When it comes to gaming, the pacing of a narrative can significantly impact the overall experience. A poorly paced game often detracts from enjoyment, reducing its replay value and diminishing the emotional connection players feel with the story.
Some games draw you in slowly, revealing their world piece by piece, while others burst onto the scene with a gripping introduction, only to falter as the game progresses. Regardless of the scenario, we can all agree that inadequate pacing can quickly become a game’s downfall. This article explores the top 10 games that suffer from abysmal pacing yet still manage to offer incredible experiences that are worth sticking around for.
9 Red Dead Redemption 2
Abundance of Empty Fields
Red Dead Redemption 2 stands as a remarkable testament to game design but grapples with pacing issues. Specifically, the early chapters and a lengthy chapter five often drag. The expansive landscapes can make traveling between towns a tedious affair, with the developers opting for realism over expediency.
While the developers intended to capture the essence of the 19th century, this decision often leads to drawn-out gameplay segments that can feel like a horse-riding simulator at times. Nevertheless, the overall experience is rewarding, especially for those willing to invest their time.
8 God of War: Ragnarok
Sleep-Inducing Atreus Sections
Kratos and Atreus’s journey across the nine realms can become monotonous, particularly in the initial stages. The game mimics the structure of its predecessor, having a lackluster first half that ultimately builds up to a captivating second half.
Much of the pacing problem stems from the long sections centered on Atreus, especially his journey to Ironwood. These parts can feel extended and uninspiring, prompting players to eagerly anticipate returning to Kratos.
7 Yakuza 0
The Beginning of It All
Yakuza 0, a prequel to the famed Yakuza franchise, delivers an intricate backstory but suffers from slower pacing, particularly in its opening chapters. Chapter two, often criticized amongst fans, epitomizes the pacing issues with drawn-out gameplay and tedious plot progression.
Once past chapter two, players are greeted by a lengthy cutscene that further stalls momentum, illustrating that while Yakuza 0 eventually blossoms into a stellar experience, its early moments can test patience.
6 Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Your Snoozy Neighborhood Spider-Man
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 offers thrilling combat and exploration of Manhattan, yet it too grapples with pacing troubles. The game starts with infectious excitement, but the momentum wanes as players dive deeper into the story.
While the introduction of engaging boss fights aims to rejuvenate interest, the overarching narrative can feel sluggish, filled with side quests that serve more as distractions than meaningful content, making the journey less enjoyable.
Persona 5 Royal
A Story That Takes 40 Hours to Set Up
Persona 5 Royal, while beloved, is notorious for its slow start, requiring substantial time investment before the real story kicks in. The gripping introduction presents a thrilling heist, yet players must endure lengthy gameplay segments before unraveling the narrative’s core.
With multiple dungeons and the necessity of advancing social links, players often find themselves investing upwards of 40 hours before reaching the pivotal moments of the plot, which can be a deterrent for many.
4 Death Stranding
Most Famously Known as the Walking Simulator
Death Stranding has captured the hearts of many players but struggles with pacing, especially in its gameplay mechanics. While the narrative flows well, the delivery system can feel laborious, often requiring long treks across expansive maps.
Although some deliveries provide rewarding moments, the game’s core mechanics can become repetitive, overshadowing its otherwise compelling story. The excellent narrative requires the right pacing for enjoyment, and here, gameplay pulls it back.
3 NieR: Automata
Slow Yet Beautiful
NieR: Automata, while hailed for its beautiful world and deep narrative, presents a pacing challenge. The action RPG genre demands engaging gameplay, yet players may find the combat becomes monotonous and simplistic.
Additionally, the story takes time to build momentum, often leading to frustration for those eager to immerse themselves in its complex themes. Many players find themselves quitting early due to its slow introduction.
2 Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
Terrible Pacing and Filled to the Brim with Fluff
While Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is regarded as a solid game, its pacing is often criticized, especially when viewed as part of the larger franchise. Although it boasts an expansive world and engaging combat, the mission structure is riddled with fluff.
Side quests frequently devolve into fetch tasks, weighing down the overall pacing, while the story itself lacks the crispness to engage players fully. Despite its ambitious scope, the game often leaves you questioning the direction and conclusion of the narrative.
1 Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth
An Already Lengthy Story Padded Out Even More
The Final Fantasy 7 Remake project, split into a trilogy, raises questions about pacing in storytelling. The first installment already showcased bloated pacing, making the new iteration’s introduction of an open world with numerous side quests even more dense.
While Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth does a commendable job in narrative depth and character development, all too often players find themselves diverted from the main story due to excessive content. After investing 40 hours in the initial remake, the transition to a 100-hour sequel requires significant commitment to experience the original narrative fully—a notion that many find disheartening.
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