The Most Rage-Inducing Moments in Super Easy Video Games: A New Perspective

Have you ever played a game that was so easy you almost forgot it required any skill, only to encounter a moment that made you utterly rage-indignant? Well, you’re not alone! I recently found myself hiking into a valley of frustration in War of Mine, one of those games that, despite its simple concept, can turn even the most mundane moments into mini-challenges. Let’s dive into why some of the most rage-inducing moments often come from the least likely places in video games.

War of Mine: A Moment of Desperation

In my recent session of War of Mine, I was playing a game of survival, trying to fend off nocturnal raiders while keeping my shelter secure. The game itself is all about strategic planning and survival magic, but one moment stood out as particularly frustrating. I had installed the alarm upgrade on the door but had forgotten to put someone on guard. On the fateful night, raiders attacked my shelter, and without a lookout, I lost a considerable amount of supplies – all due to a simple oversight. While I managed to retrieve what I lost, the sense of guilt and anger lingered, making that moment a memorable one.

A Hat in Time: The Unexpected Twist

A Hat in Time, or AHiT for short, is a quirky 3D platformer reminiscent of Mario games, with its familiar open-world exploration and easy-to-grasp mechanics. If you‘ve played a game like Super Mario 64 or Super Mario Odyssey, you understand the smooth and predictable nature of the platforming. Characters pose no threat, and enemies can be easily avoided. However, the enemy behavior is not entirely straightforward, and that’s where the surprise comes in.

Imagine playing a game of catch with someone—light-hearted and familiar. You both stick to the rules, no one intends to cause harm, and it’s just a fun activity. But something unexpected happens—the person you’re playing with suddenly throws a chair at you at 50 mph. Initially, you’re hurt but manage to shrug it off. Then comes the barrage of questions: why the chair, where did it come from, and why are you picking up another one? Such is the case with the boss fights in A Hat in Time. These fights, while not extremely difficult, catch the player off guard with their sudden and drastic shifts in difficulty.

A Hat in Time has a series of platforming and puzzle challenges that make it enjoyable and approachable. However, the game includes some boss fights that can be surprising and frustrating. One specific encounter was particularly frustrating. The boss, known as the Snatcher, steals your soul and makes you work to earn it back. After completing his tasks, he betrays you and tries to kill you in a manner that would be reminiscent of a failed business partnership. One of the most frustrating aspects is the boss’s inability to give you a clear indication of when he’s vulnerable. In the first half of the fight, the Snatcher refuses to turn blue, the color that signifies vulnerability. This is a clear acknowledgment of the unfairness, and it doesn’t make the fights any easier. Even when he does turn blue, the boss throws a blue potion that doesn’t shatter. The rest of the fight, while more manageable, is a tense and frustrating experience. You can watch the entire fight here

Why These Moments Are the Most Frustrating

So why do these seemingly easy games become so frustrating when things go wrong? It often comes down to the unpredictable challenges that can arise from unexpected and poorly designed encounters. In War of Mine, my frustration stemmed from the sheer oversight and the fact that it could have been prevented. In A Hat in Time, it was the sudden change in difficulty and the unfairness of the boss fights. These moments remind us that even in games designed to be simple, the developer’s choice can turn them into complex and frustrating experiences.

In conclusion, while War of Mine and A Hat in Time may seem like straightforward games, they present unique challenges that can turn an otherwise enjoyable experience into a source of frustration. These moments of unfairness and unpredictability highlight the intricacies of game design and remind us why video gaming is such a complex and rewarding hobby.

Conclusion

In the world of video games, even the most straightforward and easy games can hide moments of unexpected frustration. These moments can range from simple oversights in survival games to sudden and unfair boss fights in platformers. Understanding and acknowledging these challenges can lead to a more enriched and nuanced gaming experience. So, the next time you face an unexpected and frustrating moment in a game you thought was easy, remember: it’s part of the journey!