melee mechanics Archives

AppWizard

October 25, 2025

Vermintide’s developers only realized they were wading into a cursed subgenre after they started making a first-person melee game: ‘I was so scared’

Fatshark faced challenges in developing engaging first-person melee combat for their game Vermintide, focusing intensely on melee mechanics such as hit effects, staggers, and animations. Chief creative officer Anders De Geer noted their deep immersion in discussions about combat, while CEO Martin Wahlund experienced doubts about pursuing melee combat due to concerns over financial viability. Despite these challenges, the team committed to their vision of close-quarters combat, inspired by cinematic elements from the Lord of the Rings. Their meticulous attention to weapon design and character experiences contributed to the game's success.

AppWizard

March 10, 2025

You can theoretically beat Doom: The Dark Ages without using a gun, but ‘You’d have a hard time, that’s for sure,’ says the game’s director

Hugo Martin, the game director of Doom: The Dark Ages, discussed the possibility of completing the game using only new melee mechanics and parries, which could appeal to dedicated players. Marty Stratton, the producer, cautioned that a melee-only playthrough might be clunky and unenjoyable, as the game is not designed for such challenges, unlike titles like Dishonored. He noted that while challenge runs are popular, the feasibility of a melee-only run raises questions about the game's design and the necessity of ranged combat in certain encounters. Doom: The Dark Ages is set to be released on May 15.