My first reply to said question was an emphatic "no." After all, some of my favorite games of the last few years have been (basically) challenge-free affairs--games like Animal Crossing: City Folk and Endless Ocean, for instance.
I had to revise that riposte, though, after I remembered my unenthusiastic reaction to playing Super Princess Peach a few years ago. Sure, the game's graphics and tunes were enjoyable enough, but the rest of it was a bore due to its overly accessible (i.e., "so easy a newborn baby could beat it") nature.
Anyway, those are my (barely considered) thoughts on the matter. What are yours?
I think I agree. Sometimes its good to have a challenge, though it isn't always necessary. Depends on the game I suppose. Those Mario Party games aren't challenging at all but can be fun (at least in multiplayer). Exed Exes on the Famicom isn't too challenging either but I kind of like it!
ReplyDeletePerhaps those are more the exceptions rather than the rule though!
Yeah, I really think it depends on the game -- and on the genre, in many cases. Some games/genres just aren't fun or engaging if they aren't also (at least somewhat) challenging -- at least in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteI'm really looking forward to giving Kirby's Epic Yarn a try to see which side of the fence I come down on. Will I hate it like I hated Super Princess Peach, or will I like it like I liked Animal Crossing? I guess I'll find out soon enough :)
I agree with Sean, too. It depends on the game completely. If it promises a challenge it doesn't deliver, then it's just broken and empty. But I don't mind a game that's not bone-crushingly difficult, too. If I can't get through it after three tries, it's usually one I quit... unless it's a game that is WAY short, like a shooter...
ReplyDeleteWell, it seems we all agree :) It would be interesting if we all picked up Kirby's Epic Yarn and *then* shared our thoughts. Would we all agree -- or disagree?
ReplyDeleteI like it when a debate leads to consensus!
ReplyDeleteLacking a Wii I won't be picking up Kirby's Epic Yarn, so I'll just agree with whatever conclusions you all reach!
OK, we'll let you get out of it this time, Sean :)
ReplyDeleteI think it's the games mechanic that drives if it needs to be challenging or not.
ReplyDeleteSPP was a game that more or less rehashed things done in games before. However in Kirby it's all about the "yarn gimmick" of changing the scenery to allow for secrets and power-up/gems. It fits in what a Kirby is usually about.
Endless Ocean is all about deep sea exploration and the journey more than the end, same with Kirby. Games like that don't or even shouldn't be a challenge as the journey won't be completed and would be wasted. Another bit that can add to the challenge is the secrets part too. Kirby, EO and even Zelda are fairly easy, but have a few sidequests and secrets that might not be as transparent.
Yes, I agree with you 100%, Maverynthia! It depends on the game -- or, rather, the game's main mechanic.
ReplyDeleteI'm actually very curious to see what I think of Kirby's Epic Yarn after I play it. Like I said in my post, I usually like platformers to present some level of challenge (even if it's slight), so it will be interesting to see if I end up liking or not liking the supposedly challenge-free Kirby. (Although, I should state that I don't completely believe the folks who say it's challenge-free.)
BTW, have you played it?