Dumb Plot Holes in Video Games: Where Stories Go Wrong

Introduction

Video games have come a long way from simple graphics and straightforward narratives. Now, they offer immersive worlds and intricately crafted stories that captivate players. However, even in this era of sophisticated storytelling, some games have missed the mark with plot holes that perplex and frustrate players. In this article, we'll explore some of the most notable plot holes in video games, guiding you through the mazes of inconsistent narratives.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

Time Travel Paradox: This classic entry in the Zelda series has several significant plot holes, most notably related to the time travel mechanics. Link can return to his child form after defeating Ganon, yet the world remains in a state of peril. This inconsistency is a plot hole that many fans have pointed out. Here, the game's creators attempted to create a multiverse where two separate timelines exist, but the story's pacing and explanation fall short of fully resolving it. The world remains in danger, and the outcome feels unsatisfying.

Final Fantasy VII

Sephiroth's Plan: One of the most intriguing, yet confusing, aspects of Final Fantasy VII is Sephiroth's motivations. The complexity of his plans and the planetary-scale control he seeks can be hard to follow. Additionally, there's inconsistency in his knowledge of the Black Materia and his actions. These elements create a convoluted narrative that has led to extensive discussion among fans. While the game is celebrated for its epic scale, these gaps in the story have been a point of contention for many.

Metal Gear Solid Series

Complexity and Retcons: Best known for its intricate and layered narratives, the Metal Gear Solid series is notorious for its frequent retcons and convoluted plotlines. The series often rewrites itself, changing key pieces of information and character motivations. This is especially true in later entries, where the contradictions and timeline shifts can leave players feeling lost. While the series offers a rich, detailed lore, following the overarching narrative can be a challenge, and many plot points feel poorly resolved.

Mass Effect 3

Ending Controversy: The ending of Mass Effect 3 faced significant backlash for its lack of clarity and abrupt conclusion. Many fans felt that the choices they made throughout the series had no bearing on the final outcome, which led to a sense of disappointment and frustration. The game's conclusion felt forced, and the narrative left many plot threads unresolved, leading to criticism from both fans and critics for its lack of coherence.

Assassin’s Creed Series

Historical Inaccuracies: Known for its blend of historical fiction and real-world events, the Assassin's Creed series often takes liberties with historical timelines. This can lead to confusion as players struggle to distinguish between real history and the fictional narrative. While the games are celebrated for their epic scope, the retelling of historical events can be significantly altered, leading to inconsistencies and plot holes.

Kingdom Hearts Series

Overcomplicated Storyline: With a vast array of characters, timelines, and worlds, the Kingdom Hearts series is a prime example of a story gone awry. The blend of different Disney universes and the complex narrative structure can create significant confusion, leading to plot holes and inconsistencies in character motivations and story arcs. Fans have long debated how to reconcile the different timelines and events, making the series both a joy and a challenge for those who dive deep into its lore.

Halo Series

Forerunners and Flood: The lore surrounding the Forerunners, the Flood, and the overall timeline of the Halo series can be convoluted. The origin and behavior of the Flood, in particular, have been a point of discussion. While the series offers a rich and detailed universe, the storytelling can become complex and difficult to follow, leading to inconsistencies in how the events unfold across the games.

Conclusion

While video games with complex narratives can sometimes fall victim to plot holes and inconsistencies, they also offer entertainment and enjoyment to many players. Despite these issues, many of these games are beloved for their innovative storytelling and rich, fascinating worlds. For fans of video games, these stories continue to spark meaningful discussions and provide ongoing entertainment.

References

Please note that this article is based on publicly available information and personal interpretations of popular video game series. For more detailed analyses, consider consulting critical reviews and player feedback.