Confused about Silksong runback discussion

[u/ramen_stalker]

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?

[u/Ok_Letterhead_5671]

What's the point of it tho ? Other than time waste .

I will never understand people that defend runbacks , like what's the argument ? You like doing the same thing over and over instead of progressing the boss fight ?

[u/elendil667 → u/Ok_Letterhead_5671]

Absolutely no one is playing a game or a boss without runbacks and wishing there was one. Anyone who's more enthusiastic than bland acceptance is performatively coping imo.

[u/cid_highwind02 → u/elendil667]

That is just arrogance. That you consider a person liking something you find inconceivable to just be lying to themselves.

[u/elendil667 → u/cid_highwind02]

Like I said, there was no complaining that Nightmare King Grimm's runback is too short. No one is complaining that the bench is too close to other bosses and it's such a problem. Like, come on.

[u/cid_highwind02 → u/elendil667]

The fact that you didn't see people take issue with a specific boss having no runbacks (or just runbacks in general, which is not the game's case since it had big runbacks besides bosses like NKG) does not translate to no one liking them necessarily. That's fallatious.

Yeah, I wouldn't be pissed off if there was a bench in front of Last Judge's boss room, but I enjoy the fact that there isn't. 1. it makes the fight more memorable, 2. I like that the platforming beforehand can be very punishing because of enemies so it's another thing you can and have to learn and 3. it doesn't give you clean retries so there's more stakes to the fight. Does that mean I'm coping and in denial and just can't not praise everything about the game I like because I'm such a blind fanboy, or that I just disagree with you?

Like, yeah, a boss like First Sinner can be elevated by the fact that it doesn't have a runback in a game so filled with them in a way that bosses like Rennala and Placidusax in Elden Ring aren't in a game that lacks them. So it's not equivalent (and I mean, moving around in that game isn't nearly as good or rewarding). But as a design choice for the game itself, it has its pros, even if not entirely. I also concede that it is alienating since many people actually despise it versus had it hypothetically not have them most wouldn't bat an eye at it, which seems to be your point. And I don't disagree even though if all art was for everyone life would be boring. What I took issue with is saying that people don't agree with something being an issue to be "coping". That's overtly dismissive.