Metacognition: Unexpected Fun

We’re back with our “thinking about thinking” series! If you’re interested in our previous deep thoughts, check out the Metacognition series.  Join us for some deep thoughts (and maybe the occasional not-so-deep thought) about gaming. If you find one you’d like to answer, you can either comment below or write a post and share the link so we can all read your fantastic thoughts!

What is one mechanic that you didn’t like at first, but have come to appreciate?

Interestingly enough, I’d have to say quick-time events.

I know, I know. QTEs (which, ironically, sounds like “cuties” if you say it fast enough) are often considered a dirty word in gaming. After all the players should be the ones learning and executing those awesome moves happening on-screen!

And I have avoided games because they have been reported to have lots of QTEs in them, like Kindgoms of Amalur: Reckoning, which otherwise looks like a game I’d enjoy.

But then something happened. Two somethings, to be exact.

Detroit: Become Human

and Until Dawn.

My only exposure to quick-time events had, until these games, been of the “Press X to not die” variety. But man, I never knew following on-screen prompts set on a timer could be so intense. I spoke about the QTEs in the Interesting Case reviews of these games, but even though a majority of the action was just following the button presses on-screen, I was hooked. Sure, I was a little sad that my focus was on watching for the next button-press and so I often missed the actual action, but usually the movements were big enough that I got the gist of it.

Although “Press X to wash dishes” is still probably my favorite 😉

What about you? What game mechanic (if any) did you start of hating and come to appreciate, if not completely like it? Or do you still dislike it? What is your opinion on QTEs? Let me know in the comments!

Thanks for stopping by, and I’ll see you soon!
~Athena

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