What is so bad about backtracking?

Scrubking

Scrubking

CAGiversary!
Every time I open a mag some guy is critizing a game cause you have to backtrack for one thing or another. What the heck is so bad about it? Do these people think that the developers are going to make a whole new level for every single thing you have to do?
 
Yes....but there are limits.

I loved Metroid Prime, but you gotta admit going through the same area over and over can get a bit boring.
 
I personally don't mind backtracking over a level or area once. But after I've played through a level a couple times i really hate having to go back for a third or fourth time. It just doesn't seem fresh to me. Also one thing that I don't like is fighting the same enemies over and over again....it gets kinda boring. If they are are gonna make me backtrack over the same area at least through in a new enemy for a challenge and change of pace.
 
metroids about re-exploration. it was always like that, every single one. i have to admit, i usually dont mind, but it shouldnt be in frentic shooters (halo im looking at you) adenture games need it though. and that argument against a game is about as valid as "the graphics suck"

ugh, its all about the gameplay to me. nothing else truelly matters
 
Halo was another game that comes to mind with the word backtracking. After a while just going back and forth with no discernible difference in your environment gets kind of frustrating. However beating the game became that much more rewarding.
 
It all comes down to how they do it. If the backtracking is just a stupid "go to the other side of the map to fetch" something -- let's say banannas -- then it's stupid. You feel like you're doing busy work instead of actually something interesting. When done right (SotN, Super Metroid) it can actually add to the game.
 
[quote name='elprincipe']It all comes down to how they do it. If the backtracking is just a stupid "go to the other side of the map to fetch" something -- let's say banannas -- then it's stupid.[/quote]

Well if you are backtracking to get bananas, then it's obvious that the whole game would probably be silly and meant for a younger audience anyway. Backtracking is ok, just so long as you don't have to backtrack too far.
 
Some games are designed with very creative backtracking. Like find a key here then backtrack to open the door. (usuallly you get a little cut scene) That kind of backtracking is alright. Some games just have you backtracking aimlessly... that kinda bites!
 
There was backtracking involved in Ninja Gaiden, but there was generally new enemies/places to go when you go back. I found it to be no problem there, but when I played Baldur's Gate:DA, the backtracking became tedious to me within a few hours.
 
Ninja Gaiden drives me up a (*@#ing wall with the backtracking - the save options are terrible.

Fatal Frame had a little too much for my liking, too, with the save points spread out so far.

I can't think of any games I've abandoned though due to the backtracking.
 
[quote name='Scrubking']Do these people think that the developers are going to make a whole new level for every single thing you have to do?[/quote]

Then they better stop charging $49.99 per game upon release. People pay good money for a game in order to play it.
 
[quote name='cruster']Ninja Gaiden drives me up a (*@#ing wall with the backtracking - the save options are terrible.

Fatal Frame had a little too much for my liking, too, with the save points spread out so far.

I can't think of any games I've abandoned though due to the backtracking.[/quote]

I think the backtracking in NG as well as the structure of the save points was pretty well thought out. You get 10 save files .... if you save your game in the same file every time your destined to get frustrated. Space em out you'll definately be a much more happy gamer.
 
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