I like your argumentation.
The way AO was designed, with only the checkpoints, gave you a wonderful feeling of accomplishment. Step by step getting further in each segment. Experimenting with different methods for getting past the puzzles. Not only to save yourself but also your fellow mudokons.
The quicksave in AE can indeed be called a cursed gift. Makes you stop timing your actions properly. You're right.
NnT gives you the same cursed gift (but executed worse) , for puzzles that didn't need it. You're right again.
While I was playing Alf's escape, I ran into a kind of frustration I hadn't experienced before. I was not mad because it was difficult to figure out what to do, I was mad because I hardly could get my timing right. Deactivate bombs, evade meat grinders, slipping through electric zappers. Pfff. I dare to say it wasn't because I lost skill... I blame the design. I don't think I can get past those parts without quicksave. That's not ok. After so many reloads, fun was vanishing. Again, you're right.
Now, AO proved to be a hard game to beat for many. But maybe that's what we want? And I still prefer playing 'one shot kills' on top of that.
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