A friend recently lent me the Deadpool game, I'm enjoying the melee combat, but the reviews I read say the combat is simplistic. So anyway I was wondering which games have more sophisticated combat, that a newcomer to the genre can enjoy.
Good Beat em up/Hack and Slash games for a newcomer to the genre.
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For the best combat in the hack and slash genre you can try the Devil May Cry games, or Bayonetta. Just stay away from the new DMC, which was made by a different studio and has much less polished combat.
Devil May Cry 4 is pretty easy for newcomers to get into. The story is pretty dumb, and the game is very lazily designed (the last half of the game is just the reverse of the first half with some slightly altered paths), but the combat is top notch, and is good at teaching beginners how to play the game. You start out controlling a character named Nero, who has a single fighting style and a limited number of weapons. Once you get to the halfway point you begin controlling Dante (the real protagonist of the series) who has 5 different fighting styles which you can switch between, and a much greater variety of weapons, increasing both the challenge and depth of the combat.
After playing Devil May Cry 4, if you decide that you enjoyed the combat you should either pick up Devil May Cry 3 (which is the best game in the Devil May Cry series), or Bayonetta (which was made by the creator of Devil May Cry).
And yes, the combat in Deadpool is REALLY simplistic in comparison to the games I mentioned.
Devil May Cry 4 is pretty easy for newcomers to get into. The story is pretty dumb, and the game is very lazily designed (the last half of the game is just the reverse of the first half with some slightly altered paths), but the combat is top notch, and is good at teaching beginners how to play the game. You start out controlling a character named Nero, who has a single fighting style and a limited number of weapons. Once you get to the halfway point you begin controlling Dante (the real protagonist of the series) who has 5 different fighting styles which you can switch between, and a much greater variety of weapons, increasing both the challenge and depth of the combat.
After playing Devil May Cry 4, if you decide that you enjoyed the combat you should either pick up Devil May Cry 3 (which is the best game in the Devil May Cry series), or Bayonetta (which was made by the creator of Devil May Cry).
And yes, the combat in Deadpool is REALLY simplistic in comparison to the games I mentioned.
God of War and Devil May Cry series are very good. Haven't played DMC or the latest God of Wars, but the original games are all pretty good.
Bayonetta, God of War, Devil May Cry (not the latest one), Metal Gear Rising and Castlevania Lords of Shadow are all good choices.
The Batman games have really fun and pretty simple melee combat mechanics. Arkham City opened up the melee a lot by allowing for use of equipment in melee.
The first God of War is a very simple hack and slash, and the story goes to shit afterwards. Plus, they nerfed juggling in the sequels and that was half the fun of the first game.
Castlevania is similar to God of War but its combat system is a bit more advanced.
Heavenly Sword has a pretty unique and solid combat system in place, a definite upgrade over something like God of War. I really liked the story as well.
Bayonetta is my favorite game this gen. It has a pretty advanced combat system but it does have some things in place to really help newer players like Witch Time; if you dodge at the right time, you can pretty much then unload on the enemy. What I love about Bayonetta is that the game actually weens you off depending on Witch Time as you move up difficulties as there's just a few enemies immune to Witch Time on Normal, a lot of them are immune on Hard, and you can't use Witch Time on the hardest difficulty (Non-stop Infinite Climax lol). There's an awesome dodge offset mechanic that allows you to continue your combo after dodging, it feels awkward at first because I think it's the first game to have a mechanic like that. I was actually pretty new to hack and slashers when I played Bayonetta as I never played something like a DMC before playing Bayonetta.
The first God of War is a very simple hack and slash, and the story goes to shit afterwards. Plus, they nerfed juggling in the sequels and that was half the fun of the first game.
Castlevania is similar to God of War but its combat system is a bit more advanced.
Heavenly Sword has a pretty unique and solid combat system in place, a definite upgrade over something like God of War. I really liked the story as well.
Bayonetta is my favorite game this gen. It has a pretty advanced combat system but it does have some things in place to really help newer players like Witch Time; if you dodge at the right time, you can pretty much then unload on the enemy. What I love about Bayonetta is that the game actually weens you off depending on Witch Time as you move up difficulties as there's just a few enemies immune to Witch Time on Normal, a lot of them are immune on Hard, and you can't use Witch Time on the hardest difficulty (Non-stop Infinite Climax lol). There's an awesome dodge offset mechanic that allows you to continue your combo after dodging, it feels awkward at first because I think it's the first game to have a mechanic like that. I was actually pretty new to hack and slashers when I played Bayonetta as I never played something like a DMC before playing Bayonetta.
I'll definitely have a look at the DMC games, I've played the PSP game for God of War which I also liked so I'll take a look at them. I'll see some Bayonetta gameplay too.
So why is the combat in the latest DMC bad?
So why is the combat in the latest DMC bad?
Sengoku Basara: Samurai Heroes is a fun hack and slash game that's very easy to learn. It isn't very challenging compared to some others but it's a good introduction to the genre. The gameplay is more like Dynasty Warriors (which is another fun, but very simple and easy hack and slash series) than DMC or Bayonetta but it will give you a wider view on the genre.
Also, once you've played a few and if you start liking them then you definitely need to play God Hand at one point. That game is very challenging yet highly rewarding and a ton of fun to play, with a multitude of combos and play styles that can be fully edited to suit you.
Also, once you've played a few and if you start liking them then you definitely need to play God Hand at one point. That game is very challenging yet highly rewarding and a ton of fun to play, with a multitude of combos and play styles that can be fully edited to suit you.
I'm going to agree with DMC and Bayo, and add Metal Gear Rising. If you think the games are too difficult, all of them have an easy mode which is newcomer friendly. As Dirty Hipsters already covered DMC4 is a great starting spot since Nero is simple to learn, and yet prepares you for more complexities like Dante.
>30fps (DMC3 and DMC4 ran at 60)
>No lock on
>no taunt
>two evade buttons
>Heavy/light combat system
>Stinger is now forward+forward+combo button
>grapple + heavy attack will instakill most mooks (or send them flying; grapple will bring them right back)
>heavy attacks ramp up style gauge because it works off damage (more damage you do, higher your rank rises)
>style ranking does not depreciate unless you get hit
>dedicated launcher button (devil mode + special button = high time)
>First boss has only 4 attacks (Right/left swipe, spit, scream)
>parrying a swipe enters a mini-cutscene where Donte stuns the boss and you can wail on it
>parrying is done by pressing the attack button at the right time so you can auto-parry while mashing
>Stinger/Streak auto-parries if you send it into an oncoming attack
>parry window is 1 second
>Devil Trigger causes an explosion which knocks normal enemies up into the air
>it causes bullet time
>it also regenerates your health
>the long you stay in the air using the floaty air combat, the slower the DT bar drains
>you can stay in the air indefinitely as long as you have an enemy to wail on
I still have this saved:Ronald Nand said:
>30fps (DMC3 and DMC4 ran at 60)
>No lock on
>no taunt
>two evade buttons
>Heavy/light combat system
>Stinger is now forward+forward+combo button
>grapple + heavy attack will instakill most mooks (or send them flying; grapple will bring them right back)
>heavy attacks ramp up style gauge because it works off damage (more damage you do, higher your rank rises)
>style ranking does not depreciate unless you get hit
>dedicated launcher button (devil mode + special button = high time)
>First boss has only 4 attacks (Right/left swipe, spit, scream)
>parrying a swipe enters a mini-cutscene where Donte stuns the boss and you can wail on it
>parrying is done by pressing the attack button at the right time so you can auto-parry while mashing
>Stinger/Streak auto-parries if you send it into an oncoming attack
>parry window is 1 second
>Devil Trigger causes an explosion which knocks normal enemies up into the air
>it causes bullet time
>it also regenerates your health
>the long you stay in the air using the floaty air combat, the slower the DT bar drains
>you can stay in the air indefinitely as long as you have an enemy to wail on
I found the combat to be too slow and rather boring and the battles are always small and lack variety. Boss battles are crappy as well.Ronald Nand said:
Bayonetta is the best choice. It has an amazingly fast and fluid yet fairly simple combat system but it also gets really advanced and technical. Also the battles are crazy intense.
Darksiders is one of my favourites. A lot of people don't like it due to it's similarities to other games (God of War and Soul Reaver, mostly) but I think although it's definitely inspired by them it uses that as a stepping block to do it's own awesome things. The combat is about on par with God of War, although for bonus points it lets you control your own camera.
The plot is steeped in Christianity, though the best way I can think to describe it is if you read the last book of the bible while very drunk then tried to explain it to someone the next day. It's mostly an excuse to smash in the teeth of angels and demons. Also Mark Hamill is in it. Darksiders II is pretty good, but went down a very different path in terms of story, progression and inspiration.
The plot is steeped in Christianity, though the best way I can think to describe it is if you read the last book of the bible while very drunk then tried to explain it to someone the next day. It's mostly an excuse to smash in the teeth of angels and demons. Also Mark Hamill is in it. Darksiders II is pretty good, but went down a very different path in terms of story, progression and inspiration.
Devil May Cry, either new one or the the old. They were mine as others introduction into the genera a provide some outstanding examples of what make hack and slash fun.
Others:
Destiny warriors
God Of War
Batman Arkem Series (if you want hand to hand combat)
Word of advice, a few of these games do have bad story's (im looking at you Devil May Cry 4) but the combat is the main focus of these games so just sit and plow your self through waves of enemies
Others:
Destiny warriors
God Of War
Batman Arkem Series (if you want hand to hand combat)
Word of advice, a few of these games do have bad story's (im looking at you Devil May Cry 4) but the combat is the main focus of these games so just sit and plow your self through waves of enemies
God of War is an outstanding series, there's not a bad game in there, they're all similar but they sure as hell are cathartic and enjoyable hack n slash games with an extremely high level of polish.
Devil May Cry 3 is mandatory play for the genre.
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow is a really good example of the genre if a poor Castlevania.
People like Bayonetta, I do not.
Dante's Inferno is decent and can be had for cheap nowadays, I had fun with it but it's often scorned.
Dynasty Warriors if you just wanna stab dudes.
One Piece: Pirate Warriros is a cool dynasty warriors thing with One Piece, if you like One Piece it comes highly recommended, if not, it comes recommended anyway because it's a good brawler/slasher. Though the fact it misses key story arcs (Syrup Village, Thriller Bark, etc) is irritating to say the least.
The new DmC, the reboot, is a good game despite what you'll be told, but it is a touch shallower than DMC3 was, with less extremely high level trickery to be had and no manual lock-on. It is however fast paced and visceral with easily mixed up combat and a high fun-factor. Though the style system is a tad messed up and series veterans (people like me who can breeze through DMC3 on higher difficulties because muscle memory) find it easy.
If you wanna see the roots of this genre of games I highly recommend finding copies of the Streets of Rage and Golden Axe games for megadrive/genesis, if you can't dw they're all on steam or on the mega drive ultimate collection for PS3/360. Get a buddy and have some fun with those.
Devil May Cry 3 is mandatory play for the genre.
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow is a really good example of the genre if a poor Castlevania.
People like Bayonetta, I do not.
Dante's Inferno is decent and can be had for cheap nowadays, I had fun with it but it's often scorned.
Dynasty Warriors if you just wanna stab dudes.
One Piece: Pirate Warriros is a cool dynasty warriors thing with One Piece, if you like One Piece it comes highly recommended, if not, it comes recommended anyway because it's a good brawler/slasher. Though the fact it misses key story arcs (Syrup Village, Thriller Bark, etc) is irritating to say the least.
The new DmC, the reboot, is a good game despite what you'll be told, but it is a touch shallower than DMC3 was, with less extremely high level trickery to be had and no manual lock-on. It is however fast paced and visceral with easily mixed up combat and a high fun-factor. Though the style system is a tad messed up and series veterans (people like me who can breeze through DMC3 on higher difficulties because muscle memory) find it easy.
If you wanna see the roots of this genre of games I highly recommend finding copies of the Streets of Rage and Golden Axe games for megadrive/genesis, if you can't dw they're all on steam or on the mega drive ultimate collection for PS3/360. Get a buddy and have some fun with those.
Is the PS3 versions of HD Collections for God of War and DMC run well technically. Also I read the PS3 versions of Bayonetta has technical issues, has this been fixed.
Actually, I consider the latest DMC to be the best entry to the Hack and Slash genre. It's a bit easier than the earlier titles, but therefore very rewarding for beginners.Ronald Nand said:
The level design is incredibly beautiful and smart. The plot and writing is not to everyone's liking, but overall it's a quite good game despite the backlash. I'm pretty sure you can download the demo and check out the combat system yourself.
Another vote for Devil May Cry 3, and Darksiders is good too. Metal Gear Rising is a good entry point to serious hack'n'slash games, they get quite hard. A guy two posts above said Dante's Inferno, that's another solid title in the vein of God of War. Also, if you have a PS2/Wii check out a game called Rygar, it's very much a precursor to God of War.
Ninja Gadien 2!! All the way... Plus i also really enjoyed Star Wars The force unleashed which you can pick up for really cheap now... Conan is also very cheap and not the best game ever was a serviceable Hack and slasher as well as Viking the battle for asgaurd. DMC is also quite fun but i think people above me have already addressed that as well as GOW.
As a beginner you should go for the new DmC. As people before have said, the combat is pretty simple. Perfect for a newcomer.
Move on to Bayo/DMC3 once you're a bit more skilled. Bayo does have an Easy Automatic mode though so you can start with that if you want.
Move on to Bayo/DMC3 once you're a bit more skilled. Bayo does have an Easy Automatic mode though so you can start with that if you want.
Do you have a Playstation 2? Get The Bouncer. It's a pseudo-rpg brawler by Squaresoft. Controls are incredibly simplistic. Since the PS2 controller is pressure sensitive, just press any of these 4 lightly for a quick attack, and harder for a strong attack.
Triangle - high attacks
Square - mid attacks
X - low attacks
Circle - jump attacks
R1 is used to block.
R2 is taunt.
L1 activates moves that you learn by unlocking with Bouncer points from each level.
The challenge is that you don't find health in the game. What you start each stage with is all you get until you reach the next section. Cinematics also play out differently depending which character you choose. There's also a new game plus mode.
Triangle - high attacks
Square - mid attacks
X - low attacks
Circle - jump attacks
R1 is used to block.
R2 is taunt.
L1 activates moves that you learn by unlocking with Bouncer points from each level.
The challenge is that you don't find health in the game. What you start each stage with is all you get until you reach the next section. Cinematics also play out differently depending which character you choose. There's also a new game plus mode.
It depends what you want out of it, Bayonetta, Devil May Cry series (including the HD collection) & Ninja Gaiden 1&2(NG Black for the xbox 1 "classic" runs on 360s) those are your crème de la crème of the 3D brawler, Some of them especially Ninja Gaiden Black have a steep learning curve to become efficient at them, but they are rewarding you as you will feel like a badass when you pull off some of the flashy moves.
On the other end of the scale you have the Batman Arkham and to a lesser extent the God of War games, which are overly simple and have enemy attacks telegraphed so only a blind person would get hit. Those games are designed to make even the worst players look skilled, but personally I find it to be a hollow experience as I'd rather be doing all the moves myself rather than just button mashing attack.
Rather than play those games I'd recommend you play Bayonetta (360) instead as you can play easy mode which automatically strings combo together for you giving you a easy way to ease yourself into the game.
While I recommend Bayonetta these are worth checking out
Metal Gear Revengence has good combat too and alot of brawlers which have a dodge or block button you have to parry attacks which makes the combat interesting (try the demo).
Anarchy Reigns, which is unique as it's a multiplayer game, fun to play for sure but the naff lobby system and button mashing tag battles let it down imo. Like the rest of Platinum Games titles you can grap it for dirt cheap out of bargain buckets.
I also quite enjoyed, Enslaved & El Shaddia, simplistic fight systems for sure but made up by the game world and plot.
Space Marine 40K is a 3rd person shooter / hack and slash hybrid, great game feel and it's a blast wading through a horde of greenskins with a power axe.
For 2D brawlers play, Streets of Rage 2 (&3), Guardian Heroes HD, Dungeon & Dragons & Golden Axe and all the other Konami and Capcom arcade beat em ups from the 16bit era. Scot Plilgrim, Castle Crashers and Double Dragon Neo are modern 2D brawlers but don't hold a candle to the arcade era imo.
Fortune Summoners Deluxe is a 2D brawl like ARPG that's half price on steam atm, DMC 4 and the new DMC are on Steam too, Castle Crashers is there too but I dunno if there's an online community on PC unlike the 360 version which is one of the most played XBLA MP games there is.
On the other end of the scale you have the Batman Arkham and to a lesser extent the God of War games, which are overly simple and have enemy attacks telegraphed so only a blind person would get hit. Those games are designed to make even the worst players look skilled, but personally I find it to be a hollow experience as I'd rather be doing all the moves myself rather than just button mashing attack.
Rather than play those games I'd recommend you play Bayonetta (360) instead as you can play easy mode which automatically strings combo together for you giving you a easy way to ease yourself into the game.
While I recommend Bayonetta these are worth checking out
Metal Gear Revengence has good combat too and alot of brawlers which have a dodge or block button you have to parry attacks which makes the combat interesting (try the demo).
Anarchy Reigns, which is unique as it's a multiplayer game, fun to play for sure but the naff lobby system and button mashing tag battles let it down imo. Like the rest of Platinum Games titles you can grap it for dirt cheap out of bargain buckets.
I also quite enjoyed, Enslaved & El Shaddia, simplistic fight systems for sure but made up by the game world and plot.
Space Marine 40K is a 3rd person shooter / hack and slash hybrid, great game feel and it's a blast wading through a horde of greenskins with a power axe.
For 2D brawlers play, Streets of Rage 2 (&3), Guardian Heroes HD, Dungeon & Dragons & Golden Axe and all the other Konami and Capcom arcade beat em ups from the 16bit era. Scot Plilgrim, Castle Crashers and Double Dragon Neo are modern 2D brawlers but don't hold a candle to the arcade era imo.
Fortune Summoners Deluxe is a 2D brawl like ARPG that's half price on steam atm, DMC 4 and the new DMC are on Steam too, Castle Crashers is there too but I dunno if there's an online community on PC unlike the 360 version which is one of the most played XBLA MP games there is.
I would suggest DMC 3 or 4, Bayonetta, Ninja Gaiden Black/Sigma, Metal Gear Revengeance, and God Hand (though not technically a hack and slash). I would actually suggest DMC3 as a good start point, yeah it's going to be hard at times (but there is an easy mode), but all the others are hard and it also has some of the goofiness that you should expect in all of these except for DMC4 (or 1) and Ninja Gaiden. It also starts you with multiple styles from the start, so you can figure out your play style.
I wouldn't suggest Ninja Gaiden 2, the game isn't programmed to be fun or a good challenge, it's made to be hard; as an example: there are enemies that will grab you as soon as you turn a corner and take off 1/4 of your health, the camera cannot be tilted to see them either.
I remember seeing the PS3 version of Bayonetta when it came out. There were some problems they had while programming for the PS3 and this lead to much worst fps, load times, and graphics. I haven't heard of fixes, and I doubt they fixed it, but they might've fixed it.
I wouldn't suggest Ninja Gaiden 2, the game isn't programmed to be fun or a good challenge, it's made to be hard; as an example: there are enemies that will grab you as soon as you turn a corner and take off 1/4 of your health, the camera cannot be tilted to see them either.
I remember seeing the PS3 version of Bayonetta when it came out. There were some problems they had while programming for the PS3 and this lead to much worst fps, load times, and graphics. I haven't heard of fixes, and I doubt they fixed it, but they might've fixed it.