Since MP3 is soon coming up and I know that some people doesn't have high thoughts of it because of metroid being known for always having backtracking as part of the game-formula, I've started wondering why it's such a big problem. The whole thing makes me uncertain of the defenition of backtracking. I've played other games that, in my opinion has it, but it seems to me that it's regarded as a flaw only in metroid games. Like in resident evil 4 for example, you have to walk thru the village two times, and if you want the free butterfly then you have to travel quite a distance wich half the way totally lacks any action. Castlevania games also makes you have to go back and forth, more or less, but still I don't believe I've ever heard anyone bash it because of it. Is it the amount of backtracking that makes a game bad? Can someone give examples of games with good backtracking and vice versa? I would really like to know.
I don't think I've ever played a game that has backtracking, but I would guess that it makes the developers look lazy because they couldn't come up with enough unique level design, so they have you retreading the same areas. Unless if it's like inMetroid Prime 2: Echoeswhere the world turns upside down, from light to dark. This same thematic element has been done in Kameo, and PoP: Warrior Within. Then it might be more bearable.
There's nothing wrong with it as long the level design and what not are still interesting. It also helps if there's a reason given for doing so. Games like Metroid make pretty good use of it where you get power ups and what not to access sections of previously visited areas you couldn't get to before. I liked Prime's level changes when you backtracked. It kept the game more interesting. Halo did something similar when you retread some of the same areas.
It also helps if there's a reason given for doing so. Games like Metroid make pretty good use of it where you get power ups and what not to access sections of previously visited areas you couldn't get to before.
BobZany
This is an important point, backtracking is absolutely fine - as long as it's worth it. I found backtracking in Prime very rewarding as it unlocks new areas at the same time as giving you a power-up.
Backtracking is okay if its inclusion is fundamental to the design of the game and isn't used to bloat the play time past the point of being fresh simply to make a bullet point for how long it is.
The problem is that backtracking is usually implemented to bloat game length and ends up hurting an otherwise enjoyable game. Metroid Prime 2 was a real victim of this. They had you go on this stupid fetch quest for nine items at the end of the game that made you traverse the entire game area over and over again.
Backtracking is commonly used as bloat instead of fundamental design, and that's why backtracking has gotten a bad rap.
I don't mind backtracking..when it isn't necessary to complete a game. It's okay if you're trying to find secrets or unlock a hidden level or something, but other than that it just shows that the developers got lazy. Backtracking is boring for the most part. It gives you that "Been there done that" feeling.
Backtracking is okay if its inclusion is fundamental to the design of the game and isn't used to bloat the play time past the point of being fresh simply to make a bullet point for how long it is.
The problem is that backtracking is usually implemented to bloat game length and ends up hurting an otherwise enjoyable game. Metroid Prime 2 was a real victim of this. They had you go on this stupid fetch quest for nine items at the end of the game that made you traverse the entire game area over and over again.
Backtracking is commonly used as bloat instead of fundamental design, and that's why backtracking has gotten a bad rap.
Shame-usBlackley
exactly, and the first time through the areas is tedious enough with the whole stay in the light crap. i dont mind backtracking as long as it does not feel like it is there just to inflate the game and without new substance to it.
look at super metroid. when you backtrack its becauseyou can now access areas and items you couldnt before. you were teased with them earlier and it felt rewarding being able to get to them later on.
Right. BAcktracking makes sense if the maps are big enough and you feel like you're getting somewhere as opposed to making the game feel padded.
NES Metroid for example had good back tracking, but the map were a good size, so when you got new abilities/powers (freeze/jump boots)you felt like you were getting somewhere.
The best example of sucky backtracking I can think of is Resident Evil 3. Total bs. You'd see a sparkplug/oil/whatever early in the game, but of course you can't pick it up yet because "You have no use for this now". So of course you head all the way across the city, to find a broken down trolly which says "If you only had a sparkplug....". So back across the city you go to get the sparkplug, then all the way back to read "If I only had some oil....". Then all the way across the city, then all the way back. Repeat. Repeat. Obviously only done to add extra play time to the game.
The problem is that backtracking is usually implemented to bloat game length and ends up hurting an otherwise enjoyable game. Metroid Prime 2 was a real victim of this. They had you go on this stupid fetch quest for nine items at the end of the game that made you traverse the entire game area over and over again.
Shame-usBlackley
What amused me is that I thought I hadn't taken notice of some of the scans I read during the entire game, I thought that the fetch quest was something that I had caused due to my negligence throughout the game.
Glad to know it's an acknowledged fetch-quest and not just me. :)
The best example of sucky backtracking I can think of is Resident Evil 3. Total bs. You'd see a sparkplug/oil/whatever early in the game, but of course you can't pick it up yet because "You have no use for this now". So of course you head all the way across the city, to find a broken down trolly which says "If you only had a sparkplug....". So back across the city you go to get the sparkplug, then all the way back to read "If I only had some oil....". Then all the way across the city, then all the way back. Repeat. Repeat. Obviously only done to add extra play time to the game.
strayzilla
Hehe yeah, what amused me most about RE was the fact that you knew when you came back with the last item you needed there would be a few zombies or something ready to crash through a window and surprise you just before you reached the spot you needed the item for - classic!
Personally, I feel there is good potential for backtracking, as long as it fits into the mythos of the game and is not tacked on as some others have already stated. Sometimes the areas are beautifully rendered, and I don't mind seeing them again. As long as there are some things different, like more or tougher enemies in the area, it helps to refresh the experience as well.
If it is done right, it can be a valuable tool, but a lot of times it is not done in the best manner.
I personaly dont mind backtracking, especially since you get to try your new weapons/items on older enemies. I think MP2 Echoes was a little too much though.
Metroid Prime has both good and bad backtracking. Good backtracking: Returning to an area that has now changed a bit and so that you can go to a new area. Bad backtracking: Having to spend a segment of the game searching the overworld for artifacts that you couldn't just get the first time because you didn't have all the power-ups.
Back tracking usually becomes boring and repetitive, however some games can pull it off if it is essential to the plot and the gameplay stays fresh. If you are merely doing it for fetch quests it becomes repetitive and boring and ultimately can make or break the game.
Backtracking is okay if its inclusion is fundamental to the design of the game and isn't used to bloat the play time past the point of being fresh simply to make a bullet point for how long it is.
The problem is that backtracking is usually implemented to bloat game length and ends up hurting an otherwise enjoyable game. Metroid Prime 2 was a real victim of this. They had you go on this stupid fetch quest for nine items at the end of the game that made you traverse the entire game area over and over again.
Backtracking is commonly used as bloat instead of fundamental design, and that's why backtracking has gotten a bad rap.
I have no issue with backtracking, in fact I think its great. It makes the world seem real rather then a strung together collection of levels. I especially enjoy it in RPGs and Adventure games for the above reasons, a city doesn't feel quite so dead and behind you if you're constantly interacting with it. That being said I honestly couldn't stand the backtracking in MP, though thats more my own personal tastes, from a design stand point it seemed fine.
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