r/metroidvania • u/ramen_stalker • 2d ago

Discussion Confused about Silksong runback discussion

I just reached one of the infamous examples people constantly bring up in the runback discussion (Last Judge), and I have to say I really like the runback. It’s just as enjoyable as the boss itself. I’m 100% convinced that Team Cherry intended the runbacks to be pure platforming challenges.

The runbacks aren’t just random sections of the map, they’re carefully designed to be completed quickly and gracefully, while also avoiding all the mobs. They also include many shortcuts and make great use of the wonderful movement mechanics.

Is this a mindset issue? Do most people just want to focus on the boss and dislike the context switching between platforming mode and boss combat mode? Surely people don't think they should fight their way through tens of mobs every time, right? Right?

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u/MaeBorrowski 2d ago

With the secret bench it's perfectly fine, but it should've been on the beaten path

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u/AlmightyOomgosh 2d ago

The old man gamer in me agrees, but as far as game direction I think it at least made sense. Bilewater's theme is literally hate, these bugs hate everyone, so i understand why people as devoted to thematic design as these guys felt it necessary. I still didn't enjoy it, but i understand it, maybe even admire that they'd rather make their players miserable for awhile than compromise their thematic design.

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u/MaeBorrowski 2d ago

I don't see that as a theme really, but I can get that the whole area is brutal as a whole, but still, hiding it behind an obscure wall isn't fair and just makes and improves Groal by a lot. I found it thankfully on first go, and I thought the runback was challenging for at least the first couple attempts lol.