The other thread about favorite mechanics is great, so let’s also do the opposite: what are some of your most hated mechanics?
Quicktime events. Please make up your mind if you show me a sequence or if you want me to play. I can enjoy watching, but I don’t want to feel like I am being tested for paying attention.
The beginning of the Tomb Raider remake pissed me off especially. You played a few minutes, then watched a minute of sequence, then play, watch, play, watch. One of the sequences took like 5 minutes, so I leaned back to enjoy when suddenly it flashes a heavy PRESS X in my face. I tried to quickly grab the controller but failed… too slow. I almost rage quit.
I am not playing games to get stressed out…
Quicktime events.
I’d limit it to mandatory QTEs - better games have a “story” mode that doesn’t punish you (much/at all) for having the reflexes of an old-timer.
But yeah, mandatory QTEs are an immediate buzzkill. I don’t intend to waste more time in Tomb Raider - that’s already 21 minutes I never get back.
After biting myself through the loooong intro session path, the game turned out quite good. It did still have a few QTEs later on, but typically in short sequences, which was okayish. First, because I started to expect it, and second because the sequences were short enough that I didn’t get the impression I might have to sit through a movie.
Still, the beginning of the game has left an ugly impression about QTEs.
