Recovering health in video games usually involves taking a break from the action, a temporary pause from the intense battles to mend wounds. However, this downtime can disrupt the flow of the game and diminish the excitement built up by the narrative or level design.
In order to maintain the adrenaline-fueled experience, some game developers have ingeniously integrated healing into the cycle of violence, allowing players to stay immersed in the action while regaining strength.
5 Doom & Doom Eternal
Rip And Tear (For The Treats Inside!)
- Implements "push forward combat" to promote an aggressive, active playstyle
- Allows players to gain health and ammo by executing brutal glory kills, discouraging retreats
The iconic healing "glory kill" mechanic in Doom keeps the action relentless. By engaging in aggressive combat, players can stun enemies and tear them apart to obtain health orbs and ammunition, ensuring that the relentless battle against demons never loses its momentum.
4 God Of War (2018)
Channelling Anger In A Healthy Way
- Kratos' "Spartan Rage" allows him to heal by dealing damage to enemies
- Players can build up rage by taking hits in battle, emphasizing a more aggressive gameplay style
In God of War, Kratos' healing mechanic embodies the concept of "violence begets violence," as he regains health equal to the damage inflicted while unleashing his fury. This mechanism encourages players to adopt a relentless and vengeful approach to combat, aligning with the game's theme.
3 Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance
Getting Back Out There (By Snatching Out Their Backs)
- Allows players to heal by extracting cybernetic spines from enemies after slicing them
- Encourages aggressive tactics and skillful gameplay to maintain health in intense battles
Metal Gear Rising's unique healing method involves extracting cybernetic spines from defeated enemies, incentivizing players to employ aggressive and skillful tactics. This dynamic approach is essential in sustaining the game's high-octane action and precision-based combat.
2 ULTRAKILL
Demonic, Free Range Health Potions
- Offers a continuous flow of health restoration through enemies' splattering health rain
- Rewards aggressive play by seamlessly integrating healing into the gameplay
In ULTRAKILL, players are constantly fueled by a relentless shower of health-restoring blood, ensuring that the action never pauses. This dynamic mechanic encourages players to maintain an aggressive approach, keeping them fully engaged in the intense battles without any interruptions.
1 Prototype
A Delicious Buffet Of Healthy Street Food
- Allows players to absorb enemies and civilians to replenish health
- Integrates healing seamlessly into the gameplay, promoting a fast-paced and aggressive playstyle
In Prototype, every living being serves as a potential source of health, seamlessly integrating healing into the game's fast-paced and aggressive combat. This approach ensures that players are constantly engaged in the action, emphasizing the game's intense and relentless gameplay experience.