Explain Why A Video Game Mechanic Actually Works

Something about the parry timing in one game or the loot drops in another keeps you hooked and you cannot quite say why. This explains the actual design principle underneath it in plain language, with one comparison to a similar mechanic elsewhere, so you see the pattern rather than just the one game.

I want to properly understand why a specific game mechanic feels good to play, beyond just it's fun. I will name the game and the mechanic. Explain what design principles are behind it, such as feedback loops, risk and reward pacing, or player agency, using plain language rather than academic game design jargon. Give one clear comparison to a mechanic in a different game that works on a similar principle, so I can see the pattern rather than just this one example. Keep the whole explanation under 250 words. Here is the mechanic: [name the game and describe the specific mechanic, such as the parry timing in Sekiro].