History Main / PressXToNotDie

* Tryndamere in League of Legends is a very literal example, because his ultimate ability literally just makes it so he can't die for a few seconds.

* ''MarioParty 3'' had a mild version of this: Losing the Action Time microgame would just put you at a predetermined space.

*** Actually, that one is a reversal; nothing bad happens if you ''don't'' press O. Kratos realizes he's in a lose-lose situation either way, so he gets [[ISurrenderSuckers creative.]]

** Fans of the original ''Tomb Raider'' were ''not'' [[AntiClimaxBoss pleased that every BOSS]] in ''Anniversary'' was turned into a QTE.
*** Actually, ''Anniversary'''s bosses use a varying mix of combat and QTE. Only a couple are QTE-only.

** In ''Underworld'' they finally got the hint and stopped using them.
*** But ''Underworld'' does have an action required (while falling) during what looks like a cutscene to not die, so this trope is still in effect.

* [[strike:A ''lot'']] The grand majority of ''WarioWare'' microgames consist in essence of a single [=QTE=].

* In ''TheForceUnleashed'', you'd think that after draining the bosses health to zero, you're done, right? Wrong. You still have to go through a QuickTimeEvent while watching the now scripted duel take place. Messing up results in taking damage and starting the whole sequence all over.
** Um, no. You can straight-out kill the bosses. The "interactive cinematic" kicks in at 10-25% and allows for a takedown without more pointless dodging, slashing, and Force-using.
*** No, quicktime-events are part of normal bosses like Jedi, and Shadow Guards and can´t be averted. AT-STs, Rancors and a few other creatures are able to be taken down without, but you are then not able to use your lightsaber because "Press X and start the event". It still is better to use the event for the ultimate mooks because they take less time than force lightning and you have them burned into your head anyway after the fourth of the
*** Actually, the cloud city boss DOES insta-kill you if you mess up the sequence, so it is technically the trope (even if it's your own damn fault for starting the event).
* Somewhat more justified in ''TheForceUnleashedII'' where it tends to be critical albeit scripted points that go above and beyond the realms of ''normal'' in game use of the force. [[spoiler:Like ripping a multi-ton blaster turret from it's moorings.]]

* ''MassEffect 2'' has an interesting system of this where the X that you need to press causes Shepard to perform actions that affect his/her [[KarmaMeter karma]]. They are not necessary to press. They are also up on the screen longer to allow more thought to be put into it.
** Not that it matters for most gamers. They're so conditioned that they'll hammer it the instant it comes up.
*** They must be poor role-players, then.

*** Same in 3, pressing R1 on opportune moments switched to Snake's POV, which could then be moved around. This was used a few times to help advance gameplay ([[spoiler: The Sorrow gives you the opening code for the cell during the torture scene R1 section]]) but it's best reserved to admiring [[AbsoluteCleavage EVA's]] [[MostCommonSuperpower physique]] as the default viewpoint in her introduction.

* The TouhouProject has a literal incarnation of this. The bomb key (which is X by default and usually never changed), if pressed RIGHT after a bullet hits you only consumes a bomb and saves you from dying.

** ''Two Thrones'' had this as well, similar to ''GodOfWar''. IIRC, it's called "speed/stealth kills," and mercifully, you only need to hit the primary attack button. Notably, at least two boss battles could ''only'' be won this way; One [[ColossusClimb on account of being big as]] [[PrecisionFStrike fuck,]] another [[ThatOneBoss on account of being difficult as]] [[PrecisionFStrike fuck.]]

[[quoteright:350:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/QTE_ResidentEvil_8113.jpg]]

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* Happens once (and only once) in ''[=~Mirror's Edge~=]''. Also, every frontal disarm (it's practically impossible to get a sneak disarm, anyway) is a QTE.

* TelltaleGames' ''Jurassic Park'' is built around this trope.

Also known as a quick time event, [[GrammarNazi and yes, we know the title is a split infinitive.]]

While YourMileageMayVary on whether they add a feeling of tension that adds to the gameplay or they just interrupt the gameplay at inappropriate times just to look cool and nothing else, thanks to overuse and misuse this may become a DiscreditedTrope (although it's probably already an UndeadHorseTrope). Contrast PressXToDie. Compare CoupDeGraceCutscene, where no input is needed. SmashingSurvival is a mix between this and ButtonMashing.

Thanks to overuse, misuse, and [[ScrappyMechanic generally being disliked]] [[PetPeeveTrope by most players]], this may become a DiscreditedTrope (although it's probably already an UndeadHorseTrope). Contrast PressXToDie. Compare CoupDeGraceCutscene, where no input is needed. SmashingSurvival is a mix between this and ButtonMashing.

* Tryndamere in League of Legends is a very literal example, because his ultimate ability literally just makes it so he can't die for a few seconds.

Thanks to overuse, misuse, and [[PetPeeveTrope generally being disliked by most players]], this may become a DiscreditedTrope (although it's probably already an UndeadHorseTrope). Contrast PressXToDie. Compare CoupDeGraceCutscene, where no input is needed. SmashingSurvival is a mix between this and ButtonMashing.

* Happens once (and only once) in ''[=~Mirror's Edge~=]''.

Named for a RunningGag (or running pet peeve) in ''ZeroPunctuation''.