Lock On

Lock On is a game mechanic that allows the player to automatically center the character's aim on a target, which can be done with a toggle/press of a button or passively active in certain situations.

Games featuring this tend to make circle-strafing around your foes easy, but some cases exist where you are locked on the spot while using the mechanic like Mega Man Legends.

Some games like Bayonetta use a passive lock-on mechanic which automatically guides attacks towards potential targets but also have a dedicated active lock-on input.

Many of these games allow the player to turn of the lock off at will or switch targets to change the perspective or change movement & attack options.