Ah, the woes of my four-year-old when he can’t get past that difficult boss. His face goes red, and that vein bulges on his forehead. The tears flow down his face as he utters a bellowing cry of rage and frustration. To me, its the sound of a summoning. I am being heralded to step in and beat that boss before my son throws the very expensive joy-con controller against the floor. For he will insist on being miserable playing a game that is supposed to be fun, rather than moving on to the next thing.

That deep and overwhelming frustration. We’ve all been there, and often more recently than not. We may not all rage out on our controllers (although I once distinctly recall shattering one of my N64 remotes thanks to Super Mario 64) but we do get to a point of utter frustration when getting stuck on a game. How far is too far? When do we get to the point of no return and the game just doesn’t seem fun anymore. That’s why we play games, because they are fun. Yes, we do love the challenge, but if the joy is lost, then we are left with but a task begrudgingly undertaken.

I am nearing that point with the game I’m currently playing: The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask. This isn’t to say that Majora’s Mask isn’t a great game. It is. The masks keep game play interesting, while the three day cycle is actually quite a fun challenge. I even completed the Bomber’s Notebook; some of the best side quests in any Zelda game, in my opinion. Three of the dungeons have been conquered, although the Great Bay Temple nearly broke me. My momentum is building toward that final showdown with Skull Kid and the creepy Moon. Then comes the Stone Tower Temple.

I get lost right away, and can’t figure out my next move. The clock ticks down as I search blindly in the dark, literally because some of the rooms are pitch black. I go on aimlessly for as long as I can handle, then I break. Out comes my phone and my fingers start typing. Our Zelda Dungeon walkthrough appears on screen and I just take a glimpse. Just a peak at the next step. Looking over my shoulder to make sure no one is watching, I pocket my phone and do exactly as the walkthrough says. Yes, I made it through all on my own, wink wink, then proceed on. Only to get stuck in the very next room. My fingers itch and I find myself reaching for that phone again. I feel the growing frustration and that’s when I decide to push the power button on the console instead.

There it is, I’m on the precipice staring out at that moment when the game goes from a fun challenge to tedious task. It’s okay to use the internet once, maybe even twice to help get around a tricky spot. But, if I use the walkthrough to completely guide me through the temple, then what’s even the point? I’m basically just reading about the game, not playing it. Going through the motions. That’s when its time to call it quits.

That point of no return is different for everyone. Heck, it was different for me ten years ago. Now, as a husband and father of two, free time is limited and that point of no return comes rather quickly. I have other games I’d like to be playing or other activities I’d like to do. And although, I despise leaving a game unfinished, more and more I’m starting to realize that it’s not a valid enough reason to keep at it.

So, here I am, standing before the point of no return, still unsure which path to take. It might be easy to walk away from Majora’s Mask, I have beaten it before so I’m not trying to check off that box. My last playthrough was long ago, which is why I can’t recall specifics about the dungeon, but I do have that satisfied memory of winning that I can always look back on. But, the game still holds some of my intrigue… for the time being. Maybe, if I can get my head in the right puzzle solving place, than I can power through. We’ll see.

When is your point of no return, the point that tells you it’s time to quit? Perhaps you don’t have one, either way, please share in the comments below.

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