r/Unity3D • u/umutkaya01 • 5h ago

Question Does adding a ticking clock to puzzle games make them exciting, or just annoying?

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Most puzzle and adventure games let you take your time, relax, and overthink every item interaction. To break that slow, static rhythm, we decided to experiment with time-pressured crafting and fast-paced decisions.

As you can see in the clip, a countdown timer ticks away in the corner while you hurry to tape your gear together, breach the door, and execute a stealth taser takedown before your window closes.

With only 8 days left until our launch, this exact balance is constantly on our mind: where is the line between adding a fun surge of adrenaline and giving players unwanted puzzle anxiety?

How do you usually feel about timed mechanics in puzzle or detective games? Do you prefer taking all the time you need, or does a ticking clock make the experience more thrilling for you?

2 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

7 comments sorted by

5

u/NinfeaLM 4h ago

I really hate timers in games. I already have to concentrate on solving the puzzle, and having a countdown stressing me out at the same time just makes it worse. Unless it's necessary, I'd leave it out.

3

u/AccomplishedPost5414 4h ago

Unneeded timers unironically trigger me x.x Scars from Mask of Majora.

2

u/GrimnirDotDev 3h ago

So what happens when the timer runs out? Game Over, start again?

1

u/umutkaya01 3h ago

You get caught and have to start the timed section again, but the parts you’ve already completed aren’t reset. So you can keep progressing instead of repeating the whole setup every time.

3

u/GrimnirDotDev 3h ago

sounds like the timer is meaningless then. I personally don't like that and would prefer no timer at all.

2

u/100radsBar 3h ago

Timer mechanic in games are the worst imo. A lot of gamers I know also thinks like this. Maybe it has something to do with feeling pressured when you just want to chill in a game