Generally speaking, FromSoft’s games are well-known for their difficulty and the “tough but fair” approach to combat. Gamers who seek a challenge have praised this aspect of the games. However, this difficulty is just one aspect of a larger design philosophy. FromSoft’s games have faith in their players’ ability to figure out how they work. Elden Ring, in particular, assumes that players already have a basic understanding of gameplay mechanics. For those who are familiar with blocking and rolling, there is no need to go through the tutorial. They can simply go outside and start playing. However, for new players, there is a tutorial hole that they must go through to learn the basics. This tutorial hole serves as the modern equivalent of an instruction manual that used to come with games in the olden days. These manuals explained the game’s mechanics for those who were unfamiliar. FromSoft’s games, on the other hand, allow players to learn from their own mistakes. While the games provide informative messages, players are not forced to read them. This may make it more challenging for newcomers, but it streamlines the experience for series veterans and seasoned gamers.
In comparison to older games, which quickly got players into the action, many modern games take a significant amount of time to get started. This can be frustrating, especially for returning players. Open-world games, in particular, often start with closed introductory sections before opening up. This seems counterintuitive to the freedom that these games aim to provide. For example, games like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom have their respective training grounds before players can fully explore the world. While this may be necessary for new players, it can feel like a step backward for those who are already familiar with the game.
Even some of the best open-world games, like Skyrim and Grand Theft Auto V, have missed the opportunity to allow returning players to bypass their tutorial sections. Despite being re-released multiple times, these games still require players to go through the same introductory sequences. It would have been beneficial for Bethesda and Rockstar to implement a feature that allows returning players to start the game outside of these tutorial sections. While modders have created ways to bypass these sections in Skyrim, an official option would be more convenient.
Red Dead Redemption 2, although a phenomenal game, also suffers from a lengthy prologue that can deter returning players. The requirement to go through the slow-paced prologue again can be a barrier to entry for those who want to simply enjoy the free-roam aspect of the game. In movies, viewers can fast-forward through uninteresting parts, but in games like Red Dead Redemption 2, players have to physically go through them again.
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is another example of a game with a tedious opening. While it may be intriguing the first time around, replaying it can feel like a chore. The opening sequence, where players drag Snake through hospital corridors, doesn’t have the same impact in subsequent playthroughs.
Similarly, Cyberpunk 2077, despite its branching narrative and replayability, starts with a lengthy setup. Players have to go through ten hours of setup before they can fully delve into the game. This can be repetitive for those who want to experience different story paths.
In conclusion, while some games have embraced the idea of letting players learn from their own mistakes, others still rely on lengthy tutorials and setup sequences. This can be frustrating for returning players who want to jump right into the action. Implementing options to bypass these sections would improve the overall experience for both new and returning players.