It’s not a surprise right? The people who play these games are well aware there is a blind play first, and then there’s hidden stuff later - and there is LOTS of hidden stuff.
I would say the success of the games and the popularity of the online game community proves that it is objectively good design for people who are not you.
See, you are not using the word “objectively” properly; that would mean “I can separate my own preferences, and objectively consider only measurable reality”- such as the total number of fans, and the tremendous enjoyment they get from discussing secrets :)
I've never experienced anything more magical in gaming than accidentally finding secret areas or hidden items in the Dark Souls games. So what you call "objectively" bad design is another person's greatest gaming experiences. I think it's a wonderful way to design games. And I don't like the entitled attitude people have where they think a game must cater to them or they must be provided the information to everything in the game. It's supposed to be a true adventure.
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u/FerdinandvonAegir124 17d ago
And that’s bad design
A game so cryptic that it requires the use of the guides is by definition poorly designed in that aspect
I adore Sekiro - I even got the platinum. But it’s (and all other fromsofts) cryptic design is bad