Topic: SotN - Does breaking the game take away from the fun?

[Opium]

A couple days ago I started another playthrough of SotN.  I sometimes avoid broken items/spells, or at least the use of them, because it just makes the game too easy.  This time I went all out - duplicator, unlimited $$$, double crissaegrim, double heaven sword, double runesword, very blood-soaked muramasa,  usable sword familiar, etc.  They are definitely novelties that are fun to play with, but they basically make you invincible to everything the game throws at you.  I'm curious, does this make the game more or less fun for everyone who does it, or do some consider that that's just how the game should be played well? 

[Jorge D. Fuentes]

I like being an indestructable god in the game.
Although I carry one crissaegrim, and try to stock two, I don't wear two.  I like having my Alucard Shield.
Sometimes I put on the Shield Rod so I can kill/heal with the shield on.

I also level up the familiars to Lv99.  The Demon and the Bat are my absolute faves.  "ICE SPEAR!!!"

[DarkPrinceAlucard]

I like being an indestructable god in the game.

I actually like that to lol.

Its one of my favorite things about the metroidvanias and that is the ability to level up and become a 1 man army plowing through enemies lol.

Unfortunately this is also the very same reasons some people do not like metroidvanias.

[Opium]

I think in later games they have responded to the problem with hard modes.  It is strange how they let you keep all the stuff that made you a god during the first playthrough, so hard mode isn't really that hard at all.  I suppose the level cap of 1 is a good challenge (yikes!).   I would like to start a game on hard mode WITHOUT keeping my shit from the normal playthrough.

[Neobelmont]

I actually like that to lol.

Its one of my favorite things about the metroidvanias and that is the ability to level up and become a 1 man army plowing through enemies lol.

Unfortunately this is also the very same reasons some people do not like metroidvanias.

Right here it's not that it is bad but but for me most of the time it just does not sit well for me castlevania is about having a tough yet possible challenge, yet at the same time some games just ask for it I am looking at you Lu-Bu freaking dynasty warriors. Final Fantasy with the secret bosses I remember dawn of souls it was the remake on the GBA that had a secret cave with shinryu and some other thing in it a Robot I think it was I also remember I remember that even being maxed was still hard So I remeber just stocking the heck out of items till the cows came home.

[darkwzrd4]

Having broken items is fun at first.  I mean being able to slaughter everything in your path with little to no effort and not taking any damage can be very fun, but it gets old fast.  It's not as fulfilling as beating a tough game.  This is precisely why I think metroidvanias should throw out the leveling system.  Even with godly items, not leveling up can get in the way.  This is why I like the hard mode in the later metroidvanias.  Especially, with a level one cap.  Even with godly items, it's still a challenge.

[X]

You forgot to mention putting on double Rings of Varta. I personally think that going all out doesn't take away from the fun factor of this game. People just have different ideas on how to play it, is all. What ever caters to your liking, go for it. 

[Harrycombs]

There isn't a single thing in Symphony that isn't fun. Whether breaking it entirely or going through with no items, the game always manages to be a blast.

[Opium]

You forgot to mention putting on double Rings of Varta. I personally think that going all out doesn't take away from the fun factor of this game. People just have different ideas on how to play it, is all. What ever caters to your liking, go for it. 

Rings of Varda are definitely awesome.  I have three, only because I got two of them back to back while trying to get the second one. 
Duplicator is probably the most fun thing to play with.  I defeated dracula using TNT and iron balls.

[Donvermicelli]

I kinda agree with Jorge, I love being god, it's the appeal AOS had to me.
But even when you weren't god and were trying to play it with as little help as possible the game was still enjoyable.
That might just be nostalgia though.

[Gecko]

It does for me. The game isn't really that hard to begin with. While I like the exploration and customization elements of Symphony, I really lose motivation to play without a good challenge. I like my games to challenge me so that I feel like I NEED to use the best armor, weapons, etc. Not like I'm suddenly the destroyer of worlds if I do. I like to be on the edge of my seat, not knowing if I'll make it through the stage/area. Without a good challenge, it's like the game is just holding my hand through the adventure, but I'd rather accomplish a great challenge on my own. It's definitely more satisfying to me that way.

[cmdood]

No, i think the game takes away the fun by the end. Yes, SoTN is an amazing game but by the end when you have all Alucard's gear nothing is really a challenge.

[Opium]

No, i think the game takes away the fun by the end. Yes, SoTN is an amazing game but by the end when you have all Alucard's gear nothing is really a challenge.

I was thinking more of things like crissaegrim, powered up muramasa, powered up sword familiar, duplicator, etc than Alucard's gear.  His gear is strong and all, but I wouldn't consider it game-breaking...is it?

[X]

When ever I make an overpowered Alucard he's equipped with the following: Crissaegrim, Alucard shield, Either Dracula's tunic or God's garb, Dragon's helm and 2 Rings of Varda. I also hang around the reverse marble gallery nearby the clock room and do some serious leveling up against those final guards.

[KaZudra]

this brings me to one major question about metroidvanias...
Why is there any level above 60? all the games pretty much at at 60 since there's nowhere to apply such strengh.