However one might spin it, video games often require a substantial time commitment, usually much more so than other storytelling media. Eventually, a player might lose interest, feel overwhelmed, or simply get disconnected from her own role in the story. In this week's main story, grounded in the first half of Aaron Suduiko's new "Final Fantasy VII Remake is the Template for 'Grown-Up' JRPGs," we discuss three ways in which long games can alienate players.


In our side quests, Dan reviews Resident Evil Village, Stefan constructively criticizes the PS5's mute button, and Aaron argues that Final Fantasy VII Remake's narrative structure overcomes the problems we discussed in our main story—the second half of his new article.


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Main Story
00:08:18 Too Long to Beat
Final Fantasy VII Remake is the Template for 'Grown-Up' JRPGs," Aaron Suduiko
The role of the player in Xenoblade Chronicles and Xenoblade Chronicles 2, Aaron Suduiko
The role of the player in Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch, Aaron Suduiko
The storytelling role of multiple outcomes in Dishonored, Aaron Suduiko

Side Quests
00:56:47 Resident Evil Village
"Ethan Winters’ poor hands are the laughingstock of the internet," Michael McWhertor

01:06:34 PS5 Mute Button Design
01:12:32 "Final Fantasy VII Remake is the Template for “Grown-Up” JRPGs," Aaron Suduiko
"Critical Review: Final Fantasy VII Remake is Completely Incomplete," Aaron Suduiko

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