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Sound Off: Overused Game Mechanics

Posted Feb 14, 2012 at 2:51PM EST by

Listed in: PSP Tags: bloody screen, game mechanics, sound off

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The games industry functions on one essential rule: if something works, keep doing it until it doesn't work anymore. Most game developers aren't interested in taking risks or creating innovation in their genre, but perfecting the elements that already exist. When someone does step outside of the box, it’s not long before their contributions show up in every similar game.

mikegamemechbig

Take cover mechanics, for instance. Once a revolutionary idea, cover mechanics now exist in nearly every third-person shooter. And at what point did “sprint” become a requirement for FPS games? Every genre has its own set of functions and features shared throughout multiple titles.

The “bloody screen” we see in almost every FPS game is a prime example of an innovative mechanic gone wrong. While it was surely cool and helpful whenever it first showed up, we’re long past the point where having your screen splashed with blood is either effective or impressive. It’s just one more item in an increasingly long list of overused mechanics.

What mechanics do you think are long past their prime? Bloody screens? Regenerating health? Z-targeting?

Sound off in the comments.

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Backtracking; Every FPS, RPG, open world platform is guilty of this crap.

Pre-rendered cutscenes; I think we have the technology to completely rid of this.
It was cool back in the 90's but now I would like to see cutscenes in their native form. Probably save room on the disc for actual content.

Also, complaining about cover mechanics seems like someone who is grasping at straws.
So you would rather just stand there and intake the entire lead salad that is being hailed onto you by ten angry terrorists?

Nor would you like to run away when your health is in jeopardy and those ten angry terrorists are preparing to teabag your lifeless body?

I agree with the bloody screen though, this is supposed to be a first person experience and in no way would blood look that clear if it were splashed into your eyes. not unless you were viewing this experience from a camera that is directly in front of the face of the character you are controlling...

# RE: ... — guyman 2012-02-14 22:43

Cover mechanics are far too forced in games these days and are about as reasonable and fun as a conveniently placed turret in game; You KNOW you HAVE to do it, but only because the game demands it not because you'll gain a real tactical advantage.

I'd also rather worry about limited health resources and try to take as few hits possible rather than run out, get some shots off, then hide while my torso regrows it's missing chunks.

Looks like we at least agree on the bloody screen, it's annoying and disruptive like the low health *dee-doo* noise in Pokemon.
What kid liked that sound?
Just give us some reddened edges on the screen and we're good, thanks.

# ... — SeRosiS 2012-02-15 00:08

There was a game quite awhile back called Kill.Switch, if any game were to be accused of abusing the cover mechanic it was that game. I can still remember the demo for it, pissed me off til no end.

Otherwise I find the cover mechanic very useful. And don't act like you wouldn't bitch if they completely removed it or nerfed the AI to nullify its usefulness.

Or you can think of it this way, if you were actually under fire what would you do?

Stand there or duck behind cover until you get an opportunity to fire back?

-1 # RE: ... — Mr. F 2012-02-15 12:50

Cover mechanics are great - they're just not exceptionally unique anymore. And some games execute them poorly.

It's more an example of something a developer created that everyone ran with.

# Regenning HP — Harkrage 2012-02-15 01:07

Regenning HP in "realistic" shooters, yes it worked in the first Halo (the only one I consider mentionable and not a cash-in) and it was passable in CoD4 but it's just not right, hell they gave The Duke regenning HP...THATS JUST NOT CRICKET! Duke uses med kits and key-cards, that's what duke was all about. That, machoism and political incorrectness. TF2 is about the last remaining classic FPS with it's ammo and med packs.

3rd person shooters are just stupid (yes I'm looking at you gears of war) they're notorious for the cover based mechanic and need to die a quick and painful death.

Now I'll just sit back and wait for all the whiney little console kiddies to start flaming me. PC Master Race FTW!

-1 # RE: Regenning HP — Mr. F 2012-02-15 12:50

I miss the utility of medics in Battlefield for exactly this reason.

# ... — SeRosiS 2012-02-15 13:44

I miss defibrillating my enemies...

# Clutching at straws — ScottyB 2012-02-15 16:48

What's wrong with the bloody screen? Sure, that's not how blood would look if it were in your eyes - but that's not the point. What's your alternative to show you're dying?
From a gameplay perspective (you know, logic) it works very well. The screen modifies itself to alert you that you're dying. And you can tell without having to focus on one particular element of the HUD.

Agreed about cover mechanics; they're a good thing. Before cover, you literally just stood there shooting them while they shot you. Remember the combat in Vice City? By modern standards, not great.

# RE: Sound Off: Overused Game Mechanics — Keith__ 2012-02-16 16:38

haven't "cover mechanics" been around since Asteroids?

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