Game Features You're Tired of Seeing
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The mechanic that makes you collect items from corpses and boxes. I don't mind pressing a button to collect something, but I hate it when games do what Borderlands, Bioshock, and Deus Ex have you collecting items from boxes and dead bodies. You press the X/A button, it shows you what inside, then you press again to collect them all. I don't know, I just feel like it's just wasting my time. If your gonna something like that, at least do what Dead Space and RE5 do and just press a button once to collect Ammo, health, or est.
Some people don't understand what constitutes game features and what constitutes additional software or design.
I can't really think of anything aside from poorly implemented features, but it's not as if people are intentionally doing that.
I can't really think of anything aside from poorly implemented features, but it's not as if people are intentionally doing that.
Escort missions. Worst thing ever, next to no controller customization. (Though this last thing is not a feature but rather a lack of one.) Cutscenes that you cannot pause or skip.
This. Not everything needs to know where my Fersberks is at, or my Twitter. Not everything needs to be about putting up with morons who have zero sensitivity or tact because, hey, it's the Internet. Nobody's gonna know if you're an utter douchebag in an online game, right?Ed130 said:
Please, publishers. Please, for the love of the Flying Spaghetti Monster - stop shoving multiplayer elements to drum up sales, especially when those elements are clearly of the throw-away variety!
LOL I always thougt that was pretty hilarious, I dunno why! Plus sometimes its usefull to see your dead body and the area around it, what if you get killed by a sneaky enemy that you didnt even saw at all? It would seem to you like you died for no reason. I rather know who killed me! XD.SonOfVoorhees said:
Quicktime events of all kinds. Especially during cutscenes. Listen up Batman I don't want to spam b for 10 seconds every time there is a tiny vent that needs to be removed.
And can we talk about all these stupid puzzles? Oh pressure plates and draggable objects do we really need more of you?
And can we talk about all these stupid puzzles? Oh pressure plates and draggable objects do we really need more of you?
Don't turn off your system while it's saving messages. YOU DON'T SAY???
Checkpoints. A waste of time. Get rid of that out dated saving system already. I'm glad most PC games don't have them... But the ports..
Unskippable cutscenes/dialogue. Combining these with checkpoints should get you a beating.
Douchebag DRM/always online requirements THAT INEVITABLY GET CIRCUMVENTED THE DAY OF RELEASE that only serve to hurt legitimate customers. Getting lag playing by yourself is bullshit. I'm looking at you, Diablo III. And of course the upcoming Sim City game..
Black and White morality systems.
Microtransactions. Star Wars: The Old Republic. I have to pay for more hotbars? I literally don't have room for all my character abilities and I have to BUY slots? Actually I'll just quit playing and you can go fuck yourself.
All games (like many "social" browser games like on Facebook) that revolve around time building/waiting for stuff, and wait, they SELL means to accelerate it? Imagine that!
AI/Opponents that clearly don't have to follow the established rules of the game. We've all seen it. If you must make your AI cheat to be effective, do a better job hiding it. Otherwise it's just annoying. I used to play Need for Speed games quite a bit even though in general I don't really care for racing games. Until I discovered that no matter how good you drive, one mistake and you're screwed because your opponents cheat to keep up with you. You can cheat and use trainers that make you impossibly fast and AI drivers will still be on your tail. Upgrading your car or getting better at the game means nothing if perfection/luck is the only thing between you and defeat.
Some games it works out alright on, but in many I really dislike level requirements for items. I can't use this sword until I complete a few quests! I just cleared that cellar of rats, yay, now I can wield this sword! If it's a stat requirement, it's not so bad - but only if it makes sense. I can use the piss poor giant two handed axe, but I'm not strong enough to use this rapier, because it's better. NO. Plan your game's loot progression and difficulty curve better instead of using some arbitrary system as a crutch.
And, depending on the game type, puzzles that should be about your CHARACTER and not you, the player. Most commonly in RPG games is this an issue. I'm playing to relax and have fun, not answer some stupid number based riddle or puzzle you'd see on an IQ test. Let my character's intelligence determine the outcome, otherwise you're just ruining the fun and immersion. Oh, why can't they all be like you, Fallout 2...
Checkpoints. A waste of time. Get rid of that out dated saving system already. I'm glad most PC games don't have them... But the ports..
Unskippable cutscenes/dialogue. Combining these with checkpoints should get you a beating.
Douchebag DRM/always online requirements THAT INEVITABLY GET CIRCUMVENTED THE DAY OF RELEASE that only serve to hurt legitimate customers. Getting lag playing by yourself is bullshit. I'm looking at you, Diablo III. And of course the upcoming Sim City game..
Black and White morality systems.
Microtransactions. Star Wars: The Old Republic. I have to pay for more hotbars? I literally don't have room for all my character abilities and I have to BUY slots? Actually I'll just quit playing and you can go fuck yourself.
All games (like many "social" browser games like on Facebook) that revolve around time building/waiting for stuff, and wait, they SELL means to accelerate it? Imagine that!
AI/Opponents that clearly don't have to follow the established rules of the game. We've all seen it. If you must make your AI cheat to be effective, do a better job hiding it. Otherwise it's just annoying. I used to play Need for Speed games quite a bit even though in general I don't really care for racing games. Until I discovered that no matter how good you drive, one mistake and you're screwed because your opponents cheat to keep up with you. You can cheat and use trainers that make you impossibly fast and AI drivers will still be on your tail. Upgrading your car or getting better at the game means nothing if perfection/luck is the only thing between you and defeat.
Some games it works out alright on, but in many I really dislike level requirements for items. I can't use this sword until I complete a few quests! I just cleared that cellar of rats, yay, now I can wield this sword! If it's a stat requirement, it's not so bad - but only if it makes sense. I can use the piss poor giant two handed axe, but I'm not strong enough to use this rapier, because it's better. NO. Plan your game's loot progression and difficulty curve better instead of using some arbitrary system as a crutch.
And, depending on the game type, puzzles that should be about your CHARACTER and not you, the player. Most commonly in RPG games is this an issue. I'm playing to relax and have fun, not answer some stupid number based riddle or puzzle you'd see on an IQ test. Let my character's intelligence determine the outcome, otherwise you're just ruining the fun and immersion. Oh, why can't they all be like you, Fallout 2...
Obstructive DRM - I can understand not wanting to have your product stolen. But you don't sell a car to someone and not give them the key. DRM should be easy to deal with (legitimately), and not hamper a paying customers enjoyment. Or better yet, just get rid of it. One of the main reasons people pirate games is so that they don't have to jump through as many hoops to play their game.
Forced In Multiplayer - As much as I enjoy playing online with people, I don't think every game needs it. Seriously, if multiplayer isn't in the games design doc from conception, don't take resources away from the singleplayer.
BAD QTEs - The only games I really see QTEs working are games where you're already mashing the buttons frantically. God of War and Devil May Cry are some games that I can see them working in. Also, they aren't needed when there is a lull in the action. Simply pressing B or Triangle once should open a door, unless I'm tearing it down Hulk Style.
Realism - Okay, okay it's good in some games (horror games can make amazing use of it), but most people use video games as a form of escapism. To get away from the real world. I'm not saying games should just throw physics out the window and make really absurd decisions because "Fuck you, it's a game", but not every shooter has to have you die in two bullets, only able to carry two guns, etc. The game should feel as if it's conforming to the rules of it's setting, not our world.
LONG LOADING SCREENS - I forgot what game I was playing recently, but I played it for about 4 hours straight without a SINGLE LOADING SCREEN, apart from when I started up the game. I would die, reload the checkpoint and 2 seconds later I was back able to playing. However, Max Payne 3... I had to watch a 5 minute cutscene, because the game was still loading. I died about 10 seconds into that level... guess what? I had to watch the cutscene AGAIN, because the game had to reload all the resources. While were at it...
UNSKIPPABLE CUTSCENES - Fuck 'em. If they are "locked" the first time through (say once you watch one the game auto-saves and "unlocks" it, and you can skip them any time after that). Fine, but if I have to watch several minutes of exposition because I can't skip it on my second+ time through the game, I'm going to get frustrated. I don't replay games for the story(most times), So I would like to skip them.
Forced In Multiplayer - As much as I enjoy playing online with people, I don't think every game needs it. Seriously, if multiplayer isn't in the games design doc from conception, don't take resources away from the singleplayer.
BAD QTEs - The only games I really see QTEs working are games where you're already mashing the buttons frantically. God of War and Devil May Cry are some games that I can see them working in. Also, they aren't needed when there is a lull in the action. Simply pressing B or Triangle once should open a door, unless I'm tearing it down Hulk Style.
Realism - Okay, okay it's good in some games (horror games can make amazing use of it), but most people use video games as a form of escapism. To get away from the real world. I'm not saying games should just throw physics out the window and make really absurd decisions because "Fuck you, it's a game", but not every shooter has to have you die in two bullets, only able to carry two guns, etc. The game should feel as if it's conforming to the rules of it's setting, not our world.
LONG LOADING SCREENS - I forgot what game I was playing recently, but I played it for about 4 hours straight without a SINGLE LOADING SCREEN, apart from when I started up the game. I would die, reload the checkpoint and 2 seconds later I was back able to playing. However, Max Payne 3... I had to watch a 5 minute cutscene, because the game was still loading. I died about 10 seconds into that level... guess what? I had to watch the cutscene AGAIN, because the game had to reload all the resources. While were at it...
UNSKIPPABLE CUTSCENES - Fuck 'em. If they are "locked" the first time through (say once you watch one the game auto-saves and "unlocks" it, and you can skip them any time after that). Fine, but if I have to watch several minutes of exposition because I can't skip it on my second+ time through the game, I'm going to get frustrated. I don't replay games for the story(most times), So I would like to skip them.
Looks like we hit on all the usual suspects, (tacked-on multiplayer, escort missions, etc.) so let's see what else.
1) The "Press Button to Do Something" Prompt. How many games have there been where I'm still getting "press X to open door" from start to finish? I can figure it out after the first time, Copernicus. And I understand sometimes its just a shortcut way so players don't feel obligated to try every door in hallway, for example- but maybe just a soft glow around interactive objects? I'm really not THAT dumb.
2) The "5-Second Celebrity Voiceover." Hey cool, they got this famous celebrity to do a voiceover! See, they're hyping them up in this promo video, it must be a big deal! Then you buy the game, and find out the voiceactor you're really excited about is completely optional and/or only in the game for like 2 minutes.
3) The "Obligatory Sandbox Street Race Level." Sure, I can handle holding off 30 guys wielding assault rifles with only a pistol. Yeah, I can outrun a 4-alarm police chase. What's that? You want me to compete in a street race in a game where the car physics operate like sticks of butter on an ice rink? Yeah, no.
4) The "Good Samaritan/ Interactive NPC Chore." Oh? NPC, you have a problem? You need me to walk 20 feet to the left, talk to another NPC, who will of course listen to me because I'm the goddamn hero of goddamn space and time? Then walk back to you and tell you I talked to the other person in earshot of you? Sure. THIS WILL BE A REWARDING EXPERIENCE THAT I APPRECIATE DOING ANOTHER 50 TIMES.
5) The "Mandatory Multiplayer Achievements/ Trophies." Yes, I realize Achievements/Trophies are a completely pointless, arbitrary system of reward a player for playing a game. But dammit, when it's a game I like and I want to challenge myself, it gives me a goal to shoot for. But I got limits. Sometimes (95% of the time) I want to play a game purely for the story/campaign. I don't want to have achievements tacked onto and already tacked on multiplayer. Flimsy reasoning, I know. But that's why its at the bottom of my list.
1) The "Press Button to Do Something" Prompt. How many games have there been where I'm still getting "press X to open door" from start to finish? I can figure it out after the first time, Copernicus. And I understand sometimes its just a shortcut way so players don't feel obligated to try every door in hallway, for example- but maybe just a soft glow around interactive objects? I'm really not THAT dumb.
2) The "5-Second Celebrity Voiceover." Hey cool, they got this famous celebrity to do a voiceover! See, they're hyping them up in this promo video, it must be a big deal! Then you buy the game, and find out the voiceactor you're really excited about is completely optional and/or only in the game for like 2 minutes.
3) The "Obligatory Sandbox Street Race Level." Sure, I can handle holding off 30 guys wielding assault rifles with only a pistol. Yeah, I can outrun a 4-alarm police chase. What's that? You want me to compete in a street race in a game where the car physics operate like sticks of butter on an ice rink? Yeah, no.
4) The "Good Samaritan/ Interactive NPC Chore." Oh? NPC, you have a problem? You need me to walk 20 feet to the left, talk to another NPC, who will of course listen to me because I'm the goddamn hero of goddamn space and time? Then walk back to you and tell you I talked to the other person in earshot of you? Sure. THIS WILL BE A REWARDING EXPERIENCE THAT I APPRECIATE DOING ANOTHER 50 TIMES.
5) The "Mandatory Multiplayer Achievements/ Trophies." Yes, I realize Achievements/Trophies are a completely pointless, arbitrary system of reward a player for playing a game. But dammit, when it's a game I like and I want to challenge myself, it gives me a goal to shoot for. But I got limits. Sometimes (95% of the time) I want to play a game purely for the story/campaign. I don't want to have achievements tacked onto and already tacked on multiplayer. Flimsy reasoning, I know. But that's why its at the bottom of my list.
It's funny, you downplayed it but this is pretty much the only entry so far in this thread that I agree with. It irritates me no end that, even to this day, I couldn't get all the vanilla achievements in Halo 3 because getting a double kill with a spartan laser in free-for-all is too fucking hard!.Darquenaut said:
I think Mass Effect 3 did this right, strangely. There were a bunch of achievements that you could get either in multiplayer or single. Sure, it was because the game hilariously tried to use small, cramped multiplayer maps as sidequest levels, in a stunning display of 'we-just-don't-give-a-shit-anymore', but at least I could 1000G it without too much headache.
As for features I'm tired of seeing... Well, there isn't really anything definite. I guess I'd say chest high walls, but only in a fairly literal sense. I like cover based shooting, I think it adds a sense of realism to most games where it's used. I'm just sick of corridors of obvious, flat, square cover points. I appreciate that scripting, animations and hitboxes probably haven't quite caught up to the mechanic yet, but the day we get an organic cover system where you can take cover behind anything, regardless of its shape and orientation will be a happy one. Taking this a little further, I guess I'm sick of cover being indestructible too. I know altering level geometry in real time is hard, but you could break wooden crates with bullets in half life freaking one. I feel like anything that isn't a wall or rock should be an object, rather than level geometry. Say I'm playing Mass Effect, and someone takes cover behind a couch. I should either be able to shoot through the flimsy stuffing, or just lift it clean into the air with biotics. Or even if I'm behind a steel crate that bullets can only dent, I'd love to see the force of sustained gunfire slowly push the crate back.
I guess I'm just sick of combat being: stumble into corridor, plunk yourself behind flat wall, camp for five minutes while picking off the enemies at the other end of the corridor one by one, get out of cover, replenish ammo, move on.
I think Far Cry 3 came close. Get close enough to any object, large or small and your gun raises, to let you know that all you have to do is hold aim and you'll pop out of cover from whatever edge is closest to you to take a shot. Oh, and the ground slide you can use when sprinting and can unlock pretty much straight away? Best! FPS Mechanic! Ever!
You know what I hate more than QTE's? QTE's that are incredibly rare. As in games that only have, like 2 in the entire game. Impossible to prepare for and they are usually accompanied by my arch-nemesis, the unskipable cutscene. *shakes fist angrily*
