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[Fbh]

That's a pretty bland Hot Take.
A better one IMO would be that games like Elden Ring and Dark Souls are a good example of how you can make a single well designed difficulty that can then be made easier by giving players a lot of tools.
Games like Elden Ring and Dark Souls can be made significantly easier if you take advantage of things like summoning other players, magic or the new Spirit Ashes. Which is also why Sekiro usually wins all "hardest Fromsoft game" polls, because you have to get up close master melee combat and can't just stay behind blasting the boss to oblivion with magic as 3 summoned players assist you.

 

[Orta]

I'm older and have less time than ever to play games. I don't have the patience or leisure time to be grinding out level after level of every game I fancy just so I can impress a bunch of 'git gud' virgins on the internet. 90% of the time I leave the default difficulty to normal but with a particularly fiendish game, straight to easy it goes. I paid for it with my money, I'm not having a fucking incel who has clocked up 67000 hours on Final Fantasy telling me I can't do what I want with it.

Somebody should ask the bloke who wrote that article how many people actually finished The Elder Ring? How many people finished Demons Souls after running out to buy it with their shiny new PS5's?

 

[The Stig]

Nonsense BS.

In the same article he says there shouldn't be an easy mode but he's not against making it easier for those with disabilities?

What about people who are just shit at games but enjoy them? Does that not count? Writer is an idiot.

Shit, easy mode is practically required for a friend of mine with dyspraxia.

 

[Danjin44]

In Elden Ring is much easier to over level and just destroy most bosses.

Also you have the option of summoning people help you out, I mean what else do people want?

It up to devs themselves if want to put difficulty option or not and FROM made it perfectly clear time to time again that they are not interested putting difficulty option in their games.

How long are people going to have same bland conversation?

 

[Punished Miku]

I mean what else do people want?

Competent gameplay / combat balancing.

Dragon's Dogma 2 is going to make Elden Ring look like trash.

 

[Danjin44]

Competent gameplay / combat balancing.

Sekiro was exactly that and people still complained because couldn’t grind or summon people to help them out.

 

[lughnasadh123]

every game could be designed with the same experience as everyone else.

That's not happening particularly within Elden Ring. Summons, co-op, magic vs melee, etc etc.

People doubling down on "fuck easy mode" when From's most successful game is also one that is it's most accessible one yet is a really weird take.

 

[Punished Miku]

Sekiro was exactly that and people still complained because couldn’t grind or summon people to help them out.

Sekiro is a far better game on that front. But you guys are in a bubble.

Just a brief anecdote. My older brother got Sekiro. He's beaten Ninja Gaiden and Ninja Gaiden 2 on normal and hard difficulty. He dropped it after 2 hours. I've played countless action games my entire life. I bailed on Sekiro at the half way point when I hit a certain boss and it just became aggravating. It's so limited in how you're allowed to respond to bosses that it's practically a rhythm game more than an action game. I still respect Sekiro though, and find it a great game.

Elden Ring is a whole different subject though. That thing is busted. Embarrassing gameplay balancing issues. Embarrassing combat issues. Not polished or well thought out on that front. And everyone will see that when compared to Dragon's Dogma 2. It'll be undeniable. I have no issues with Nioh or Nioh 2 either, which many consider to be a lot more difficult. But they're actually competently balanced.

 

[nominedomine]

Did people get mad at Outer Wilds? To me it's drastically more difficult and frustrating than any From Software game and I feel that I learn very little with each death, they feel more random than anything else.

 

[ProgenitorCastle]

Part of what makes gaming appealing to me is the interactive portion of it, so more options=better for everyone so as an example, I love tank controls in older REs but if someone wants to get into them using analog controls, more power to them!

 

[MikeM]

All games? No. Some should absolutely have an easy mode, especially games targetted at younger audiences.

 

[Graciaus]

Elden Ring has built in easy mode as all Souls game did. Wtf?

 

[ZywyPL]

Elden Ring's success [...]

What success? Sure, the game sold plenty, but how many people finished it even once? How many people bought it because of open-world formula and/or due to hype from the media? What are the odds that ER2, if/whenever it comes, repeats such sales numbers even remotely close?

Because realistically, you have a game, a whole genre even, that sells just 1-2, 3M copies tops, and all of a sudden one title hits teens of millions of copies sold, some reports claim close to 20M even, you do have to ask yourself, is it the decade-old Souls gameplay renown for its difficulty, or was if the oh so popular nowadays open world that got people into the game?

Someone here posted achievements/trophies stats not so long ago in a thread about ER specifically and its sales, and as far as I remember most people didn't even got to the second boss, which only proves the complete opposite - most people don't have time for bullshit and repeat the same section over and over again, they'll simply abandon the game completely and move onto something else.

 

[TintoConCasera]

I prefer when games have no difficulty modes, that way I'm sure to be playing the way the devs intended me to play on.

Besides, many times difficulty modes are just there to turn the MC into a weakling or the enemies into damage sponges. There's no fun in that imo.

 

[Tiago Rodrigues]

Why do people think writing articles on "my way of playing games is the only acceptable way" i'll never know.
Having options is NEVER a bad thing.

That said i don't think developers need to be forced to have those modes as well.

Not every product out there needs to be designed for everyone to use them and like them...and that's okay.

 

[k_trout]

I've been having fun wrong this whole time

 

[Bragr]

Oh god, another 15-year-old that played a Soulsborne and is ready to preach to the world about game design.

 

[Danjin44]

I bailed on Sekiro at the half way point when I hit a certain boss and it just became aggravating. It's so limited in how you're allowed to respond to bosses that it's practically a rhythm game more than an action game.

You have lot of tool in Sekiro to use on enemies, its up to you to use them, I'm sorry but just because some of you guys quit Sekiro half way through it doesn't make Sekiro's combat unbalanced.

Spoiler

In 13:23 just look how he uses Mist Raven to reverse lightning, I finished the game 4 times but I didn't know you could do this.

 

[cireza]

My hot take : nobody should wear a red shirt.

 

[Punished Miku]

You have lot of tool in Sekiro to use on enemies, its up to you to use them, I'm sorry but just because some of you guys quit Sekiro half way through it doesn't make Sekiro's combat unbalanced.

Spoiler

In 13:23 just look how he uses Mist Raven to reverse lightning, I finished the game 4 times but I didn't know you could do this.

I didn't say Sekiro is unbalanced. I said it's the best of the FROM combat systems but is so restricted and limited it's almost more of a rhythm game than a true action game. I also said I still consider it a great game. Literally everything I've complained about is related to Elden Ring.

Sekiro is balanced but also extraordinarily limited with not only 1 weapon but also one acceptable way to play in pretty much all situations. Of all the FROM games made, that could use some difficulty options more than the rest. Elden Ring is just not even balanced or designed well and difficulty options would just be a bandaid.

 

[brian0057]

Game journalists are the flat-earthers of the videogame world.

 

[Danjin44]

I didn't Sekiro is unbalanced. I said it's the best of the FROM combat systems but is so restricted and limited it's almost more of a rhythm game than a true action game. I also said I still consider it a great game. Literally everything I've complained about is related to Elden Ring.

The video I posted above shows how this is not true, you can also play games like Bayonetta just using simple combo without ever using anything else but it doesn't make it combat "restricted".

As for Elden Ring, as much as I LOVED the game, I agree its really not well balanced and I bet you anything in PVP majority of people gonna use Blood build because its super broken.

 

[Punished Miku]

The video I posted above shows how this is not true, you can also play games like Bayonetta just using simple combo without ever using anything else but it doesn't make it combat "restricted".

As for Elden Ring, as much as I LOVED the game, I agree its really not well balanced and I bet you anything in PVP majority of people gonna use Blood build because its super broken.

Im talking about the experience of a first time player playing the game in most situations. I can't watch the video at work to comment on it unfortunately. But highlight reels with game pros doing small exceptions with meta builds is not really that relevant to the experience of 98% of the player base.

 

[Wildebeest]

The video I posted above shows how this is not true, you can also play games like Bayonetta just using simple combo without ever using anything else but it doesn't make it combat "restricted".

I don't think you understand him.

I hated parrying in Dark Souls and similar games. I absolutely suck at rhythm games, and QTE just simply ruin games for me.

Can I beat Sekiro without using parry? Does it have that sort of lack of restrictions? Would I have fun with Sekiro even if every time I am made to parry I have less fun, and it never starts getting fun?

 

[ReBurn]

Imagine believing that being able to finish a video game is an accomplishment.

 

[Kimahri]

I just don't play easy mode. Why is it so hard for others to do the same?

Just ignore it and move on. Some people like it, why does that bother people?

Of all the dumb ass things to care about...

 

[GermanZepp]

It's also a lot more interesting when everyone go through the same experience, because in some games the difficulty can drastically change the way the game is played, which can lead to confusion when people talk about their experience, share things about it etc, appearing like two different games sometimes.

While i agree that - no difficulty setting - 'unifies' the player experience. Some games, like Souls or Elden Ring offers too much tools or posibilites that may diverge the such experience. I have hear many times "I kill that boss in my first try is ez get gud" and while true, the dude is 50 levels beyond, farmed the hell out and back, weapon +10, making a copycat youtube build, etc. In a game a little more restricted like Sekiro, i think that the single difficulty translates more clearaly, for better or for worse.

 

[GermanZepp]

Imagine believing that being able to finish a video game is an accomplishment.

Imagine believing that being able to *insert stuff* is an accomplishment.

 

[Danjin44]

But highlight reels with game pros doing small exceptions with meta builds is not really that relevant to the experience of 98% of the player base.

but also true with most action games like DMC or Bayonetta, there are people who play that like a pro and do crazy combos but majority players wont play like that.

Can I beat Sekiro without using parry? Does it have that sort of lack of restrictions? Would I have fun with Sekiro even if every time I am made to parry I have less fun, and it never starts getting fun?

In Metal Gear Rising one its main mechanics to parry enemies, you have to in order to do well.

 

[k_trout]

My hot take : nobody should wear a red shirt.

 

[ReBurn]

Imagine believing that being able to *insert stuff* is an accomplishment.

I mean being able to transplant a heart is an accomplishment. Wasting time gitting gud? Not so much. Let people have their easy mode. Nobody makes them use it.

 

[Aguero9320]

This obsession with games being difficult is really annoying. It seems these days that if it's hard it's massively overrated.

I'll never play Elden Ring, Dark Souls, Returnal or any of that shit because I play games to relax and enjoy a good story, I'm not trying to prove anything to myself or anyone else.

 

[Wildebeest]

In Metal Gear Rising one its main mechanics to parry enemies, you have to in order to do well.

So what? Imagine that I don't like Metal Gear Rising either. I really dislike Metal Gear Rising for the same reasons and have no fun at all. Should I buy Sekiro?

 

[01011001]

my take on it is that a Video Game should NEVER let you chose a difficulty mode after starting the game for the first time... NEVER


WHY?

the issue with difficulty modes is the lack of consistency that is impossible to get rid of.

what is "easy"? what is "normal"? what is "hard"?


Play DMC3 on easy and you will still have a really challenging game... play the latest Ratchet & Clank on easy and you will fall asleep as you finish the final boss...


the player can never know which mode is the best, which mode is way too dumbed down, which mode is for people that already know the game and want an additional challenge.


yes the devs often write info texts like "This mode is for experienced action game players" and shit like that, but we all know these are pretty nonsensical due to the varying degrees of skill people have.



WHAT MAKES 1 MODE ONLY THE BETTER WAY?

well, look at the history of videogames... did you see a difficulty option in GTA4? Vice City? San Andreas?... did you find a difficulty selector in Mario 64, Sunshine, Galaxy? or maybe in Dark Souls, Bloodborne, Elden Ring? did you see one in Ocarina of Time, Majoras Mask, Twilight Princess or Breath of the Wild?


see a pattern here? these are some of the most beloved games, some of the highest ranking games, some of the most iconic titles... none of them have a difficulty selector.

some of them unlock a higher difficulty completing them or 100%ing them, but not as the default when starting them for the first time.


and I think this is also the reason they are so beloved and highly regarded.

yes there are games with difficulty selections that also are very popular and beloved, but the best of the best do all only give you a single mode to chose from.


IMO this single difficulty mkde approach is tasking the developers with making the best single way to play the game and the developers need to make sure that this one mode is perfectly balanced, otherwise the game will not be popular. if it's too mundane or too difficult the game might not succeed.


and this single mode approach also gives the developers the time and focus to make thatvone mode that good, no need to think about how the hard mode will work or how the easy mode will work, it's just 1 mode to worry about...

and the article also kinda said that with the last paragraph... have one mode, THAT'S THE GAME, and just make that as good as possible.


I also pleased it like I did because additional modes after finishing a game are absolutely welcome, something that gives you a more challenging way to play (new game + is usually that, or normal unlockable higher modes)

 

[Punished Miku]

but also true with most action games like DMC or Bayonetta, there are people who play that like a pro and do crazy combos but majority players wont play like that.

Majority wont, but they still have some variety in how to approach situations in game. Multiple weapons, more leeway on strategic movement and dodging. Counters, parries or other advanced techniques available. Many unique combos and combat skills far in excess of FROM games, available without MP or item restrictions.

Sekiro is primarily a game about parrying correctly and attacking with a sword with limited combos, and a handful of weapon skills. There's some exceptions but I don't think my statements are that controversial. Some people playing DMC or Bayonetta hate entire weapons. There's not much leeway in Sekiro for anything.

 

[dezzy8]

I disagree. Last of Us on easy mode was the most fun way to play that game for me. That was right after beating it on normal and grounded. Choices are always welcomed.

 

[OmegaSupreme]

I'm not surprised this is coming from a souls bro

 

[GermanZepp]

I didn't say Sekiro is unbalanced. I said it's the best of the FROM combat systems but is so restricted and limited it's almost more of a rhythm game than a true action game. I also said I still consider it a great game. Literally everything I've complained about is related to Elden Ring.

Sekiro is balanced but also extraordinarily limited with not only 1 weapon but also one acceptable way to play in pretty much all situations. Of all the FROM games made, that could use some difficulty options more than the rest. Elden Ring is just not even balanced or designed well and difficulty options would just be a bandaid.

There is plenty of room for experimentation on Sekiro, you have lots of skills, movements and counters to unlock, lots items and arm protesis tools to try. And enough with rhythm game mantra. What is a true action game Miku ?

 

[OmegaSupreme]

 

[Topher]

Glad you people are not devs.

 

[Punished Miku]

What is a true action game Miku ?

Bayonetta, DMC, Ninja Gaiden, Nioh, and many more. Typically these games include combos and a large variety of moves available to allow for player expression while facing many difficult foes. Almost all include many weapons as well. Most have multiple difficulty levels, challenges, other things that are optional tropes of the genre.

 

[GermanZepp]

I mean being able to transplant a heart is an accomplishment. Wasting time gitting gud? Not so much. Let people have their easy mode. Nobody makes them use it.

You can say that, sure. But you can't quantify it to everyone. You put a goal and you do it. It dosen't mean it as to be the greatest accomplishmet of your life. Some would say that become a PHD is accompleishment, some having a kid, some weaking up every morning to go to work, some having a good time playing with friends. It can be anythign that you infuse meaning.

Regarding easy mode, not every game needs it but i´m ok that people have that choice.

 

[Danjin44]

And enough with rhythm game mantra

Seriously I'm so sick of hearing that, this no different than people who call games like Bayonetta "button masher".

 

[DeepEnigma]

Just let this thread die.

 

[Laptop1991]

Well easy might vary from game to game, what if the game is too hard on normal, or a gamer just wants to experience the story, if there is a story lol.

 

[01011001]

or a gamer just wants to experience the story, if there is a story lol.

go on youtube, type in "[name of game] Longplay"...

 

[cash_longfellow]

My hot take: no video game should have an easy mode - Reader’s Feature

A reader argues that the success of Elden Ring means that games should be getting rid of easy modes, not adding them.

metro.co.uk

Elden Ring's success proves Gamers want a challenge, and that every game could be designed with the same experience as everyone else.

Stop with the “my dick is huge, so no one else should enjoy easier games” nonsense ffs

 

[adamsapple]

Adding difficulty sliders and making the game easily accessible for more folks, and thus increasing the potential sales pool, should not be a controversial topic.

 

[01011001]

Adding difficulty sliders and making the game easily accessible for more folks, and thus increasing the potential sales pool, should not be a controversial topic.

it is because it affects game design. also somehow the most beloved games ever and some of the best selling games ever have no difficulty options whatsoever

 

[JerryinSoCal]

If you are worried about how other gamers experience a game you have your own problems to deal with. How many people actually came anywhere near finishing elden ring? there are games that are easier that have sold just as well or better. Someone else being able to adjust the difficulty to be able to complete a game they just paid up to $70 for in no way harms your experience so you this whole "everyone should play on hard mode" nonsense should stop. Stop being gaming snobs, stop being elitest about a hobby, you being able to finish it on hard isn't a real accomplishment lol.