override the actual enjoyment of the game. This phenomenon is further exacerbated by the community aspect, where players seek to prove their worth by achieving such difficult feats.
Conclusion: Emphasizing the Experience
While it is understandable to seek out achievements and rewards in games, it is crucial to recognize that the true enjoyment of gaming lies in the experience, not just the badges on your profile. Whether it's Dead Space 3 or God of War 3, the key to a healthier gaming relationship lies in shifting the focus from trophies to the actual gaming experience.