HomeFeatures
What’s better: hints or explosive barrels?We’re still working to decide the single best thing in games
We’re still working to decide the single best thing in games
Last time, you decided thatsecrets behind waterfalls are better than boss battles as skill checks. I’m not sure I agree but I can’t disagree. We’re doing difficult work here. This week, it’s a question of a helping hand when you’re stuck versus something so unsubtle that it’ll take your face off and you’ll be glad for it and even be miffed if it doesn’t happen. What’s better: hints, or explosive barrels?
Our Eight Favourite Games From Not E3 2022Watch on YouTube
Our Eight Favourite Games From Not E3 2022
Hints
Video games do want you to finish them. Oh sure, many want to challenge you and some even want to punish you, but they do largely want you to be able to finish them. Sometimes, for whatever reason, you hit a stumbling block. That’s when the game might offer a hint.
Hmm!
Hints can be patronising. Hints can be over-eager. Hints can annoy me while actually I know the solution thank you but I’m busy checking outthe silly brandsin this drinks machine if you could just be quiet for one minute thanks thank you thanks. But I’ll not pretend that hints haven’t saved me at times I’ve been a total idiot. Hints help smooth over potential differences between how a game’s makers understand it and how players might, and help us align. Thanks for having my back, hints.
Explosive barrels
Orbs are to be collected. Waterfalls should have secrets behind them. Fruits are delicious. Barrels should explode. That’s just video game rules.
But which is better?
If I see a barrel in a game with violence, I will immediately attempt to explode it. I must understand this world and its rules. And if its rules don’t say that barrels should explode, I will judge it, and I will be disappointed. How about you?
