Is gaming your escape from adversity, or your indulgence in it?
he worst crime a game can commit is making one feel as though they're going through the motions. RPGs like Blue Dragon and Magna Carta 2 introduce a plethora of items and spell-buffs but lack the challenge to necessitate anything but the attack option and X-button. If a complex system is in the game, make learning it fundamental to the experience. Offering a harder difficulty option also works (to be fair, Blue Dragon eventually did just that via DLC).
I love a fair challenge. I get excited over games that require a thoughtful strategy to making it out alive. Time is a valuable commodity, but if that's the sole commitment needed for passing levels then count me out. I prefer to be on the edge of my chair analyzing where I went wrong than to be rewarded for just showing up. When a non-interactive story unfolds, I set the controller down to enjoy it because, after all, I earned it and need time to dry my palms.
I understand that some folks get over-stimulated at their jobs and would rather enjoy a breezy experience with their games. Sadly, my day job does little for my competitive nature, so when I get home it's the opposite for me. What's it for you?
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