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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdVkEOzdCPw
Using a small stop effect when the player gets hit or dies, can make a huge impact of the game. Without it, players be confused about how they got hurt or killed. The stop can range from a simple pause, to a fancier player death effect. Layering on a screen shake and slow-motion after death, can make the effect even more obvious and dramatic.