| abstract
| - In video games, the difference in power between different characters can usually be accurately gauged by comparing their physical and skill statistics and the qualities of their equipment. Even so, antagonists will usually be unable to size up the protagonists and determine that the latter are at a massive advantage. Even though there is nothing compelling them to attack, they will usually express their belief in their own superiority, attack and promptly get slaughtered. Sometimes a result of non-linear gameplay; a group of enemies that would be a good match for you when you're low level, are missing half your party and can't use magic without being arrested, for example, has exactly the same scripted response as when you're able to beat up demigods for sport. Other times, there's simply no explaining why the enemy mooks just don't flee before the One-Man Army, the character who's on a New Game+, or the epic-level character party. Some games do try to avert this by having lower level enemies run away after a round or two. This may be justified in a story if the protagonist doesn't seem formidable because they are Weak but Skilled or are a Pint-Sized Powerhouse in a setting where Muscles Are Meaningless. May be due to Spiteful AI. See also Leeroy Jenkins and Artificial Stupidity. Examples of Suicidal Overconfidence include:
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