Possibly, but then maybe that’s the point. It’s an uncomfortable feeling when your instincts are at odds with those of the character you’re playing. And it’s a reminder that while videogames are defined by interactivity, they can say something profound when they take that control out of our hands.
In If Found (p100), a single, simple mechanic lets you explore the diaries of protagonist Kasio, as you use your mouse or finger to erase entries, and by extension her memories. The very first time that ability is noticeably taken away comes during an argument with her mother, and it’s breathtaking.