How Do You Feel About Permanent Death Mechanics in Games?

[killamch89]

Permanent death mechanics in games can be polarizing. On one hand, they raise the stakes and add a level of realism and tension. On the other, they can be frustrating, especially if you've invested hours into a character or game only for a mistake to erase all progress. How do you feel about permadeath in games? Do you enjoy the challenge, or do you prefer a more forgiving experience? What games have used permadeath well (or poorly) in your opinion?

[Scorpion]

I appreciate permadeath for its tension, but it can be frustrating after investing time. “Fire Emblem” does it well; thoughts?

[killamch89]

I think permanent death mechanics can be a fantastic design choice when implemented thoughtfully. For example, XCOM uses permadeath to make you emotionally attached to your soldiers, and every loss feels meaningful. However, in games like Rogue Legacy, permadeath is more about learning and progression through repetition, which makes failure feel less punishing. It ultimately depends on the balance between the stakes and how much a game respects the player's time.

[The Blackangel]

It’s sometimes a great thing, if you want extra challenge. Especially if it’s a game you have already mastered

I often go hero mode on the Switch version of Links Awakening. I played the game for years on the Game Boy and mastered it back then. There is a bit of a different kind of challenge on the Switch, but I’m always down for a challenge.

Edited December 28, 2024 by The Blackangel

[killamch89]

On 12/28/2024 at 6:48 PM, The Blackangel said:

It’s sometimes a great thing, if you want extra challenge. Especially if it’s a game you have already mastered

I often go hero mode on the Switch version of Links Awakening. I played the game for years on the Game Boy and mastered it back then. There is a bit of a different kind of challenge on the Switch, but I’m always down for a challenge.

Same here. I even have a permadeath mod on Skyrim for certain playthroughs - it makes them far more challenging. It's like my liking of games like Dark Souls and Elden Ring, I hate the inability to pause the game AT ALL. But I like how challenging it is even if it frustrates you at times.