10 Small Details Video Games Still Can’t Get Right

2. NPC Reactions To Violence

Random NPCs in video games are more lifelike than they've ever been. In open world games you can follow anyone on the street and watch them go about their daily routine, while the background characters in story-driven titles are even more convincingly realistic.

Of course, this all falls apart as soon as you interact with them.

Though they work fine when they're left to their own scripted devices, once players start messing around with them or engage in the action, it all goes to pot. Killing someone in front of most NPCs is either treated with a shrug or sees them scampering to the nearest bit of cover... where they'll stay forever even if you walk right up to them.

GTA V had a great system where you could never guess how an NPC would react to your actions - for instance, attacking them might force them to flee or chase you down in retaliation - but most games have a set few responses that can be easily broken.