Summary
Over the decades, the way that developers implement combat inmelee-focused gameshas evolved. Years ago, combat was quite simple, with the player selecting a target and locking on, then queuing up attacks and abilities. As technology evolved, other forms of combat became possible, includingtwitch-style controls.
Many modern games that feature sword combat have now implemented twitch controls, which adds to the immersion of a title, but can be difficult to master. Difficulty aside, there have been some excellent games that have implemented sensible twitch swordplay. Yes, it can be much more difficult to get used to twitch melee combat compared toranged combat, but once mastered, wielding a sword in such a way is very gratifying.
The first entry on this list is entirely focused on twitch swordplay. In fact, it has been lauded as having the mostrealistic swordplaymechanics of any game by many players. The only reason that it does not feature higher on this list is that it is a bit of a one-trick pony, as most of the content revolves around dueling.
That being said, the content thatHellish Quartdoes have is extremely polished. Combat is based on actual fencing styles, and with the right hit, it can be possible to one-shot an opponent. Combat is fully physics-based, and takes a long time to become proficient at, and much longer to master.
For Honorincludes what the developers term the “Art of Battle” system. This system empowers the player to have very precise, twitch-based control over every block and attack during combat. The player can control many different types of warriors,including knightsin armor, and Viking berserkers.
Each character has a unique combat style, with specific strengths and weaknesses which the player will need to learn and master. To become proficient inFor Honor’scombat, the player is going to need good reflexes, great hand-eye coordination, and a lot of practice and patience.
Taking on the role of a katana-wielding assassin, players need skill and fast reactions during every sword fight in this game. The combat inKatana Zerocan be brutal at times, with a single mistimed attack or block resulting in defeat.
Slashes, dodges and deflections are all possible inKatana Zero, and if the player can set up their attacks correctly, a slash can instantly kill an enemy. Don’t let the fact that this is a 2D game imply that the swordplay is simple; it isn’t, and it is incredibly challenging at times.
Taking on the role of a cybernetically enhanced ninja, players ofMetal Gear Rising: Revengeanceare capable of literally dicing enemies into several pieces, using the free-cutting swordplay mechanics. This may sound brutal, but it is a lot of fun once mastered.
Swordplay follows a hack-and-slash format, although defensive techniques also have their uses in this game. Staying agile and moving around during combat is vital to dodging incoming attacks and exposing the vulnerabilities of enemies inMetal Gear Rising: Revengeanceas well. The resulting combat system is both great fun and hard to master.
Ghostrunnercombines twitch-based swordplay with parkour mechanics into a frantic, fast-paced combat system. Reactions are key in this game, and a skilled player will find that if they get the timing right, they can even dodge bullets.
Players need to be very accurate with their attacks, as nothing short of a direct, unblocked hit will take down an enemy. Similarly, a single hit is all it takes to bring the player down, forcing them to move quickly and strike with precision. An accurate sword attack that is not dodged or blocked can result in an instant kill in the right circumstances when playingGhostrunner. The game encourages players to try different tactics and find ways to succeed that are both effective and satisfying.
Several key combat mechanics setNioh 2apart from the competition when it comes to twitch-style swordplay. First of all, the player can switch between threecombat stances: heavy attacks, medium attacks, or quick attacks. Choosing the right stance at the right time is the real trick here.
Combat requires the player to parry and dodge attacks, and then respond with a riposte that can take advantage of enemies being out of position or other states of being vulnerable to damage. Decisions in combat need to be made quickly and with precision.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twicedeserves a place on this list, for featuring some of the most responsive and smooth swordplay of any game. Counterattacks, parries, and deflections are all possible during combat, with the player needing to execute the correct timing to pull each of these off effectively.
Every duel inSekiro: Shadows Die Twicerequires split-second reactions and absolute precision. The combat is brutal, unforgiving, and entirely based on the skill of the player. Expect to do badly at first, but practice really pays off in this game.
Taking top place on this list isDevil May Cry 5,a game that has incredibly intense swordplay. Not only does the player need to block and attack, but they also need to learn how to string togetherdevastating combos, which are key to defeating the toughest enemies, especially on higher difficulties.
Few games offer as deep of a melee combat system asDevil May Cry 5. Not only are good reflexes required, but the player has to think about their actions to decide on which combo to try, and the result is a fluid yet dynamic combat system that earns the game this top spot.
