The Unbearable Common Video Game Plot Trope That Drives Us Mad

Every gamer is familiar with the hyper-twisted ideal of being “the one.” This concept, which puts the player at the center of the universe, can simultaneously create an unbelievable scenario and break the game's established rules to ensure the player's ego is constantly stroked. This trope often leads to gameplay that feels like easy mode, detracting from the overall immersion and quality of the game.

The Unbearable “You Are the One” Ideal

The classic trope of being “the one” is one of the most frustrating elements in video games. The premise of being the chosen one, the savior, or the hero is a perfect example of easy mode. It often results in unrealistic scenarios where the player's success is guaranteed, regardless of skill or effort. This hyper-realism is a cherry-on-top ideal that is both tiresome and unrealistic.

The Rescue Mission: An Unavoidable Nuisance

Another common plot device is the rescue mission. This trope is so overused that it has become a hindrance to the gameplay experience. While it might seem like these missions are a necessary evil in games like the Super Mario series, their repetitive nature makes them tedious. These missions not only feel like an unavoidable routine but also drain the player's enthusiasm, as they have saved countless lives in other games.

Escort Missions: A Special Kind of Hell

Escort missions, another tiresome trope, require the player to protect an NPC who seems to have a death wish. These missions are not only frustrating but also unrealistic. The NPC you are supposed to protect will inevitably run into danger, often taking numerous hits from both enemy and friendly fire. This trope is not only frustrating but also a poor use of game resources and narrative focus.

Common Frustrations: A List of Complaints

Here is a list of common plot tropes that can drive gamers up the wall:

Unskippable Cutscenes: Especially during repeated playthroughs, these cutscenes can be a significant hindrance. Instant Death in Water: There is often no apparent reason for this, making it even more frustrating. Unskippable Tutorial Sections: Similar to the cutscenes, these sections can be tedious and repetitive. Unrealistic Scenarios: Anything that can't or shouldn't happen in the real world. Overly-sexualized Females: This trope is not only frustrating but also often a marker of lazy writing. Unjustified Obstacles: Not being able to jump over something even though it is physically possible in the game world.

The Futility of Boss Fights Without Meaning

Another annoying trope is the boss fight for the sake of having a boss fight. Games like Mass Effect 2 are notorious for this. These fights often lack any real substance, existing solely to fill space in the game's narrative. This creates a sense of dissatisfaction among gamers who want more depth and meaning in their progression.

A Lack of Relatable Motivation

Another issue with video game villains is the lack of relatable motivation. The classic trope of the villain wanting to destroy the universe is a lazy, overused formula. While it's easy to write, it fails to resonate with players on a deeper level. Instead, a more compelling villain would be someone who threatens the player's family, their physical well-being, their means of income, or even their beloved pet. This provides a more personal and relatable motivation for the player to fight.

Overall, the common tropes in video games can be frustrating for players. While these elements might seem necessary to some, they can often detract from the overall gaming experience. Players seek a sense of immersion, relatability, and meaningful progression, and these tropes often fail to deliver that.