Star Wars Jedi Knight: Mysteries of the Sith is a good example of this. Initially, trying to figure out what to do is such a chore. But afterwards, it’s pure bliss.
This is so true. Mysteries of the Sith is one of my favorite Star Wars PC games, but the first time I played it I was so frustrated about the level design. MoTS is not fun to play the first time. But after you have a better sense of what to do, it's such a great game, very impressive for its time.
Talk about an explosive orgasm!