Topic: When is a maze too complicated?

[Donvermicelli]

So, if you were playing a 3D castlevania with a hedgemaze for example, when would you think it was too big? or too complicated?
Would it be acceptable if the maze was bigger as long as you had enemies to fight?

[A-Yty]

LoS's was confusing because of the camera.

[Flame]

I didnt find LoS's confusing at all. It was only confusing in the way its supposed to be. everything looks the same. "have I been here before..?"

[darkwzrd4]

I didnt find LoS's confusing at all. It was only confusing in the way its supposed to be. everything looks the same. "have I been here before..?"

I know what you mean.  Actually, in all fairness, I don't really like mazes.

[X]

The hedge maze in LoS wasn't much of a problem for me. The CV64/LoD hedge maze was a different story all together. Got turned around in that one several times though now it's no biggie.

[Vampire Killer]

The hedge maze in LoS kinda bugged me until I realized that it was doing it's job. It's a maze, you're supposed to get at least a little lost in it.

[Arma]

So, if you were playing a 3D castlevania with a hedgemaze for example, when would you think it was too big? or too complicated?
Would it be acceptable if the maze was bigger as long as you had enemies to fight?

I'd say when you star running in circles and can't find something that points out the right way, the enemy part is a bit more complicated because if you pass the maze in the intended time it's ok but if for some reason you get lost and can't find your way out even if it's right there, then it gets tedious because the main goal in that case would be to find the exit quickly to continue with the game. A medium size maze with subtle signs pointing to the exit it's enough to get you lost so it really doesn't need to be too big.

[Donvermicelli]

So if the maze would have landmarks in it so you can recognize certain points the size wouldn't matter?

[uzo]

I draw the line when things like levers to open and close off different paths are introduced.

[Jorge D. Fuentes]

Harmony of Despair has that nonsense with the mirrors.  And that's not even a difficult maze, but it's annoying nonetheless.

[Arma]

So if the maze would have landmarks in it so you can recognize certain points the size wouldn't matter?

Yes, either that or just a compass on the screen for orientation, like in Breath of Fire IV; on the Golden Plains stage, can we talk sometimes of other games to make examples or that's not the idea? :B

I think if you have a very large maze then it becomes important to have some kind of guide.

[Neobelmont]

A maze is never too complicated , but seriously it can be very boring I think that certain trims on the bushes in the shape of animals would work wonders or certain sections of flowers like one is full of roses and an other full of chrysanthemums or violets that bloom at certain times just put certain objects to give a point where you are yes it is a maze but I feel like it can just be designed a whole lot better I have never seen a really standout garden heck the garden in tomb raider anniversary was not that special. To me a garden should be awesome but it's just boring sometimes.

[OdenAndEvil]

i hate maze´s. I always hope not to miss an item or any important object.if u can choose beetween like 8 doors is just a waste. I like many games that have some maze in there but i dont like these parts at all.
Want to make a maze even more a pain in ur.....make it a water maze and i will for sure cry. i hate water stages. doesnt matter if it is mega man, zelda, devil may cry (yes, dmc 2) mario, donkey kong and so on. i think u get the point...

[KaZudra]

Mazes can never be too complicated as long as there is some small indication that you are going the right way and some unforced puzzles along the way.

only thing I hate is when I go explore around and accidentally go down the right path when I'm just searching for treasure at the dead ends.... you gotta go all the way back to that area which is a ways down once you realize where you are.

[Inccubus]

As long as it doesn't get frustrating for the player you're ok. And to be sure it isn't getting that way I have to magic words for you: play testing.