These threads criticizing beloved games are frustrating on multiple levels. There are well-worn, but worthwhile discussions underlying this post. I'm seeing one about the degree to which story, characters, and writing can elevate a game despite weaknesses or repetition in gameplay. The OP even contains a separation of "gameplay" between combat and quest design, and an overall acknowledgment that they aren't sure how specifically TW3's quest design could be stronger -- yet another conversation we could be having. But we can't get those criticisms without excessive, crass hyperbole, or characterizing adoration of this game as a hivemind conspiracy in the very title of the thread. Why do this? If you're going to take the time to lay out your thoughts, why cannibalize it all with incendiary nonsense?
Then we get responses from folks who seem like they haven't read the OP, because they respond to "gameplay" as purely meaning combat when the OP parses out both combat and quest design. Or folks who are satisfied saying, "well, not everyone feels that way, so there." That's fine as a matter of fact, but nothing kills a conversation like a relativist statement. You have no obligation to respond thoughtfully to the OP given the way he opened up shop, but boy, I'd love for us to try anyway.
I would implore anyone who feels like making a thread like this, criticizing aspects of a popular game, to stop and think about your wording. You're not going to get validation, but you could get a good conversation going if you just start us off on the right foot. Be honest, be critical, but don't make it personal. There are so many ways you can express your frustration that don't involve four-letter words.
