Games That Have Sluggish Combat On Purpose

Key Takeaways

Sluggish combat in games like Lords of the Fallen adds realism and challenge to gameplay.
Titles like Wildermyth and Monster Hunter World focus on slower, strategic combat mechanics.
Games such as For Honor and Kingdom Come: Deliverance offer slow combat based on real-life weapon physics.

As a veteran gamer who’s spent countless hours wielding swords and shields, I can confidently say that these games have some of the most authentic combat systems I’ve ever encountered. It’s like stepping into a medieval battlefield or a martial arts dojo, feeling every swing, parry, and block with an intensity that’s hard to find in other games.

Over the past few years, technological advancements and increased accessibility have made gaming faster and more competitive. But surprisingly, certain games intentionally slow down their gameplay, offering deliberate slowness in combat for a more authentic feel.

Over time, slower-tempo games have gained significant popularity, particularly those resembling Soulslike series which are growing in appeal among gamers. Many titles featuring deliberate combat have invested effort into crafting intricate, realistic combat systems that provide a challenging gaming experience, even with their slow pace, and demand high skill levels. Here’s an overview of eight games intentionally designed for sluggish combat.

8 Lords Of The Fallen

A Dark Fantasy RPG With Carefully Designed Steady Combat

Games That Have Sluggish Combat On Purpose

In simpler terms, “Lords of the Fallen” is an action role-playing game with a dark, gothic setting. You’ll assume the role of a Dark Crusader, embarking on a quest to vanquish Adyr, the malevolent deity of disorder. Similar to other games in this genre, combat in “Lords of the Fallen” emphasizes precise timing, strategic thinking, and mastery of skills.

As a devoted gamer, I’ve found myself fully immersed in the world of “Lords of the Fallen”. What sets this game apart is its methodical combat style that mirrors real-world dynamics, making each encounter feel intense and impactful. To conquer the formidable multi-phase boss battles, much like in Soulslike games, I’ve had to master techniques, perfect my positioning, anticipate patterns, and time my moves with precision. It’s an exhilarating challenge!

7 Wildermyth

A Charming Storytelling Game, With Steady Turn-Based Gameplay

Wildermyth is a turn-based game that’s based on folklore, myths, and fables, set in a fantastical world. Players assume command of ordinary villagers who embark on an epic adventure. One unique feature of Wildermyth is its storybook aesthetic, which gives the game a delightful ambiance.

In the case of “Wildermyth,” being a turn-based game, its combat tends to be slower paced compared to many other games. However, this doesn’t diminish the game’s enjoyment in any way. Instead, players need to strategically employ movement, seek cover when necessary, and utilize special abilities to outmaneuver and overcome their adversaries.

6 Monster Hunter World

The Monster Hunting Game With Sluggish Combat Due To Massive Weapons

In the world of Monster Hunter, it’s Monster Hunter World that has emerged as the highest-selling title within the franchise. This game invites players to step into a fresh, uncharted land in the Monster Hunter universe, where they join the Fifth Fleet and engage in relentless combat against a myriad of monsters and creatures.

As a passionate enthusiast, I’m thrilled by the diverse arsenal of weaponry at my disposal, ranging from nimble daggers to colossal Great Swords. Given the sheer size of these weapons, it’s no surprise that the gameplay is deliberately paced, with players skillfully dodging attacks from towering monsters in an epic dance of survival.

5 Dark Souls 2

The Second Installment of The Dark Souls Franchise, With The Slowest Combat

In the realm of Drangleic, gamers assume the role of the Bearer of the Affliction, a reanimated being who’s tasked with gathering potent spirits to alleviate their dark fate.

Similar to other games in the Dark Souls series, Dark Souls 2 features combat that is deliberately paced, emphasizing precise movements, positioning, and timing for a competitive gaming experience. Compared to other Souls games, the combat in Dark Souls 2 is slightly slower.

4 Remember Me

A Memory Manipulating Adventure With Arkham-Like Combat But Slower

As a devotee of gaming, let me share my take on “Remember Me”: This action-adventure masterpiece takes place in a futuristic Paris, 2084, where I, as the player, step into the shoes of Nilin – a former memory hunter with a mission to reclaim her own memories that have been wiped out. The game’s combat style is reminiscent of the Arkham series, yet it offers a slightly more deliberate pace.

In this game, the fight sequences are remarkably intriguing, offering players an opportunity to design and store their unique combinations of moves using a feature known as the Combo Lab. This innovative element significantly enhances the fun factor of the game, even though its combat can be somewhat slower. It’d be captivating to witness similar mechanics incorporated in other games.

3 Exanima

A Physics-Based Dungeon Crawler With An Emphasis On Realism

In simpler terms, “Exanima” is a captivating role-playing game centered around dungeon exploration. Players delve into crypts, encounter spectral beings, avoid hidden perils, and unravel shadowy mysteries. The unique selling point of “Exanima” lies in its Physics-Based combat system. Unlike many other games, “Exanima” incorporates a built-in physics engine, using actual scientific principles to govern the game’s mechanics.

In Exanima, the game’s physics model lends an authentic feel to the gaming experience by factoring in aspects such as weapon weight, character mass, and momentum during gameplay. Consequently, the action can sometimes appear slow and heavy-going, particularly in intense combat scenarios involving a heavily armored character, a fully loaded inventory, and a hefty weapon. Moreover, this physics model is extensively utilized in the character’s ragdoll mechanics, enhancing the realism of death animations and battle movements to an extreme degree.

2 For Honor

Intense, Realistic Melee Combat That Might Come Across A Sluggish

In this game called “For Honor“, players engage in combat while representing warriors hailing from diverse cultures scattered across the globe. The options include knights from Ashfeld, Vikings of Valkenheim, samurai of the Myre, and Wu Lin from the Marching Fire. Each group boasts distinct cultural heritage, weaponry, armor designs, and fighting techniques.

In the game For Honor, the fighting mechanism is deeply rooted in realism using the Art of Battle system. This system emphasizes precision in timing, strategic positioning, anticipating opponents’ actions, and quick responses. The goal is to simulate authentic hand-to-hand combat experiences, incorporating elements such as stamina management, feints, guards, and, not forgetting, blocks and assaults.

1 Kingdom Come: Deliverance

Realistic Medieval RPG With Sluggish Combat Based On Real-Life

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but appreciate how Kingdom Come: Deliverance paves the way for authenticity in its combat system, drawing parallels with the immersive combat mechanics found in For Honor. This game’s realistic combat system masterfully replicates the heft, pace, and challenge of medieval weaponry, offering a breath of fresh air against the backdrop of hack-and-slash titles.

Every type of weapon boasts unique strengths and limitations, as well as varying weights and speeds, resulting in a battle system that feels authentic yet can occasionally seem somewhat cumbersome. The factors of armor and endurance significantly impact this combat system. When players are burdened excessively by weight or are running low on energy, the pace of combat slows down considerably compared to real-life situations.

2024-11-10 00:24