The Incredibly Overused Game Device.

[Apathetic_cynicism]

Nearly 100% of all fps' have it and even the occassional 3rd person, the red screen effect.
When you take damage, your screen flashes or glows red. The more damage you take, the more intense the red is to show how close you are to virtual death.

Last time I checked, when i got punched, stabbed, shot, etc. Blood doesnt fill up my eyes.
The amount of games that uses this mechanic keeps rising. Atleast the Halo series has a shield gauge before the red screen.

Anyone else feel the same way? Or do you like the red screen effect?

 

[happysock]

Sure it's not realistic but i prefer it to a health bar

 

[Soulgaunt]

Nearly 100% of all fps' have it and even the occassional 3rd person, the red screen effect.
When you take damage, your screen flashes or glows red. The more damage you take, the more intense the red is to show how close you are to virtual death.

Last time I checked, when i got punched, stabbed, shot, etc. Blood doesnt fill up my eyes.
The amount of games that uses this mechanic keeps rising. Atleast the Halo series has a shield gauge before the red screen.

Anyone else feel the same way? Or do you like the red screen effect?

Oh do I hate that effect! It makes getting hit 100 times worse, because if you get hit once, you can't see, which causes you to get hit again, and again, and again!

 

[Emphraim]

It serves it's purpose well. But in realistic shooters, I would rather have the developers remove the red screen and just have you hear a faster heartbeat if you're hurt.

 

[CrazyCory564]

It bother's me in some games where the red is overpowering. I liked how in Gears of War it was only a symbol (though a bit much for me) that came on screen. It is getting old though.

 

[Librarian Mike]

Personally, if I want realism I'll get out of bed and go to work. For games, I'll settle for singlehandedly taking on an alien invasion and being able to shrug off massive damage. Just my preference.

 

[Simalacrum]

It serves it's purpose well. But in realistic shooters, I would rather have the developers remove the red screen and just have you hear a faster heartbeat if you're hurt.

well if you want realistic you wouldn't have any of that, you'd just die.

That, or the player feels immense pain wherever they've been hit.

 

[grimsprice]

Personally, if I want realism I'll get out of bed and go to work. For games, I'll settle for singlehandedly taking on an alien invasion and being able to shrug off massive damage. Just my preference.

yes, and i would prefer to slaughter the alien horde with only one ally, each on of us giving a pat on the back whenever we take to many sniper rounds to the head. CPR for a head shot anyone? Rubbing aloe vera on the neck for a bullet to the foot anyone?

 

[plastic_window]

It's as good a way as any to give you on-screen feedback about your health while not adding healthbars to your HUD - which takes away slightly from immersing you completely in the experience.

Looking at CoD's modern red-damage-flash, the popping veins and jagged red edges make you feel even more uneasy at the sight of being hurt. It does more to pull you into the game than you might think.

I agree that it's not realistic, but I don't know how exactly this convention could move further into that realm.

It serves it's purpose well. But in realistic shooters, I would rather have the developers remove the red screen and just have you hear a faster heartbeat if you're hurt.

This is probably the best suggestion I've heard.

 

[iggyus]

Well if the game is awesome then I have nothing against it

 

[MortisLegio]

Sure it's not realistic but i prefer it to a health bar

Poor healthbar, I knew him well

 

[happysock]

I think that maybe if you get shot in your left arm maybe you cant hold a weapon properly causing poor aim, or if you get shot in the leg you cant move as fast, sort of what fallout 3 had but improved.

 

[Apathetic_cynicism]

I just don't like seeing it so much.
The gaming industry was built upon innovation and brilliant design, but to use the same thing over and over?

 

[trombone2007]

It serves it's purpose well. But in realistic shooters, I would rather have the developers remove the red screen and just have you hear a faster heartbeat if you're hurt.

that's a little inconsiderate for all of the deaf gamers...even with the rumble.

OT: I liked the Wolfenstien 3D health indicator. Whenever you got really low on health, your characters face would turn all bloody and maimed. Good stuff!

 

[Emphraim]

It serves it's purpose well. But in realistic shooters, I would rather have the developers remove the red screen and just have you hear a faster heartbeat if you're hurt.

that's a little inconsiderate for all of the deaf gamers...even with the rumble.

OT: I liked the Wolfenstien 3D health indicator. Whenever you got really low on health, your characters face would turn all bloody and maimed. Good stuff!

Then include the red screen effect has an option that can be turned on and off. Problem solved.

 

[Harlemura]

I prefer it when you get one shot of red on the screen to show which way you got bullets comin' at ya, than the colour fading as you start running out of juice.
I think it works pretty well.
Exhebit A: Uncharted.

 

[ActionDan]

Sure it's not realistic but i prefer it to a health bar

I happen to prefer the health bar. I'd rather exactly know how much health I have, rather than guessing. That's what annoyed me about COD:4

 

[YuheJi]

Nearly 100% of all fps' have it and even the occassional 3rd person, the red screen effect.
When you take damage, your screen flashes or glows red. The more damage you take, the more intense the red is to show how close you are to virtual death.

Last time I checked, when i got punched, stabbed, shot, etc. Blood doesnt fill up my eyes.
The amount of games that uses this mechanic keeps rising. Atleast the Halo series has a shield gauge before the red screen.

Anyone else feel the same way? Or do you like the red screen effect?

It is there in place of the incredible pain you should be feeling when you get hit. I find that when I play games that don't have it, it is easier for me to die because I didn't realize how close to death I was.

 

[happysock]

Sure it's not realistic but i prefer it to a health bar

I happen to prefer the health bar. I'd rather exactly know how much health I have, rather than guessing. That's what annoyed me about COD:4

Fair enough everyone is entitled to their own opinion. It is handy to know exactly, but it's pretty obvious when the screen is painted red and all you can hear is a heartbeat and panting breath

 

[Socken]

Sure it's not realistic but i prefer it to a health bar

I happen to prefer the health bar. I'd rather exactly know how much health I have, rather than guessing. That's what annoyed me about COD:4

Ditto.