As you said, there are some events that QTEs are logically associated with. Beyond that, QTEs cheat you out of gameplay.

One example that comes to mind is the scene in Resident Evil 4 where Leon must do a series of acrobatic moves to avoid lasers in a confined corridor. I never thought about it before, but this is a slap in the face: if Leon is capable of these amazing acrobatic feats, why, why, -why- are our actions so limited in actual gameplay? Why is one of our only evasive maneuvers to simply back away from the enemy?

I understand that games will be games. No matter which way you slice it, we’re sitting on our asses pressing buttons to interact with the in-game world. However, if game designers are making such a great push towards realism and immersion, why do they constantly limit themselves with archaic mechanics?

I can’t say I have, here and now, a solution to these “archaic mechanics,” so it may be that I’m blowing smoke; however, it’s unlocked a new realm of thought for me to explore. How far can you overstep the line between simplicity and complexity to achieve the perfect balance between functionality and immersion?

You have to wonder: had Resident Evil 4 taken a more flexible and complex route, would an interactive, in-game knife fight with Krauser been more enthralling than the QTE we experienced? That’s a resounding yes, but it begs another question: would it be too difficult? Would it be -fun-?

Sorry for the rather vague and incoherent comment, I’ve always had that problem. Still, I think I got a few of my points across and I’d certainly be willing to elaborate.

In any case, I’m enjoying your articles. They’re rather well-informed, well-written, and thoughtful; a far cry from the typical gaming blogs you often read. For me, it’s welcomed food for thought.