The Wykydtron said:
Can I just say every game that has escort missions except ICO?
Yeah i'll go with that, funny how a game that is entirely comprised of one huge escort mission (i assume, haven't finished it yet but i doubt it goes tower defence halfway through) is actually the best example of escort missions done right.
firstly, finish it damn it. Ico is not a game that should be left unfinished.
Secondly, the reason Ico works even though it's a long escort mission is the same reason why Metal Gear solid works even though it's one long forced stealth mission. Because they're the key gameplay element. Added in as a mission, it's usually an afterthought, and the person you're escorting usually has god awful AI, all the common sense of a toaster, and isn't given much thought beyond "yes, it works" rather than "yes, it's fun".
Also, speaking of Metal Gear, Emma in MGS2 is a pain beyond measure. You have to accompany her through an underwater section full of mines (with bad water controls) and she can hold her breath for all of five seconds, so you're rushing. Then, you have to escort her through a heavily guarded area when her AI doesn't know how to stay out of sight. In a stealth game. Where being seen means your seconds from death. It's not fun.