Games with best Pacing ? Engaging gameplay/story, fun, etc... ?
I love games with a dynamic pace, where different gameplay phases blend seamlessly to maintain variety and engagement.
Whether it's exploration, combat, cutscenes, mini-games, stealth sequences, etc... I seek experiences that constantly shake things up, breaking the monotony of a repetitive gameplay loop.
This applies to storytelling as well, I appreciate narratives that transition fluidly between calm moments, high-stakes tension, and lighthearted, self-aware sequences.
This dynamic approach keeps the experience engaging and prevents any sense of stagnation or boredom.
Too often, modern games overemphasize either combat depth or narrative, which can result in repetitive gameplay.
For instance, Octopath Traveler is visually stunning with an incredible soundtrack, yet I often find myself feeling disengaged. Similarly, many Ubisoft titles tend to follow a predictable formula, making them feel redundant over time.
One of my gold standards for pacing is Final Fantasy VII. It constantly throws new scenarios at you, phases : mini-games (integrated into the main story), exciting cutscenes, Materia system depth, and perfectly timed music to enhance emotions.
Other great examples:
- Final Fantasy VI: Constantly evolving gameplay, splitting the party into different unique segments, a ghost train escape, an opera scene, etc. The game rarely repeats itself.
- Resident Evil 4
- NieR: Automata: Starts as a bullet-hell shooter, transitions to hack-and-slash, then shifts between platforming, puzzles, and exploration, keeping every moment fresh.
- Chrono Trigger: The pacing is excellent; the game continuously mixes up its gameplay and narrative.
What are your favorite games and recommendations with excellent pacing? Any console is fine.
Thanks in advance!