Tom Clancy’s The Division
The mechanic of helping civilians (by giving supplies found on the map, such as medkits, water bottles, or energy bars, to hungry people). In return, you receive upgrades for weapons or clothing. This creates a strong motivation to help and, consequently, to search for these supplies.
Tom Clancy’s The Division
The cover-to-cover movement mechanic (the path the character will automatically move along is always highlighted when the player holds the spacebar). This is very convenient and allows the player to focus on strategy.
Tom Clancy’s The Division
The enemy NPC tagging mechanic (when the cursor is aimed at an enemy, they turn red and are highlighted on the map for a short time. Additionally, icons representing the enemy’s class (grenade, melee, sniper, etc.) appear above different types of enemies). This makes it easier for the player to focus on strategy and decide which enemies to eliminate first.
Tom Clancy’s The Division
The navigation assistant mechanic (when the navigation is integrated into the game’s lore, players are more inclined to use it).
SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake
Very convenient controller (the player has various interaction options with the world. Pressing the A button makes the character jump, double tapping it performs a double jump, and holding the button allows the character to parry and glide over short distances. Pressing the B button makes the character attack. A combination of jump and attack causes the character to bounce and land, allowing the player to break objects or press buttons. There is also a karate punch, which unlocks as the game progresses. While in the air, the player can press the Y button, and the character will automatically fly towards an enemy. Using the karate punch, the player can quickly move from one enemy to another or cross large gaps.
Prey
The flashlight is limited in usage time, consuming battery power.
Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
The rainy weather, along with the recent shipwreck, alters the character’s usual easy movement. He begins to slide more often, fall, and move slower. Areas that once seemed easy for climbing now present significant challenges.
Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
The protagonist’s companions, when he strays off the beaten path or gets lost, wait nearby. They don’t remain in a static pose; instead, a unique animation for each location plays out. One might light a cigarette and gaze mysteriously into the distance, while another might munch on an apple, and so on. This makes the world feel more alive.
Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
A classic technique used by Naughty Dog — guiding the player in the right direction through moving objects or animals. A running pack of rats, birds flying by, or a flag fluttering in the wind all serve to subtly direct the player’s attention.
Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
Skillful player training in game mechanics. First, the mechanic is introduced in a safe environment, then tested on enemies. A brick wall and nearby barrels of gunpowder teach the player to throw barrels and shoot them. A few minutes later, enemies are introduced, and these same barrels are placed near the hero. The player has been taught and reinforced in the mechanic.
Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
Constant reminders to the player about mission objectives through landmarks or character dialogue.
Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
Multiple alternative ways to overcome obstacles on the player’s path create a sense of freedom.
Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
The protagonist’s journal, with notes, hints, and reflections, helps the player recall past events in the game and aids in solving puzzles along the way. The journal also serves as a means to convey lore and deepen the character’s development.
Uncharted: The Lost Legacy
The mobile phone as part of the gameplay. The protagonist receives messages or photos from an unknown number with clues about locations to visit (a red door, a roof, a pink lotus). An intriguing effect is created when the player discovers what was hidden in the mysterious message. It turns out that the pink lotus is simply a hotel sign. This effect evokes a scene from The Matrix, where the protagonist receives the cryptic message “Follow the white rabbit” and then sees a girl with a rabbit tattoo.
Uncharted: The Lost Legacy
What seems like an obvious solution leads to unexpected consequences. For example, throwing a crate down to the companion so she can push it against the wall and climb up. Instead, the crate punches a huge hole in the floor beneath her, causing her to fall down and revealing a new (previously unseen) path.
Uncharted: The Lost Legacy
The gates, knocked down using the winch, turn into a “ramp,” helping to overcome an obstacle.
The Half-Life series often uses social interaction to teach game mechanics. An order from an Alliance soldier to throw a can back into the trash, a scientist’s request to plug a cable into a socket, or a colleague’s plea to hand him toilet paper in a stall are clear examples of this approach.
Dishonored also uses this method in its tutorials: playing hide and seek with a little girl helps the player learn the stealth mechanics. Additionally, the inventor’s request to bring him a capsule of whale oil teaches the player to carry objects and demonstrates that whale oil is an explosive item that can be used as a weapon if thrown.
To enhance the effect, it’s important to offer different options for interaction with characters. For example, the player can refuse to obey the Alliance soldier’s order and throw the can directly at him. In Dishonored, the player can decline to play hide and seek, claiming they don’t have the time.