Hellblade [II]

Unforunately, I found it so difficult - due to combat and other mechanics - that I couldn't finish the game, which was a shame since I loved the story and the atmosphere.

Yeah, I found that out later. The thing is, I have very little patience with having to repeat action sequences. The first indication that this game had some dislikable mechanics was the task of getting out of the fire. I succeeded in the third attempt, but each time I have to repeat an action sequence it saps my motivation. I recognize that situations exist - such as this one - where forcing you into a hurry is appropriate, but I rather prefer that the game gives me the means - and the time - to figure things out before I act and tweak the situation so that's plausible. That doubly applies to combat. I'll take a challenge if it concerns tactics, applying skills and equipment in non-obvious ways and thinkings things through. If it concerns speed and hand-eye coordination, I tend to avoid it, cheat after the second attempt or simply abandon it.

A nice counter-example is Prey, which I'm playing atm. I can't believe I passed this gem by, but I guess it sounded too action-y when it came out. You do have to do a lot of whacking stuff with a wrench, but most of the time there are situational ways to get rid of the more difficult enemies without having to engage them. In fact, often you can just avoid them altogether and still achieve your goal, and I only get rid of them so I don't have to be as careful when revisiting the area.

As for TW2, well, I did figure out how to fight the Kayran, but I had problems actually doing it.

In any case, maybe I'll revisit Hellblade, and I'll definitely check out the successor, but for now there are enough other games to play.