@afashionablehat people like you always make me wish I could better articulate my thoughts, you're saying some real good shit re: the inextricability of art and society.
I think this is where the concept of the series is rearing its head. Only playing every third mission, they just aren't familiar with the base or the squad and their abilities when their turn comes back around.
Granted I haven't played this myself, but it seems a lot easier to pick out mistakes and tactical errors when we're seeing all rather than 1/3 of it. Fun series!
I often wonder if King regrets rushing out the last three books after the van accident as opposed to writing as the inspiration came like he did with the first four.
I took issue with all the same points you did. The series as a whole is still pretty dear and influential to me, but it was such a bummer to see it unravel like it did over the last half.
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