Everybody needs a break sometime, and gamers are no exception. After hours of battling through wave after wave of combatants, frantically button-mashing in a desperate bid to stay alive, any sign of respite however brief is a welcome change of pace. These moments of calm are vital not only in how effectively they break up the gameplay; they're often essential in terms of their narrative and thematic importance within the game. The juxtaposition that takes place as a game shifts from a frenetic tempo to a significantly calmer one highlights those beautiful moments of serenity that should feel out of place in a high-octane game. They allow developers a few scarce moments to transcend the limitations of gameplay and do something truly extraordinary with their game. It's why these moments often linger in our collective consciousness for far longer than the action sequences they're meaningful, unique and frequently necessary. These peaceful moments are used for everything from exposition to constructing atmosphere. Similarly, while some of these breaks can make up a significant chunk of gameplay, others can arrive in the form of a mere fleeting glimpse. These moments elevate their games, allowing elements of poignancy and emotion to permeate otherwise straightforward and bland titles. Caution: there are numerous spoilers ahead. Read at your own peril.
