Stagger Mechanics could be Better

Stagger mechanics have a lot to offer videogames.

What is a stagger mechanic? Well let me clear something up. I don’t necessarily mean a well timed parry or an attack that renders your enemy open briefly. (though those can be involved) When I say stagger mechanic I’m talking about systems that revolve around some sort of bar or number that when depleted opens your foe up to heavy amounts of damage such that you actually might prioritize depleting that before just going straight for their health bar.

Today I'll be going over how games like Octopath Traveler have made very fun dynamics out of systems like this.