After re-reading yesterday's entry, I've been wondering. Are optional challenge rooms the best vector to give new guns to the player? It means that if you don't go through any of them, you'll only have the starting basic gun to tackle the world with. Some guns have better reach, some have elemental properties and some are just plain weird. I was going to say that it's possible to beat the whole game with the basic pistol, but that's not true since enemies in State-8 (Inver) are immune to damage and can only be killed by being healed, and that gun will be given to the player alongside the critical path.
I feel that it's okay if I give away cool gear in such places, since challenges are bonus rooms with bonus content that player can live without - although new guns and gun parts are a pretty good reason to attempt them! There is also an achievement tied to the number of completed challenges, so that's that.
Currently working on: Continuing the story
Time spent on the project so far: 280 hours