The Sea Wasp (Ryk E. Spoor)

A player's mental abilities aren't necessarily challenged in most RPGs. A player has the option of copying another's builds and strategies thus eliminating the player's mental abilities from the progress equation. On the other hand, action games often require good perception and situational awareness as well as quick and steady reflexes. These things can't be copied from a guide. So it still boils down to the character's abilities vs. the player's abilities.