Unleash Epic Shield Combat: Top Games You Must Play!

Summary

Shields in games like Kingdom Hearts 358/2 can be used offensively, making gameplay more interesting and diverse.
Dead Cells offers players a variety of shields with powers attached, allowing for unique combat strategies.
The Shield of Chaos in Hades allows players to experiment with different aspects, changing how the shield behaves in combat.

In many role-playing games, you’ll often find a character setup reminiscent of a traditional RPG hero – one who is proficient in wielding both a sword and a shield for combat. For instance, the renowned character Link from “The Legend of Zelda” series embodies this classic design. In most of these games, players can attack enemies with Link’s sword and then use his shield to ward off or even counter incoming attacks.

As a devoted Zelda fan, I’ve always found the gameplay loop intriguing. However, it truly shines when shields are not just defensive tools but also offensive weapons. Some characters even use their shields as weapons, which adds an exciting twist to the series. So, who wields the most badass shields and does the gameplay live up to the hype in these titles? Let’s rank them based on how cool it is to swing those shields!

This way of phrasing maintains the original meaning while making it more personal and engaging. It also uses a more conversational tone, which should make it easier for readers to understand and connect with.

8. Kingdom Hearts 358/2

Two Heroes For Multiplayer

358/2 Days was a spin-off game for the Nintendo DS that centered around Organization 13’s activities prior to Kingdom Hearts 2. The single-player campaign primarily followed Roxas, but it also offered a multiplayer mode where up to four players could embark on missions together.

As a gamer, I found that both Vexen, the icy-power-wielding scientist, and Goofy, the valiant hero with a shield, were playable characters in the game. However, it took quite a bit of grit to unlock Goofy, making Vexen my go-to pick due to his unique ice-controlling abilities and handy shield for bashing foes.

7. Dead Cells

Bash And Deflect

In the game Dead Cells, one standout feature is its vast selection of weapons within a roguelike setting. The protagonist, resembling an amoeba, can carry a variety of shields, each with unique abilities. Instead of brute-forcing through combat, players have the option to skillfully dodge attacks by using their shields effectively – this is the optimal strategy in the game.

Players can create an effective defensive strategy, utilizing shields predominantly, in the game Dead Cells, even though other weapon options might be superior. If desired, this approach can allow them to subdue their opponents effectively.

6. Full Metal Furies

Triss The Shield Maiden

Cellar Door Games, who are also known for creating Rogue Legacy, developed the game titled Full Metal Furies. Unlike their previous work which was a roguelike, this one is a brawler with role-playing game (RPG) elements. The players can select from four different heroines, each equipped with unique weapons and abilities.>

Triss was our defensive powerhouse and commander within the group, with a colossal shield as her primary weapon. She could learn new strategies and adapt her shield, making her even more formidable. Essentially, she would pummel enemies with her shield while ensuring the safety of her fellow women who were equally cunning.

5. Doom: The Dark Ages

Let ‘Er Rip

As a gamer, I’ve just gotten my hands on the newest addition to the Doom series: “Doom: The Dark Ages”. This game is packed with exciting features, but the standout for me has got to be the new killer shield! It’s like wielding a chainsaw – pull a cord and watch as the Doom Slayer’s shield tears through anything in its path. Awesome stuff!

Users can utilize this tool for both blocking and redirecting assaults, or they can hurl its whirring blades at foes, sticking in them until retrieved. It serves as an effective weapon for dealing persistent harm to enemies, and its design aligns seamlessly with the heavy metal-inspired cosmos.

4. Disney Infinity 2.0

On Your Left

Despite appearing as a child-oriented action platformer, Disney Infinity 2.0 offers intricate gameplay mechanics. This follow-up features a Marvel theme, introducing numerous characters, both heroes and villains, for players to engage with – however, these characters are accessible only if the corresponding toy figures are available.

In simple terms, Captain America became a playable character and quickly stood out as one of the top options due to his unique shield. The players had an opportunity to discover fresh abilities for him, which ranged from making his shield rebound in various ways to generating sonic blasts at impact points within an expansive skill tree.

3. Hades

The Shield Of Chaos

In contrast to Dead Cells, Hades boasts fewer available weapons, yet its Shield of Chaos offers an exhilarating gaming experience. When players select a weapon, they’re initially provided with the base statistics; however, upon further progress, they can alter their Aspects, resulting in modifications to what gets amplified and how these weapons function.

Players can attack enemies using their Shield of Chaos in a straightforward manner. However, certain abilities allow them to hurl the shield like Captain America or spin it around the battlefield like a deadly top, adding an exciting element to the gameplay. It’s enjoyable for players to try out all aspects of the game to determine which style suits their playstyle most effectively.

2. Monster Hunter Wilds

The Power Of Charge Blades

In Monster Hunter Wilds, there’s an assortment of weapon choices for players, such as the familiar Sword and Shield. However, one unique sword-and-shield combo is called the Charge Blade, which boasts an intriguing twist. During regular attacks, players alternate between sword slashes and shield blocks, but at its best, the shield can be infused into the sword, transforming it into a whirling saw blade.

In the world of Monster Hunter: World, I’ve come across an unusual take on the shield – the Charge Blade. Though it doesn’t function traditionally as a protective barrier, it certainly lives up to its name when it comes to sheer enjoyment. It’s got a sneaky trick up its sleeve that might be considered a bit of a cheat, but for those in the know, the Charge Blade is nothing short of exhilarating!

1. Rygar: The Legendary Adventure

Yo-Yo, It’s A Reboot

Developer: Tecmo
Publisher: Tecmo
Released: November 24, 2002 (PS2 Version)
Platforms: PS2, Wii

Many of these records mention games from the last ten years or so, but shields have been utilized as weapons all the way back to the NES era. One such game is “Rygar” from 1987, which was an adaptation of an arcade game by the same name. The protagonist, Rygar, wielded a unique shield known as the Diskarmor, which had saw blades embedded within it. This shield wasn’t just a regular shield; it was connected to a chain, resembling more of a yo-yo in its functionality.

In the years that followed, the game was resurrected on the PlayStation 2 under the title Rygar: The Legendary Adventure, transforming into a more action-oriented game reminiscent of God of War. This was before the latter series had even been introduced. Despite its flaws, few can argue against the enjoyment derived from wielding the Diskarmor, available in several forms and capable of summoning magic. The Diskarmor stands out as the most impressive shield weapon to date, and it’s a shame that this series has fallen into a prolonged silence.

2025-05-25 16:15