Old Gaming Traditions We'd Like to See Go
With new games coming out all the time, it’s hard to avoid the things that you just don’t like. Whether it’s repetitive side quests, escort missions, or stealth sections, there are some old gaming traditions that we’d just like to see go already.
We’re not trying to say that every mechanic has to be innovative, but frustrating annoyances that have been around for decades need to be eliminated. After all, why should we have to put up with outdated gameplay just because it’s been around since the ‘90s?
Some games, like Desert Bus, incorporate the constant attention aspect of escort missions into the gameplay, but it’s not exactly enjoyable. Other games, like Fallout, have found ways to improve escort missions by making the NPC playable and adaptable to your speed.
Escort Missions
The problem with escort missions – and those tail missions where you have to follow someone – is that the NPC’s walk speed is too slow for their own safety. The constant back and forth to match the NPC’s pace is a common annoyance, and if they stop or get left behind, it’s an irritating waste of time. The best escort missions strike a balance where the NPCs move at a slightly faster speed than your own walk but slower than your run.
Some games, like Resident Evil 4 and Xcom 2, have implemented escort missions well. In RE4, you’re forced to protect Ashley while she’s in a wheelchair, and in Xcom, you’re protecting the human squad members. In both cases, your NPC allies are useful in combat and don’t require babysitting.
Final Fantasy Tactics and Uncharted also handle escort mechanics well, with AI companions that can contribute to combat but aren’t overpowered. On the other hand, some users argue that escort missions are necessary for games like Diablo and Borderlands, where the loot is the main focus. Others complain about how frustrating it is when the NPC stops or gets left behind.
Tail Missions
Similarly, tail missions or stealth sections where you have to follow an enemy without being seen are another outdated mechanic that’s frustrating for those who dislike stealth games. Games like GTA5, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Far Cry 5 have poorly implemented stealth mechanics that make it difficult to remain undetected.
Some users argue that the basic stealth mechanics in these games are passable, while others believe they should be improved. Meanwhile, other games, like Hitman, are criticized for having a stealth system that’s too forgiving.
Stealth Games
Mandatory stealth sections in action games are especially annoying for those who aren’t fans of stealth games. Dishonored, Deus Ex, and Assassin’s Creed (before open-world elements) are the type of games that give players the option between stealth and combat, but stealth can be difficult to execute effectively.
Meanwhile, some users praise games like Metro for having a strong focus on stealth. The series allows players to choose between stealth and combat, but stealth can be difficult to execute effectively. In any case, many players express hope that developers like Naughty Dog will improve its stealth mechanics in the future, as seen with the Uncharted games.
Unskippable Cutscenes
Similarly, unskippable cutscenes are another frustrating gaming tradition that we’d like to see eliminated. Some users argue that cutscenes should at least be pausable, while others appreciate the ability to skip them on subsequent playthroughs.
Censoring Naughty Words
Some players are also frustrated by the requirement to complete side quests before continuing the main story. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey requires players to finish the Plunder the Plundered Temples questline before advancing to the next segment of the game. While some players are happy to spend extra time completing as many quests as possible, others feel that this requirement is unnecessary and excessive.
That’s not all – some games also censor naughty words in mature-rated games’ text chat. While some people understand why this measure is taken, others find it excessive or unnecessary.
That’s it for our list of old gaming traditions that we’d like to see go. What do you think? Do you agree with the things we’ve included?
