Game development has come a long way and has a rich history, which means that many of the most popular video game mechanics we see in current titles weren’t always the norm like they are today.

Here’s a look at five of the video games that brought us some of the mechanics we don’t even bat an eye at seeing anymore.

1. Quake

Quake was released back in 1996 to critical acclaim because it introduced a fully 3D polygonal world in which the player had access to six degrees of freedom.

This meant that the character model could freely move around in space and look around with no restrictions to the camera angle.

This innovation popularised the “mouselook + keyboard” control scheme, which would soon become the industry standard for PC games.

In addition to these mechanics, Quake introduced innovations in mods and online multiplayer.

Since Quake’s release, mods for updated visuals have been added.

2. Shenmue

Shenmue was released in 1999 and was responsible for popularising quick time events (QTEs).

QTEs are when the player must press a specific button shown on the screen to have the main character complete an action during a cinematic sequence. Failing to perform the QTE would often result in the protagonist failing at the task and a consequent game over or other negative consequences.

Since Shenmue’s release, QTEs have been implemented in virtually every game genre possible, with the most notable titles including the God of War series, Resident Evil 4, Telltale Games’ the Walking Dead, and Detroit Become Human.

A button prompt appears on the screen as part of a QTE event in Shenmue.

3. Vietcong

Before Vietcong’s 2003 release, the ability to aim down your weapon’s sights (ADS) had already been implemented in a few other games.

However, Vietcong was the first shooter to consider any shot fired without aiming down the sights as being fired from the hip and therefore being less accurate.

From there on out, the feature started getting incorporated into FPS titles like the Call of Duty franchise and has been immortalised ever since.

Shots fired from the hip would be less accurate in Vietcong.

4. Deus Ex

Back in 2000, Deus Ex introduced players to a complex morality system in which your choices directly affect the game world and story.

Dialogue choices would fundamentally alter how NPCs interacted with the player going forward and even close off certain story avenues.

Deus Ex’s morality system enabled much richer storytelling, and similar systems have been incorporated in the rebooted Deus Ex series, the Infamous series, and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.

5. Prince of Persia: Sands of Time

Prince of Persia’s 2003 release ushered in the use of parkour mechanics like wall-running and climbing.

These mechanics allowed the player a greater sense of freedom to explore the game world and are now widely used in titles like the Assassin’s Creed series, the Mirror’s Edge series, the Dying Light series, Titanfall 2, and Apex Legends.

Ubisoft will release the Prince of Persia: Sands of Time Remake in 2022.

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