What a punishing game.

Not talking about how challenging it is, I'm talking about how the game deals with the players shortcomings, failures, etc.

You died after 10 minutes of collecting items and unlocking shortcuts through the level?

Go back all the way to the start of the level and do it again!

You were careful with how you progressed, taking out enemies methodically as to not get any surprises?

Sorry we're spawning an enemy behind you -that shoots at you- offscreen!

Finally arrived at the boss?

We're giving you a quick save and a single health point for the three hits you can take. You died at the boss? You have to fight it again with the health you had when you start the fight, we won't refill your health because screw you!

You took too long to keep shooting at the boss when it was seemingly wounded?

Sorry, refilled its health!

The whole game just seems to take pleasure in being as annoying and as punishing as it can be. I really don't get why... the saddest thing is that everything else about the game is wonderful. It has an awesome visual style, the music is good, the gore effects are on point, there's cool unlocks and it's quite satisfying to play at times...

But man, everything else just seems to despise the player, this doesn’t aid the game in any way, it’s not fun, it’s not rewarding, you’re literally sabotaging your own game.

I really don’t get it.