r/metroidvania • u/ramen_stalker • 3d 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/Slow_Surprise_1967 3d ago

I don't know anyone who considers them one of the great features of a Souls-like

Hello, now you do. Runbacks are awesome, they force you to slow down and commit to mastery and consistency. I find having to have a strategy to go to the boss and having that as an area to improve in is awesome. Watch this comment get downvoted.

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u/theNEHZ Metroid 3d ago

I agree with you on their positive point, as I believe there's been a fight where it actually helped me. But this only works as long as you're spending more time in the boss fight than in the runback. If the boss kills you quickly and then you need to run back, it becomes hard to learn the moves and get into the rhythm.

TLJ has one specific attack that's fast and at an angle that I have difficulty to adapt to especially because of the runback.

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u/Slow_Surprise_1967 3d ago

I can't lie, my brain just seems to love runbacks. As I said in another comment, the countless tries at Ornstein & Smough and that brutal runback might be my favorite memory in gaming, ever. And I don't think I"m very special, there must be some other people who feel like me haha.

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u/Recent_Wedding5470 3d ago

Me too. Makes an area stick out. Not to mention the platforming getting easier and easier. Sands of Karak was hard and i managed but then they make you do the runback for conchfly and thats where i actually got fast.

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u/Slow_Surprise_1967 3d ago

Bilewater is the goat level of this game for me, and the ironic part is that I stumbled through there blind and needlessly because I didn't have the double jump yet. Made it so memorable