D

This is disappointing to hear.

It's not like these games have ever been some pinnacle example of game difficulty balancing.

What it has been a pinnacle of, is player choice, and players choosing to accept community help or not for a journey we all have trekked. But nearly all have trekked differently.

I don't think I can buy this for full price if I can't co op as a duo. Maybe my tune will change if they convince it's nessecary game design. If what I see and hear of future gameplay manages to really compel me, in a day and age where I'm spoiled for choice, maybe I will buy at release.

Miyazaki has expressed wanting to take a more hands off approach with projects that are helmed by other leadership. He told the director of this game "do it as you please".

I am not stating the game will be any better or worse because of it, but I absolutely will state it will be less Miyazaki.

I was really on board until news of this seemingly arbitrary design choice hit. I was ecstatic.