Why did they go out of their way to make the map system in this game intolerable?

That's because La Mulana rewards the player for taking notes and making the map. It's to organize content and have an "ah-ha" moment, not just "how the fuck do I get from A to B"

I too get all my opinions from MatthewMatosis.

I don't know who that is. Is that some Twitch streamer?

Pros
>Is a good metroidvania
>Large game
>DLC is free
Cons
>You have to get gud
>Lorefagging like a soulsborne
>Sawblades

1. The maps aren't that important in Hollow Knight
2. The maps are super easy to find, are typically located close to the entrance of the area somewhere, and there are both audio and trails of visual cues leading you to them
3. If the area doesn't lead you to a map, it's likely a short path through an area that's really meant for later, with an exit in area that does have an easily accessible map

Why do people cry over the maps of Hollow Knight all the time?

Or you’re shit, I didn’t look up where homie was even once. It’s a challenge that comes with a new area and it makes going to them exciting.

In the last run I did, I ended up getting to the peak of Hallownest without double-jump or the crystal dash. Was really fun to figure out new ways to get through the area.

Game design is built around constraint

>pros
Large metroid-vania with plenty of content
Solid challenge (mostly)
Charming art style

cons
Game can feel a bit too big and bloated at points, some areas feel a bit unnecessary and could probably be scaled down
Map system as outlined in this thread has some weird quirks in it
Some of the optional late game stuff can feel a bit cheap and bullshit

can someone help me understand this "map system bad" meme? i genuinely don't get it