I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve got into arguments with people by saying the addition of the automap feature was bad for the Metroid series. The original Metroid was an old school hard game and a big part of its difficulty was due to the lack of a map to guide you. The feeling of tension was palpable, when you were profoundly lost and low on health. When the automap arrived that feeling was banished forever.

I think in general there’s a problem with gamers who demand that their games give them nothing but good feelings all the time. They don’t want to experience sadness, sorrow, heartbreak, fear, stress, or frustration. They just want the game to feel like a Christmas party that never ends. How dreadfully boring!