Quick Time Events – Cinematic or Interactive Which is it
What is Quick Time Events?
Quick time events is a sequence of events that allow players to fully interact with video games. Primarily example, is FMV game called “Dragon’s Lair” which allows players to use direction button along with other controls to perform Dirk the Daring actions in gameplay. I have already talked about series and FMV using QTE as well. I have recently played Platinum Games’s The Wonderful 101 Remastered.
The game plays similar to Viewtiful Joe and Nintendo’s Pikmin. Overall, plot revolves around a group of heroes called “Centinels” who protect earth from antagonistic alien invaders called “GerthJerk”. Centinels consist of Wonder Red, Yellow, Blue, Black, White, Green and Pink. These heroes have the power to unite to form different constructs and objects just like Green Lantern Corp. These characters is supported by 100 heroes that assist them in the battle to save earth.
During gameplay, players can buy items, fight bosses using quick time events and drawing as well. Did you know Bayonetta was a part of this game as well, also uses quick time event too? Another game is Asura’s Wrath developed by CyberConnect2, the game is about Asura seeking revenge against Demigods who betray him. What does that game remind you of? If you guess God of War then yes, Asura’s Wrath is an interactive movie with QTE but its criticized for little gameplay.
Does QTE Ruins Gameplay?
CyberConnect also worked on anime games like Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm and Demon Slayer: The Himokami Chronicles series that uses QTE in story mode. How can I forget about Telltale games series like The Walking Dead and The Wolf Among Us. These games operate like a visual novel, cinematic adventure and has quick time events as well.
QTE doesn’t technically ruin gameplay but games like Dispatch require players participating to process through the story. While episodic story games like Life is Stange has players making the right choices or not. QTE does apply for action adventure, hack n slash, fighting games and many other gaming genres. Resident Evil series has some QTE and other horror games like Dead by Daylight, which you try to get off the hook
.Don’t forgot shooters like Gear of War, Cal of Duty and more. Based on your performance, you might mess up button sequence went trying to defeat a boss like Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance. Square Enix’s Kingdom Hearts series has some QTE and also found in some JRPGS. QTE takes practice and patience to master but has to fast to respond. It just like the game Bop-It, if you even heard about that toy.
QTE Game Changer
I understand people don’t like quick time events but nowadays, it’s more common in video games. Highguard has QTE went you mining crystals, which I found kind of strange, but the game is shutdown this year. There are numerous games that have QTEs but wouldn’t name them all in this blog. Shemmue creator Yu Suzuki stated that “a fusion of gameplay and movie” which allows players to interact with cutscene instead of watching for themselves.
Quantic Dream and Aspyr
Don’t forgot David Cage’s Detroit: Become Human and Fahrenhiet (Indigo Prophecy) which allows players to experience each characters’ perspective and make choices. Racing games have some QTEs as well. It can be frustrating to start off over again after failing. You will spend hours and hours getting the right input to complete the game. It really depends on the game developers to put in QTEs.
Personally, I find quick time events to be fun and enjoyable in games. It’s about storytelling and putting yourself in character’s shoes. I would say interacting with video games never been so rewarding. In my lifetime, I never watch interactive movies in years but there is Netflix’s Carmen Sandiego out there. Another one called “Batman Death of the Family” which is an interactive movie that viewers can determine faith of the characters.
Closing
If you make the wrong movie, its game over and start from square one. Sometimes QTEs its enhance gameplay cutsences and gets really repetitive at times. You repeat the same button or different combinations depending on the game. Its just like learning pattern of fighting a video game boss. QTE can cause distractions from being inactive in video games as well.
You can disable quick time events for accessibility in action games (but I have yet to see it). Don’t forget about pressing buttons at a time limit like The Wonderful 101 as well. That can be aggravating to some players but it’s about timing. Different video game consoles like Nintendo Wii uses QTEs that uses motion to interact with the game and Switch as well.
PlayStation, Xbox, PC and other consoles allow QTEs based on corresponding button display on the screen. I welcome quick time events with open arms but can be pain for some players alike. What your thoughts on QTEs, let me know in the comments. Thank you for reading this blogpost and tune into the next one.
Anjim Plays is a award-winning streamer from Washington DC, who is a advocate of blerd and gaming culture. I am willing to help others and work with brands.
