10 Times Video Games Used Reverse Psychology (And It Totally Worked)
4. "Do Not Pursue Lu Bu!" - Dynasty Warriors
Dynasty Warriors 3 birthed a franchise meme which still endures to this day. During the level "Battle at Hu Lao Gate," players will encounter the ultra-fierce enemy Lu Bu, who effortlessly mows down a pack of soldiers after which the player is warned, "Do not pursue Lu Bu!"
The implication, of course, is that Lu Bu is a basically impossible-to-beat optional boss who will destroy you in seconds, though dissuading players from taking him on ultimately only helped build a mythic, memetic allure around the character.
As such, taking him on and even beating him has become a major badge of honour for players throughout the series.
In most subsequent games, "Do not pursue Lu Bu!" appears on-screen when he shows up, which while seeming to discourage players was really just inviting the hardiest Dynasty Warriors fans to thrown down and fight him.
Hell, Dynasty Warriors 7 even gives you an achievement, hilariously entitled "OK, you can pursue Lu Bu," for beating him for the first time.