Why Some Players Didn’t “Click” With Zelda: Ocarina of Time, GTA IV, and Elden Ring
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Grand Theft Auto IV, and Elden Ring have been widely praised as landmark games—but one recent write-up argues they didn’t “click” with the author despite the obvious influence each title has had on the industry. The piece frames the viewpoint as a matter of personal taste, while still acknowledging that these releases remain important to gaming history.
Three acclaimed games that didn’t work for one player
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Elden Ring: The author describes the game as a “Souls” experience that made them feel “lost,” implying the design and progression left them struggling rather than engaged.
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The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time: Even while calling it a “masterpiece” and a pillar of video game history, the author says it didn’t resonate with them personally. They point to specific issues they noticed after playing decades later—such as camera control that they felt was unstable, backtracking that slowed momentum, and an overall pacing they considered too drawn out.
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Grand Theft Auto IV: The author calls it a near-unmatched open-world spectacle and a top entry in the series, but says its darker tone and the gritty, rough presentation of Liberty City never fully hooked them. They single out Niko Belic as a standout character in the franchise, yet still say they preferred the appeal of earlier GTA leads—Tommy Vercetti from Vice City and Carl Johnson from San Andreas—citing those games’ different styles and freedoms as something they didn’t replicate in their experience with GTA IV.
Why the author says the problem isn’t the games
The overall message is that “intellectual honesty” means admitting personal limits and preferences. While the author clearly respects the impact and legacy of each title, they argue that critical acclaim and historical importance don’t guarantee a game will feel enjoyable to every player—especially when the experience happens long after release.
