The Most Tedious Video Game Missions: Navigating Through Tiresome NPCs and Endless Loops
Video games are an immersive and ever-evolving form of entertainment. However, beneath the surface of thrilling adventures and captivating narratives lie certain missions that can transform a player's experience from fun to frustration. Such missions often involve meticulously protecting non-playable characters (NPCs) with health bars, which can be particularly tedious and time-consuming. In this article, we explore some of the most excruciatingly long and repetitive missions in video games, focusing on personal experiences from popular titles.
Understanding Tedious Video Game Missions
There are several types of missions that can be considered tedious in video games. These include long, repetitive tasks that require constant attention, missions with strict time constraints, and those with no clear "good" ending. The most difficult portion of these missions is often the need to watch over or protect a particular NPC, ensuring they do not fall victim to enemy attacks. Walking the fine line between engaged gameplay and sheer tedium can make even the most enjoyable game feel tiresome.
The Perils of Protecting NPCs
One of the most common sources of frustration in video games is the so-called 'protect this individual' missions. These quests often involve a temporary health bar for the NPC, and if a player fails to keep an eye on them, the mission can fail, leading to a reset or undesirable consequences. While such missions are intended to add depth to the narrative and improve player engagement, they often become repetitive and draining, pushing players to the brink of frustration.
Real-life Examples of Tedious Missions
1. Protecting an NPC in Fallout 3
A particularly grueling example of such a mission can be found in Fallout 3. In one of the game's quests, players are tasked with clearing ferals out of a hotel tower owned by an important and wealthy individual. Recently, this mission has been deemed particularly tedious for several reasons.
Lost in the Tunnels
In the quest to clear the ferals, players may find themselves lost in the complex tunnel system of the hotel. Winding paths and hidden entrances can sometimes result in long, frustrating journeys to exit the tunnels. This randomness can make enemies more difficult to predict, adding to the stress of the mission. For many, this quest can take an hour or more to complete, due to these hidden traps and dead ends.
No Clear Ending
Another issue with this mission is that no matter what players do, they receive negative press from the wealthy individual. This means that even if the mission is completed successfully, the player is still met with undesirable outcomes. The lack of a clear "good" ending exacerbates the tediousness of the quest, as there is no sense of accomplishment or reward for the player's efforts.
2. Timing is Everything
Timing-based missions can also be incredibly tedious. For instance, some games require players to perform specific actions within a set time limit, adding another layer of stress to the gameplay. These missions often involve intricate planning and quick reflexes, but if the timing is off, players can find themselves resetting the mission repeatedly until they get it right.
3. Ongoing Support Missions
Some games feature ongoing support missions where players must consistently provide aid to an NPC. These missions can be particularly draining as they often require constant vigilance, making it difficult for players to enjoy other aspects of the game. The monotony of such missions can turn a once thrilled player into a frustrated gamer.
Strategies for Dealing with Tedious Missions
While tedious missions can be frustrating, there are several strategies that players can use to make these experiences more enjoyable.
1. Plan Ahead
For missions that involve a lot of planning, such as timing-based tasks, players can benefit from planning out the actions they need to take in advance. This can help reduce the anxiety and stress associated with these missions.
2. Utilize Replayability
Missions that can be completed multiple times can be approached with the knowledge that any mistakes can be rectified. In games where a poorly executed mission leads to a dead-end, players can simply save their progress and retry.
3. Focus on the Reward
While it's easy to get frustrated with tedious missions, players should try to focus on the rewards they will receive upon completion. These rewards can range from valuable items to a boost in the story's progression, and they can be worth the time and effort.
Conclusion
Tedious video game missions can be a part of the gaming experience, but they don't need to overshadow the enjoyment of the game. Understanding these missions and employing strategies to overcome them can help players navigate through these tedious experiences and continue to enjoy their gaming journeys. For those who find themselves frustrated by these repetitive tasks, remember that it's all part of the fun and that the rewards often make the effort worth it.