Aug 11
This is based on Not Very Many Games - I can't, for instance, tell you that the problem didn't exist earlier - but I do propose that one of the most annoying features of the games following Hollow Knight is the ones where they noticed that it's doing something cool with its map, but not what actually makes it cool. So they just stick a Map NPC somewhere near the start in every section, and instead of trying to balance a sense of exploration of the unknown with the various conveniences of a detailed map, they're just forcing you to pay a Map Fee every time you enter a new location.
#you do not have to like hollow knight's navigation spatial navigation in video games is one of those skills that varies wildly#but like it's Doing A Thing. it doesn't want you relying on a map and it tries to make areas understandable and distinct so you can explore#and navigate without one#and simultaneously you can experience Going Off The Map Edge#but then when that sense of a new mysterious scary place is wearing off anyways you can get your map set up and look for stuff you missed.#In a lot of games that aren't focused on that feeling of exploration it's just like ok. here's the Map Guy pay them 100 bucks to proceed.
