combat systems

AppWizard
January 10, 2026
Larian Studios is developing a new installment in the Divinity series, and while they have released a trailer, details about the game's mechanics and storyline remain undisclosed. Nick Pechenin, the design head at Larian, hinted in a Reddit AMA that the upcoming game will feature a new mechanic he has wanted to implement in previous titles. The gaming community is speculating on what this new feature could be, with suggestions including new forms of exploration, unique combat systems, or innovative crafting mechanisms.
AppWizard
December 30, 2025
The author apologizes to Yuya Tokuda, the director of Monster Hunter Wilds, for not using the weapon swap feature despite playing the game for over 100 hours. The game has received a rating of 4.5 out of 5 and is considered one of the year's best, but it has inconsistencies that affect player experience. Capcom has struggled with defining a clear direction for the game, particularly with the PC port facing performance issues. The difficulty of new quests varies significantly, leading to a lack of consistent challenge. Changes to the armor system have resulted in more powerful loadouts, but the introduction of tougher monsters may have been an overcorrection. The author's enthusiasm for Artian weapons has diminished, viewing them as tedious and detrimental to the crafting experience, suggesting they should be removed or made cosmetic.
AppWizard
November 16, 2025
PC Gamer's column on MMORPGs explores trends in the genre, particularly the shift from tab-targeting systems to action combat systems among MMO designers. This trend emerged in the late 2010s and 2020s, with a prevailing belief that tab-targeting is outdated. The Old School RuneScape (OSRS) wiki highlights a mechanic called "tick eating," where players can consume food just before taking lethal damage, showcasing strategic gameplay. Action MMOs face challenges with tick rates that can hinder combat fluidity compared to single-player games, leading to a less stable experience. The author appreciates action combat but argues that tab-targeting and turn-based combat can also be engaging, emphasizing the complexity and depth of MMO combat in endgame content. The belief that action combat is superior is subjective, and the author suggests that developers should embrace traditional systems rather than reinventing them, as seen in the co-op PvE game Fellowship, which successfully integrates tab-targeting combat. The dominance of World of Warcraft in the MMO space raises questions about whether developers are overlooking the potential of established mechanics.
AppWizard
October 5, 2025
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel was initially released on PC in 2017 and attracted players who were not typically fans of Japanese RPGs. The series gained popularity, leading to interest in its earlier installments, particularly Trails in the Sky, which are over two decades old. A recent remake of Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter has been released, successfully capturing the essence of the original while introducing significant upgrades. The narrative focuses on protagonists Joshua and Estelle, with Estelle being a standout character. The game features a structured chapter format and a diverse cast, allowing players to complete the main story in approximately 25 to 40 hours. Developers at Falcom have confirmed plans for a remake of the second chapter, and a demo of Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is available on Steam.
AppWizard
September 29, 2025
Rise of the Ronin is a game that features engaging combat mechanics similar to Nioh and offers a rich narrative set in a tumultuous period of Japanese history. Players assume the role of a customizable character who interacts with historical figures like Ryoma Sakamoto and navigates a world filled with political intrigue. The game includes diverse combat options with various weapons and tools for exploration, such as gliders and grappling hooks. Currently, it is available at its lowest price ever, .99, on Humble Bundle.
AppWizard
July 8, 2025
- Motordoom: Price: .79 / £8.25 (30% off); Developer: Hobo Cat Games; combines arcade biking with demon-slaying action and features a heavy metal soundtrack. - Underwater: Price: .49 / £1.79 (40% off); Developer: Tuna Hake; a tranquil experience where players live as a fish in an underwater world. - 4D Golf: Price: .99 / £11.72 (30% off); Developer: CodeParade; a minigolf game with non-euclidean courses and multiple vision modes. - XF Extreme Formula: Price: .99 / £8.37 (50% off); Developer: Feperd Games; early access hovercar racing game with upcoming story mode and on-foot platforming. - Reverse Collapse: Code Name Bakery: Price: .49 / £14.69 (30% off); Developer: MICA Team/Sunborn; tactical squad game in a post-apocalyptic sci-fi universe focused on strategy and resource management. - Carter's Quest: Price: .74 / £8.31 (35% off); Developer: Goba; early access adventure game with a vibrant fantasy setting and engaging combat. - YIIK I.V: Price: .99 / £7.99 (50% off); Developer: Ackk Studios; reimagined version of the original game with new story arcs and revamped gameplay. - Detective Dotson: Price: .49 / £6.39 (50% off); Developer: Masala Games; point-and-click adventure featuring quirky mysteries. - Creepy Redneck Dinosaur Mansion 3: Price: .99 / £11.19 (30% off); Developer: Strange Scaffold; combines match-3 puzzle mechanics with a branching visual novel narrative. - NBB.EXE: Price: .99 / £8.37 (50% off); Developer: Raptus Games; platformer with vibrant aesthetics and a dark narrative. - Ink Inside: Price: .99 / £8.37 (50% off); Developer: Blackfield Entertainment; co-op RPG with a whimsical narrative. - Redline Crooks: Price: .95 / £5.79 (42% off); Developer: Alexander Golke; roguelike game where players evade the law while causing chaos. - The Stone of Madness: Price: .99 / £14.99 (40% off); Developer: The Game Kitchen; narrative-driven adventure with challenging gameplay. - Goldenheart: Price: [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: In the ever-evolving landscape of indie gaming, a plethora of unique and unconventional titles have emerged, each vying for attention amidst the noise. As we take a moment to reflect on the past year, a curated selection of 15 standout games beckons for a second glance. These titles, often overshadowed by more mainstream offerings, offer a delightful mix of creativity and innovation, making them worthy of exploration. Motordoom - Tony Hawk's Vampire Survivors Price: .79 / £8.25 (30% off) | Developer: Hobo Cat Games Imagine a world where the adrenaline of Tony Hawk-style stunts meets the chaotic combat of Vampire Survivors. Motordoom delivers just that, combining arcade biking with demon-slaying action. With a heavy metal soundtrack and a plethora of unlocks, this game promises hours of enjoyment as players chain stunts while battling hordes of enemies. For those seeking a more tranquil experience, consider Tuna Hake's Underwater, available at a mere .49 / £1.79 (40% off), where you can embrace the serene life of a fish in a vibrant underwater world. 4D Golf - Hyperdimensional Pastime Sim Price: .99 / £11.72 (30% off) | Developer: CodeParade From the minds behind the non-euclidean adventure Hyperbolica, 4D Golf challenges players to navigate a mind-bending minigolf experience. With courses that defy traditional physics, this game introduces multiple vision modes to help players tackle its unique challenges. Unlock new courses and enjoy community-created holes that add to the game's replayability. XF Extreme Formula Price: .99 / £8.37 (50% off) | Developer: Feperd Games Currently in early access, XF Extreme Formula offers a thrilling glimpse into high-speed hovercar racing. While the story mode is still forthcoming, the current gameplay captures the essence of exhilarating racing reminiscent of F-Zero. The promise of on-foot platforming and brawling adds an intriguing layer to the overall experience. Reverse Collapse: Code Name Bakery Price: .49 / £14.69 (30% off) | Developer: MICA Team/Sunborn This tactical squad game, set in a post-apocalyptic sci-fi universe, offers a challenging experience reminiscent of the Girls' Frontline series. With a focus on strategy and resource management, players must navigate a brutal difficulty curve that rewards careful planning and execution. Carter's Quest Price: .74 / £8.31 (35% off) | Developer: Goba Blending elements of classic adventure games, Carter's Quest is an early access title that promises a unique narrative experience. With a vibrant fantasy setting and engaging combat mechanics, this game is a delightful blend of humor and action, making it a worthwhile investment. YIIK I.V Price: .99 / £7.99 (50% off) | Developer: Ackk Studios Reimagined from its original release, YIIK I.V has undergone significant changes, offering a fresh take on its narrative and combat systems. With new story arcs and revamped gameplay mechanics, this title invites players to explore its quirky world once more. Detective Dotson Price: .49 / £6.39 (50% off) | Developer: Masala Games In this charming point-and-click adventure, players join Detective Dotson on a whimsical journey filled with quirky mysteries. With a rich narrative and a unique cultural backdrop, this game stands out as a delightful experience for fans of the genre. Creepy Redneck Dinosaur Mansion 3 Price: .99 / £11.19 (30% off) | Developer: Strange Scaffold This unconventional title combines match-3 puzzle mechanics with a branching visual novel narrative. As players navigate through its absurd storyline, they will encounter a parody of survival horror tropes, all while enjoying a polka-infused soundtrack. NBB.EXE - Bomberman: The Precision Platformer Price: .99 / £8.37 (50% off) | Developer: Raptus Games With its vibrant aesthetics and challenging gameplay, NBB.EXE offers a unique twist on the platforming genre. Players will navigate a neon-lit world filled with obstacles and hidden secrets, all while uncovering a dark narrative lurking beneath its colorful surface. Ink Inside - Cartoon Dodgeball Co-op RPG Price: .99 / £8.37 (50% off) | Developer: Blackfield Entertainment Bringing together a talented team of cartoonists, Ink Inside transforms a whimsical narrative into an engaging RPG experience. With a focus on local co-op gameplay, this title offers a delightful blend of action and storytelling. Redline Crooks - Arcade Roguelike Demolition Derby Price: .95 / £5.79 (42% off) | Developer: Alexander Golke In this fast-paced roguelike, players take on the role of a crook evading the law while wreaking havoc on the streets. With a variety of vehicles and characters to choose from, Redline Crooks captures the essence of classic arcade gaming. The Stone of Madness Price: .99 / £14.99 (40% off) | Developer: The Game Kitchen Set in a beautifully crafted world, The Stone of Madness invites players to explore a narrative-driven adventure filled with intriguing characters and challenging gameplay mechanics. Despite its initial underwhelming launch, this title has garnered positive reviews for its creativity and depth. Goldenheart - King's Field's Weird Desert-Dwelling Cousin Price: .99 / £2.55 (70% off) | Developer: Milenniapede Offering a fresh take on the Souls-like genre, Goldenheart combines dungeon crawling with Zelda-like mechanics. Set in a unique desert fantasy world, this game challenges players with its engaging combat and exploration elements. Moonlight Pulse Price: .99 / £4.99 (50% off) | Developer: Seafloor Games In this charming exploration platformer, players control a team of critter combat-ecologists on a mission to protect their giant space turtle home. With a focus on teamwork and character abilities, Moonlight Pulse offers a delightful gaming experience. Chambers - Immersive Sim on a Mescaline Trip Price: .99 / £11.72 (30% off) | Developer: Mr. Pink In this surreal adventure, players traverse a bizarre world filled with gun-themed absurdities. Chambers promises a unique experience, blending humor and unconventional gameplay in an early access format. As we continue to navigate the vast sea of indie games, it’s essential to remember that hidden gems often lie just beneath the surface. By supporting smaller studios and exploring these unique titles, players can discover a wealth of creativity and innovation that enriches the gaming landscape." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].99 / £2.55 (70% off); Developer: Milenniapede; Souls-like game with dungeon crawling and Zelda-like mechanics in a desert fantasy world. - Moonlight Pulse: Price: [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: In the ever-evolving landscape of indie gaming, a plethora of unique and unconventional titles have emerged, each vying for attention amidst the noise. As we take a moment to reflect on the past year, a curated selection of 15 standout games beckons for a second glance. These titles, often overshadowed by more mainstream offerings, offer a delightful mix of creativity and innovation, making them worthy of exploration. Motordoom - Tony Hawk's Vampire Survivors Price: .79 / £8.25 (30% off) | Developer: Hobo Cat Games Imagine a world where the adrenaline of Tony Hawk-style stunts meets the chaotic combat of Vampire Survivors. Motordoom delivers just that, combining arcade biking with demon-slaying action. With a heavy metal soundtrack and a plethora of unlocks, this game promises hours of enjoyment as players chain stunts while battling hordes of enemies. For those seeking a more tranquil experience, consider Tuna Hake's Underwater, available at a mere .49 / £1.79 (40% off), where you can embrace the serene life of a fish in a vibrant underwater world. 4D Golf - Hyperdimensional Pastime Sim Price: .99 / £11.72 (30% off) | Developer: CodeParade From the minds behind the non-euclidean adventure Hyperbolica, 4D Golf challenges players to navigate a mind-bending minigolf experience. With courses that defy traditional physics, this game introduces multiple vision modes to help players tackle its unique challenges. Unlock new courses and enjoy community-created holes that add to the game's replayability. XF Extreme Formula Price: .99 / £8.37 (50% off) | Developer: Feperd Games Currently in early access, XF Extreme Formula offers a thrilling glimpse into high-speed hovercar racing. While the story mode is still forthcoming, the current gameplay captures the essence of exhilarating racing reminiscent of F-Zero. The promise of on-foot platforming and brawling adds an intriguing layer to the overall experience. Reverse Collapse: Code Name Bakery Price: .49 / £14.69 (30% off) | Developer: MICA Team/Sunborn This tactical squad game, set in a post-apocalyptic sci-fi universe, offers a challenging experience reminiscent of the Girls' Frontline series. With a focus on strategy and resource management, players must navigate a brutal difficulty curve that rewards careful planning and execution. Carter's Quest Price: .74 / £8.31 (35% off) | Developer: Goba Blending elements of classic adventure games, Carter's Quest is an early access title that promises a unique narrative experience. With a vibrant fantasy setting and engaging combat mechanics, this game is a delightful blend of humor and action, making it a worthwhile investment. YIIK I.V Price: .99 / £7.99 (50% off) | Developer: Ackk Studios Reimagined from its original release, YIIK I.V has undergone significant changes, offering a fresh take on its narrative and combat systems. With new story arcs and revamped gameplay mechanics, this title invites players to explore its quirky world once more. Detective Dotson Price: .49 / £6.39 (50% off) | Developer: Masala Games In this charming point-and-click adventure, players join Detective Dotson on a whimsical journey filled with quirky mysteries. With a rich narrative and a unique cultural backdrop, this game stands out as a delightful experience for fans of the genre. Creepy Redneck Dinosaur Mansion 3 Price: .99 / £11.19 (30% off) | Developer: Strange Scaffold This unconventional title combines match-3 puzzle mechanics with a branching visual novel narrative. As players navigate through its absurd storyline, they will encounter a parody of survival horror tropes, all while enjoying a polka-infused soundtrack. NBB.EXE - Bomberman: The Precision Platformer Price: .99 / £8.37 (50% off) | Developer: Raptus Games With its vibrant aesthetics and challenging gameplay, NBB.EXE offers a unique twist on the platforming genre. Players will navigate a neon-lit world filled with obstacles and hidden secrets, all while uncovering a dark narrative lurking beneath its colorful surface. Ink Inside - Cartoon Dodgeball Co-op RPG Price: .99 / £8.37 (50% off) | Developer: Blackfield Entertainment Bringing together a talented team of cartoonists, Ink Inside transforms a whimsical narrative into an engaging RPG experience. With a focus on local co-op gameplay, this title offers a delightful blend of action and storytelling. Redline Crooks - Arcade Roguelike Demolition Derby Price: .95 / £5.79 (42% off) | Developer: Alexander Golke In this fast-paced roguelike, players take on the role of a crook evading the law while wreaking havoc on the streets. With a variety of vehicles and characters to choose from, Redline Crooks captures the essence of classic arcade gaming. The Stone of Madness Price: .99 / £14.99 (40% off) | Developer: The Game Kitchen Set in a beautifully crafted world, The Stone of Madness invites players to explore a narrative-driven adventure filled with intriguing characters and challenging gameplay mechanics. Despite its initial underwhelming launch, this title has garnered positive reviews for its creativity and depth. Goldenheart - King's Field's Weird Desert-Dwelling Cousin Price: .99 / £2.55 (70% off) | Developer: Milenniapede Offering a fresh take on the Souls-like genre, Goldenheart combines dungeon crawling with Zelda-like mechanics. Set in a unique desert fantasy world, this game challenges players with its engaging combat and exploration elements. Moonlight Pulse Price: .99 / £4.99 (50% off) | Developer: Seafloor Games In this charming exploration platformer, players control a team of critter combat-ecologists on a mission to protect their giant space turtle home. With a focus on teamwork and character abilities, Moonlight Pulse offers a delightful gaming experience. Chambers - Immersive Sim on a Mescaline Trip Price: .99 / £11.72 (30% off) | Developer: Mr. Pink In this surreal adventure, players traverse a bizarre world filled with gun-themed absurdities. Chambers promises a unique experience, blending humor and unconventional gameplay in an early access format. As we continue to navigate the vast sea of indie games, it’s essential to remember that hidden gems often lie just beneath the surface. By supporting smaller studios and exploring these unique titles, players can discover a wealth of creativity and innovation that enriches the gaming landscape." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].99 / £4.99 (50% off); Developer: Seafloor Games; exploration platformer where players protect their giant space turtle home. - Chambers: Price: [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: In the ever-evolving landscape of indie gaming, a plethora of unique and unconventional titles have emerged, each vying for attention amidst the noise. As we take a moment to reflect on the past year, a curated selection of 15 standout games beckons for a second glance. These titles, often overshadowed by more mainstream offerings, offer a delightful mix of creativity and innovation, making them worthy of exploration. Motordoom - Tony Hawk's Vampire Survivors Price: .79 / £8.25 (30% off) | Developer: Hobo Cat Games Imagine a world where the adrenaline of Tony Hawk-style stunts meets the chaotic combat of Vampire Survivors. Motordoom delivers just that, combining arcade biking with demon-slaying action. With a heavy metal soundtrack and a plethora of unlocks, this game promises hours of enjoyment as players chain stunts while battling hordes of enemies. For those seeking a more tranquil experience, consider Tuna Hake's Underwater, available at a mere .49 / £1.79 (40% off), where you can embrace the serene life of a fish in a vibrant underwater world. 4D Golf - Hyperdimensional Pastime Sim Price: .99 / £11.72 (30% off) | Developer: CodeParade From the minds behind the non-euclidean adventure Hyperbolica, 4D Golf challenges players to navigate a mind-bending minigolf experience. With courses that defy traditional physics, this game introduces multiple vision modes to help players tackle its unique challenges. Unlock new courses and enjoy community-created holes that add to the game's replayability. XF Extreme Formula Price: .99 / £8.37 (50% off) | Developer: Feperd Games Currently in early access, XF Extreme Formula offers a thrilling glimpse into high-speed hovercar racing. While the story mode is still forthcoming, the current gameplay captures the essence of exhilarating racing reminiscent of F-Zero. The promise of on-foot platforming and brawling adds an intriguing layer to the overall experience. Reverse Collapse: Code Name Bakery Price: .49 / £14.69 (30% off) | Developer: MICA Team/Sunborn This tactical squad game, set in a post-apocalyptic sci-fi universe, offers a challenging experience reminiscent of the Girls' Frontline series. With a focus on strategy and resource management, players must navigate a brutal difficulty curve that rewards careful planning and execution. Carter's Quest Price: .74 / £8.31 (35% off) | Developer: Goba Blending elements of classic adventure games, Carter's Quest is an early access title that promises a unique narrative experience. With a vibrant fantasy setting and engaging combat mechanics, this game is a delightful blend of humor and action, making it a worthwhile investment. YIIK I.V Price: .99 / £7.99 (50% off) | Developer: Ackk Studios Reimagined from its original release, YIIK I.V has undergone significant changes, offering a fresh take on its narrative and combat systems. With new story arcs and revamped gameplay mechanics, this title invites players to explore its quirky world once more. Detective Dotson Price: .49 / £6.39 (50% off) | Developer: Masala Games In this charming point-and-click adventure, players join Detective Dotson on a whimsical journey filled with quirky mysteries. With a rich narrative and a unique cultural backdrop, this game stands out as a delightful experience for fans of the genre. Creepy Redneck Dinosaur Mansion 3 Price: .99 / £11.19 (30% off) | Developer: Strange Scaffold This unconventional title combines match-3 puzzle mechanics with a branching visual novel narrative. As players navigate through its absurd storyline, they will encounter a parody of survival horror tropes, all while enjoying a polka-infused soundtrack. NBB.EXE - Bomberman: The Precision Platformer Price: .99 / £8.37 (50% off) | Developer: Raptus Games With its vibrant aesthetics and challenging gameplay, NBB.EXE offers a unique twist on the platforming genre. Players will navigate a neon-lit world filled with obstacles and hidden secrets, all while uncovering a dark narrative lurking beneath its colorful surface. Ink Inside - Cartoon Dodgeball Co-op RPG Price: .99 / £8.37 (50% off) | Developer: Blackfield Entertainment Bringing together a talented team of cartoonists, Ink Inside transforms a whimsical narrative into an engaging RPG experience. With a focus on local co-op gameplay, this title offers a delightful blend of action and storytelling. Redline Crooks - Arcade Roguelike Demolition Derby Price: .95 / £5.79 (42% off) | Developer: Alexander Golke In this fast-paced roguelike, players take on the role of a crook evading the law while wreaking havoc on the streets. With a variety of vehicles and characters to choose from, Redline Crooks captures the essence of classic arcade gaming. The Stone of Madness Price: .99 / £14.99 (40% off) | Developer: The Game Kitchen Set in a beautifully crafted world, The Stone of Madness invites players to explore a narrative-driven adventure filled with intriguing characters and challenging gameplay mechanics. Despite its initial underwhelming launch, this title has garnered positive reviews for its creativity and depth. Goldenheart - King's Field's Weird Desert-Dwelling Cousin Price: .99 / £2.55 (70% off) | Developer: Milenniapede Offering a fresh take on the Souls-like genre, Goldenheart combines dungeon crawling with Zelda-like mechanics. Set in a unique desert fantasy world, this game challenges players with its engaging combat and exploration elements. Moonlight Pulse Price: .99 / £4.99 (50% off) | Developer: Seafloor Games In this charming exploration platformer, players control a team of critter combat-ecologists on a mission to protect their giant space turtle home. With a focus on teamwork and character abilities, Moonlight Pulse offers a delightful gaming experience. Chambers - Immersive Sim on a Mescaline Trip Price: .99 / £11.72 (30% off) | Developer: Mr. Pink In this surreal adventure, players traverse a bizarre world filled with gun-themed absurdities. Chambers promises a unique experience, blending humor and unconventional gameplay in an early access format. As we continue to navigate the vast sea of indie games, it’s essential to remember that hidden gems often lie just beneath the surface. By supporting smaller studios and exploring these unique titles, players can discover a wealth of creativity and innovation that enriches the gaming landscape." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].99 / £11.72 (30% off); Developer: Mr. Pink; surreal adventure with gun-themed absurdities in early access.
AppWizard
April 1, 2025
The First Berserker: Khazan is a hardcore action RPG that has received critical acclaim for its intense combat and immersive gameplay. It achieved a perfect score of 100 from screenrant.com, which praised its exceptional gaming experience despite some desires for more weapon types and an open-world environment. Noisypixel.net rated it 90, highlighting thrilling boss fights and diverse level design, while acknowledging weaknesses in narrative depth. Gamingtrend.com and pcmag.com both scored it 80, commending the combat systems and anime aesthetics but noting storytelling and level design shortcomings. Rockpapershotgun.com offered a more critical perspective, describing the plot and level design as uninspiring but recognizing the satisfying combat and challenging boss encounters.
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