Stealth Missions In RPGs Suck, Keep Them Out Of Final Fantasy

As I ventured into Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, I eagerly anticipated a modernized journey through cherished memories and beloved characters. Yet, amidst the familiar landscapes and stirring music, I encountered an unforeseen obstacle: stealth missions. These segments, dispersed throughout the game, offered not just a trial of skill, but an unwelcome reminder of the pitfalls of this antiquated gameplay mechanic.

Stealth Age 2

The journey down memory lane takes me beyond the confines of Final Fantasy, back to experiences in other games where stealth missions tested my patience and resolve. Dragon Age 2’s quest “Heart of the Many” at Chateau Haine remains etched in my memory as a particularly grueling ordeal. Presented with the option to choose between a direct assault or a stealthy approach, I opted for the latter, enticed by the promise of an elusive achievement.

Little did I know that what awaited me was a labyrinth of frustration, where evading vigilant guards and navigating treacherous terrain felt more like a punishment than a reward. Each failed attempt pushed me closer to the edge, teetering on the brink of controller-induced rage. Yet, amidst the chaos, there was a glimmer of relief—I could opt-out of this ordeal, preserving my sanity at the cost of a mere achievement.

However, Final Fantasy 14 wasn’t as kind. Stealth isn’t optional in the mission “A Frosty Reception.”

A Realm Re-Stealthed

Assuming the role of Thancred plunged me into a world fraught with peril and tension. Sneaking through enemy encampments, every step felt like a gamble, each shadow a potential threat. Setting explosives required delicate precision amidst the encroaching darkness, with each detonation offering a glimmer of hope.

Despite my best efforts, evasion proved elusive, frustration reaching a boiling point with each failed attempt. I knew I had to step away to avoid damaging my controller—a costly investment. Seeking solace online, I found shared frustration among fellow players, highlighting the challenge posed by this mission.

Taking a much-needed break, I sought guidance from videos and commiserated with others who shared my struggles. With determination fueling my resolve, I returned to the battlefield, knowing failure was not an option. Against all odds, I pressed on, inching closer to victory with each attempt, ultimately emerging triumphant.

Returning to the present, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth beckoned with promises of epic adventures and thrilling challenges. Yet, as I ventured forth, I found myself ensnared once more in the clutches of stealth.

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As I progressed through the game, I encountered several stealth sections, each more agonizing than the last.

The frustration peaked during a particularly irksome bandit stealth section in the Grasslands region. Tasked with tracking down hapless bandits who had stolen Chadley’s in-game item, I found myself begrudgingly skulking around their minions by rolling between gaps in shipping containers. If detected, the bandits would flee, and I would be unceremoniously returned to the beginning of the course. While not overly difficult, the repetition and lack of consequences made the experience more of a chore than a challenge.

Elsewhere, the game was forced to a crawling pace due to stealth mechanics. The journey to acquire a chocobo proved to be a multifaceted ordeal spanning various Chocobo Ranches scattered across the game world. Initially, I anticipated a relatively straightforward process, perhaps involving a single quest or two. However, as I delved deeper into the game, I realized that obtaining chocobo riding privileges was far from simple.

Each Chocobo Ranch presented its own set of challenges, requiring me to embark on a succession of quests to secure these mounts. Despite my initial enthusiasm, the repetitive nature of these tasks gradually wore down my patience and resolve. As I progressed further into the game, the complexity and frustration of these quests reached a tipping point, leading me to ultimately abandon my pursuit of chocobos. Instead, I chose to focus my efforts on advancing through the main storyline, recognizing that the escalating demands of the chocobo quests were more than I was willing to endure.

Can It Just Not Be There?

As someone who doesn’t particularly enjoy stealth games or missions, Final Fantasy’s stealth sections leave much to be desired. I would prefer these moments to be optional, allowing players like myself the opportunity to either succeed or fail without hindering progress. After all, stealth isn’t the primary focus of the game; it’s the captivating narrative and thrilling combat that truly drive the experience.

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