"Local finds out they're playing a video game, results are shocking"

Like, seriously? Pattern memorisation has been a part of games since... pretty much ever? Like when you're playing Mega Man 2 do you complain because you need to dodge Air Man's attacks and only way to do that is to know what they do beforehand?
If you want a battle with no mechanics there's always Stone Sky Sea, that might be more up your alley.