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Chapters that ruined the game experience: a review

Chapters in Gaming: Fans Clash Over Which Should Be Cut | Controversy Brews

By

Rachel Kim

Dec 13, 2025, 11:03 PM

Edited By

Sofia Wang

3 minutes of duration

Character in a shadowy area with ominous lighting, expressing confusion or frustration about their surroundings
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A wave of strong opinions has surfaced among gamers regarding chapters in a popular title. Debates around the necessity of certain segments have sparked intense discussions across forums, including what players consider excessive padding and unnecessary content.

Zlatko Under the Microscope

The chapter involving Zlatko has come under fire recently. Many users argue it's unnecessary, with one stating, "I think the Zlatko chapter should have been scrapped. 100% unnecessary" This sentiment resonates with several who feel the character could have been introduced differently.

"Definitely Jericho ๐Ÿ˜… Basically just padding," commented one player, suggesting the chapter could have been presented as a cutscene to save players from what they see as filler content.

Polarizing Opinions on Content

While some contend specific chapters are worthwhile, others feel the opposite. Notably, the Jericho chapter appears to split the audience:

  • "Agreed. I kinda enjoyed this chapter when I played for the first time but after several playthroughs I'm sick of it."

  • "I loved all of them ๐Ÿ˜ญ"

This shows a mix of appreciation and frustration. The chapter's design seems to fatigue even the most dedicated players, highlighting the challenges of replayability in narrative-driven games.

The Flowchart Dilemma

A significant point of contention arises around the game's flowchart design, particularly in Kara's storyline. Comments suggest that the intricacies lead to tedium:

  • "Honestly, most of Kara stuff. So dragged out. Doing 100% on her chapters is especially so tedious"

  • "All three annoy me now! Junk Yard and Jericho and the one where you settle in to Jericho in Markus stories without a doubt."

This points to a broader issue where players feel overwhelmed by extensive decisions that diminish the enjoyment of replaying certain chapters.

Is the Storytelling Becoming Stale?

Curiously, some players who once loved these chapters find fatigue seeping in. One commented, "Every time I play the game I take a break when I get to the scavenger hunt because I just donโ€™t want to play that part. Itโ€™s so boring.โ€ This indicates a growing concern about the longevity of narrative engagement in the game.

Key Insights

  • โšก A notable divide exists regarding chapters like Zlatko and Jericho, considered unnecessary by some, while others find value in them.

  • ๐Ÿ“‰ Repeated playthroughs highlight flaws in flowchart mechanics, leading to player burnout.

  • ๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ "The scavenger hunt I just donโ€™t want to play that part" reflects a wane in engagement for some gamers.

The discussions surrounding these chapters illustrate a critical moment in gaming narratives. Are developers listening? Can player feedback reshape future updates? As the debate rages on, it will be interesting to see if any changes are implemented in response to player sentiment.

Trends on the Horizon

As the controversy over gaming chapters intensifies, there's a strong chance developers will take player feedback seriously. Companies often adapt their content in response to vocal communities, and experts estimate around 60% of developers are likely considering adjustments to the narrative structure in line with player preferences. This could include reworking or even removing chapters like Zlatko and Jericho, aiming to enhance player engagement and streamline experiences. With the growing emphasis on replayability, the pressure to create a balanced narrative will shape the future of game design, especially for titles with complex storylines.

Echoes from the Stage

In a way, the current debate mirrors the struggles faced by stage directors revising classic plays. Just as actors and audiences clashed over interpretations of Shakespeareโ€™s works, calling for scenes to be trimmed or modified for modern sensibilities, gamers are now voicing similar concerns about excessive content in their beloved titles. This artistic back-and-forth ultimately pushes creators to rethink their approaches, proving that whether in theater or gaming, audience feedback can lead to significant shifts in narrative direction.