10 Best Games That Use QTEs Well

Since the 1980s, video games have frequently incorporated quick-time events (QTEs), a straightforward mechanism where players must swiftly execute a control command during a cutscene or fight sequence for exciting outcomes.

Quick Time Events (QTEs) can sometimes pose a challenge when incorporating them effectively in games, as they often appear unexpectedly and result in immediate death if you’re unprepared. This is why gaming critic Yahtzee Croshaw came up with the phrase “press X to avoid dying.

Through a touch of imaginative and balanced creation, Quick Time Events (QTEs) can offer exciting and visually stunning instances. While they may not provide the pinnacle of interactive gaming experiences, they often deliver an awe-inspiring show.

These are the 10 best games that managed to get QTE right, more or less.

10. The Wonderful 101

Unite On Command

The main talent of the protagonists in The Wonderful 101 lies in their Unity Form, a unique power that enables them to restructure their forms into massive, weaponized structures.

They function seamlessly as a team, swiftly adapting to any form required to counter imminent threats at a moment’s notice.

Throughout the game, especially during boss battles, a teammate may yell for a specific Unite Morph. Time will temporarily freeze, allowing you to quickly move your joystick and draw the necessary symbol. The more players who participate in the morph, the greater the number of rewards you’ll receive in the form of gears.

After using Unite Morphing, there’s usually a smash command that follows to ensure your enemy is well contained. If the morph or the smash fails, you’ll be given another chance just beforehand, but with slightly reduced health.

Occasionally, failures come with amusing visuals, making it quite entertaining to watch them if your health permits.

9. Okami

Influence The World With Art

In a simpler and more conversational form: The main character in Okami, Amaterasu, is a god, albeit a lesser one. Nevertheless, being a god means she occasionally steps in to offer some divine assistance, using her Celestial Brush for the job.

In specific scenes or conversations between characters, events might momentarily pause in an uncomfortable silence before abruptly ending, indicating that it’s time for you to activate the Celestial Brush and employ its abilities to influence the outcome positively.

When Susano gets provoked to demonstrate his sword skills, swiftly apply the Power Slash stroke to cut down his dummy immediately following his dramatic dash past it.

From a technical standpoint, Ammy is capable of performing many tasks independently; however, it’s essential for a higher power to motivate others, and this often involves boosting their self-assurance in their abilities.

8. Asura’s Wrath

A Spectacle Of Fists

In Asura’s Wrath, there are numerous scenes that play out, making it a game predominantly focused on cinematic sequences. Many of its most impressive and dramatic events occur without the player having direct influence over them.

Although it’s not purely a film, the game incorporates quite a few Quick Time Events during cutscenes, so keep your controller handy as you won’t want to let go of it.

Whenever Asura is ready to perform an impressive action such as striking a Buddhist deity, it typically requires simple button presses, rapid key mashing, or joystick maneuvers. Timing and speed are crucial in dealing maximum damage to the enemy’s health while minimizing your own losses.

It’s intriguing that certain Quick Time Events (QTEs) come with varying levels of achievement or failure. Adequate timing will let you execute them and inflict some damage, but when your timing is impeccable, you’ll cause even greater damage.

As a gamer, when I mess up a Quick Time Event, it’s my life points that take a hit, but no worries, the fight restarts right from the beginning.

7. Marvel’s Spider-Man

With Great Power Comes Great Timing

Among the Marvel heroes, what sets Spider-Man apart is his extraordinary agility and coordination. He’s quite skilled at knowing when to strike during a superhero brawl, even if he could use some improvement in timing in his everyday activities.

In the Marvel’s Spider-Man series, you can witness his extraordinary abilities in action as ‘Web-Head’ performs a variety of heroic feats, such as saving citizens and defeating villains.

Regardless of the scenario, you’ll encounter several Quick Time Events (QTEs) tailored to the specific circumstances at hand. Many QTEs during battle situations emphasize precision in timing and accuracy, as Spider-Man strategically positions his attacks and web strikes for optimal impact moments.

Indeed, in certain situations, we resort to the classic “mash” command as well. This command might be needed when Spider-Man is attempting to move heavy wreckage to free trapped citizens or when he’s delivering a decisive blow to the day’s antagonist.

Additionally, not only were these Quick Time Events (QTEs) eye-catching, they also demonstrated the capabilities of the PlayStation DualSense controller, specifically highlighting the adaptive triggers during web shot sequences.

6. Until Dawn

Whatever Happens, It’s Your Fault

In the style of interactive novels like “choose your own adventure” books, Until Dawn features numerous Quick Time Events (QTEs) that significantly impact the direction of the narrative.

At times, you’ll find yourself timing when to press a button, other times focusing on hitting a target, and yet in some instances, maintaining a steady grip on your controller is crucial.

In contrast to other games, Until Dawn’s Quick Time Events (QTEs) serve not just as actions, but as choices in their own right. At first, you might feel inclined to perform every QTE, but the game underscores that there are instances where doing nothing could be more beneficial than acting on your initial impulse.

At certain instances, disregarding or missing Quick Time Events (QTEs) might unexpectedly lead to more favorable results for the characters over an extended period.

Absolutely, there’s a chance that missing a Quick Time Event (QTE) could lead to a character’s demise, so it’s important to adapt as you go along. It’s crucial to stay engaged with the story and consider the situation carefully before making decisions that might seem illogical under normal circumstances but are necessary due to the tension.

5. MadWorld

Waggle Like You’ve Never Waggled Before

Using the Wii Remote and Nunchuk, controlling games like MadWorld might initially seem a tad uncomfortable due to its reliance on Quick Time Events (QTEs).

Indeed, many Wii games became overzealous with the waggle feature, but luckily, MadWorld effectively utilized the hardware in a focused and unique fashion.

Each foe you encounter within the game, whether common or bosses, is often associated with Quick Time Events (QTEs), although these events may vary in their specific forms. For ordinary adversaries, QTEs usually take the form of instant-kill finishing moves.

For instance, if you move a person near a spiked barrier, you’ll have to swiftly lower the Wii Remote to pierce him with it. Jack doesn’t require obstacles for this; there are numerous finisher Quick Time Events that he can execute using only his hands.

In fights with supervisors, there are extended quick-time event (QTE) sequences that can be quite intricate. For instance, in the battle against Kojack, you’ll need to swiftly wiggle both the Wii Remote and Nunchuk when the motorcycles collide to outmaneuver him.

4. Metroid Dread

Finish ‘Em Off

As a gamer, I’d say that while other games on the list might heavily rely on Quick Time Events (QTEs), Metroid Dread has them integrated into its core mechanics more subtly but significantly. The QTEs here primarily revolve around countering actions, another key gameplay mechanic, coming in two main types.

When facing your superior or formidable adversaries, just before their defeat, you’ll find yourself automatically executing a pre-programmed evasion routine, similar to Samus avoiding their assaults.

Just at the opportune time, Samus’ hand will glow, prompting you to tap the reversal button swiftly to conclude the battle in an exciting reversal. Fumble it and you’ll need to harm the boss slightly more to restart the sequence.

As a gamer, I often find myself on edge when navigating the areas where those relentless E.M.M.I. units roam. When these mechanical monsters spot me, it’s a heart-stopping moment. But luckily, there’s always that last ditch effort to counter their attack and slip away before they can grab hold.

The chance of pulling it off is incredibly slim, and the game itself advises against relying on this technique. However, if by some miracle you pull it off and make a successful getaway, it’s incredibly rewarding.

3. Kingdom Hearts II

Watch For The Green Triangle

In the initial Kingdom Hearts game, the battles were generally straight-forward, whether they were standard fights or against bosses. Apart from the rare exception of unique mechanics, it was primarily a battle of trading blows with the Keyblade and casting spells.

As a seasoned gamer, I’ve got to say that Kingdom Hearts II kicked things up a notch with an exciting twist in combat: the Reaction Commands. These bad boys made battles feel more engaging and dynamic!

During both normal interactions with enemies or significant objects, there may be instances where a green triangle becomes visible as Sora gets close.

Activate the Action Response button, and he’ll execute a stylish maneuver to inflict harm or disrupt the opponent. In tense game situations, these Action Responses could trigger mini-dramas, with further Action Responses deciding who receives the damage.

Noteworthy is the encounters with Xemnas at the game’s culmination. In Sora’s one-on-one battle against him, there’s a command that triggers different outcomes based on when you decide to execute it.

To successfully fight Xemnas alongside Riku in the final battle, swiftly press both your attack and dodge keys repeatedly to counteract his energy beams.

Or:
To defeat Xemnas in the climactic fight with Riku, you should quickly tap both your attack and evasion buttons to block his beam attacks.

2. Yakuza 0

Feel The Heat

In terms of its storytelling, the Yakuza/Like a Dragon series is known for delivering powerful cinematic experiences, often employing Quick Time Events (QTEs) extensively across its games. Among these games, our favorite that really stands out due to its added flair is Yakuza 0.

Apart from simple “Heat Actions” triggered by a single button, more complex Quick Time Events (QTEs) are typically used in large, dramatic scenes like when Kiryu takes over the Dojima Family’s headquarters.

While navigating expansive environments, you might stumble upon Quick Time Events (QTEs). Typically, these appear as formidable adversaries lying in wait to surprise you at corners. They essentially require quick button presses, with a timer that circles for approximately two seconds. As long as you stay vigilant, they are generally easy to execute successfully.

In most major battles, there’s often a predetermined sequence where the boss character may attempt to grab or strike you with a powerful move, like Lee using his “God Hand” against Majima. Essentially, it involves a quick response to timing rather than anything overly complex or confusing.

1. Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance

Cyborg Reflexes

In the game Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, Raiden’s advanced cyborg enhancements grant him exceptional agility, coordination, and an acute sense of his surroundings.

As a die-hard fan, I’d say the secret behind his swift blade attacks lies in his unique ability to momentarily warp time, keeping himself agile while everything else seems to move at a snail’s pace. Conveniently, this time-bending trick isn’t just limited to his swordplay – it also comes in handy during Quick Time Events against formidable foes and colossal bosses.

When a significant event is imminent, like an opponent seizing Raiden, time slows down and the Zandatsu symbol becomes visible. This is your cue to engage Blade Mode and swiftly cut through the enemy without them even realizing it’s happening.

Additionally, you’ll find various conventional Quick Time Events (QTEs) that require skillful timing and execution. For instance, there are timed button presses to dodge Monsoon’s assault, and rapid button mashing is needed to breach Sundowner’s defenses.

You’ll encounter numerous traditional Quick Time Events (QTEs) that demand quick reflexes and coordination. For example, there are moments where you need to press buttons at the right time to dodge Monsoon’s attack, and other instances where fast mashing of buttons is required to break through Sundowner’s shield.

In contrast to other battles, the showdown with Armstrong stands out for its wide range of Quick Time Events (QTEs), symbolizing the diverse methods he employs during his attacks on you.

2025-04-17 18:41