Recent release criticized by players after ‘unnecessary’ requirement to unlock trophies

SOULSLIKES is the most popular genre at the moment, and several developers are experimenting with games in this style.

Along with the popularity of the genre, there has always been discussion about adding easier difficulty modes to games.

Some games like Stellar Blade have done this quite successfully, while others like Another Crab’s Treasure have been criticized for a lack of balance.

Few games have received as much criticism for their difficulty decisions as the recently released Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn.

However, it’s not the choice to give players different difficulty options that bothers fans, but rather the fact that players feel punished for using them.

Those who choose to play Flintlock on Story difficulty are locked in to all trophies and achievements, even those that don’t require skill to complete.

There are a number of basic trophies that you don’t need to be good at the game to unlock, like “change pants and jacket” or “slide down the hill for five seconds”.

It is not uncommon for a game to lock achievements behind difficulty settings, for example you cannot earn trophies or achievements in Shovel Knight if you use cheat codes.

However, they often point to an intended experience or just lock some trophies or achievements behind certain difficulty settings to add an extra layer of challenge.

It seems like Flintlock is trying to have his cake and eat it too, claiming to be a more approachable soul and also that if you’re playing on Story difficulty, you’re doing it wrong.

As such, he received a lot of negative comments for the decision.

While several studios are experimenting with adding difficulty options to soullikes, it appears it will take some time before a good balance is achieved.

If you want to read more about the game, check out our Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn review.

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