Summary
Melee combat has been a staple of fantasy gaming and beyond since the inception of gaming. While manifesting in many forms, players universally enjoy melee combat for its tactile nature and satisfying feel. Whether engaging in intense ‘sword and board’ back-and-forths, or using a large weapon to slay a beast, it’s safe to say thatsatisfying melee combat has a crucial part in gaming.
One often overlooked element of melee combat,especially in fantasy open-worlds, is the utilization of shields. Despite seeming solely defensive, many open-world titles include satisfying and engaging shield combat mechanics. These mechanics range from standard defensive styles, a reliance on parrying, or occasionally using the shield as an offensive weapon.
TheElder Scrollsfranchise needs no introduction, with its fifth title becoming a household name in the gaming industry.Skyrimcouples an expansive open-world with deep and immersive roleplaying opportunities. A main example of this is the many ways playerscan build their characters, gaining proficiency with a large selection of weapon types.
Skyrimfeatures a skill tree entirely dedicated to blocking. This, as the name would suggest, reduces damage taken when blocking and allows for the effective use of shields. Alongside this, players can invest points into the ability to shield-bash, allowing them the satisfying combat loop of stunning enemies with a shield-bash before taking them down with their primary weapon.
Dragon’s Dogma 2was released as the long-awaited sequel to the firstDragon’s Dogmatitle. It is a graphically stunning and mechanically deep RPG that takes place in a sprawling fantasy world. Players assemble a team of pawns to aid them, ideally forming a collective of various classes,or vocations, as they are known inDragon’s Dogma 2.
One vocation inDragon’s Dogma 2is called the fighter, and fills the role of the traditional fantasy ‘sword and board’ user, mainly using a sword and shield.Dragon’s Dogma 2is unique in its abilities, allowing certain classes to use class-specific skills that synergize with other classes. For example, fighters can use a shield ability called “Launchboard” to propel their party members into the air. When in the air themselves, fighters can use their shield to break their fall, reducing damage taken upon impact.
Elden Ringis the critically acclaimed title in From Software’s line of “Soulsborne” games. It boasts an incredible and atmospheric open-world, alongside a very deep progression system. The character progression and building system inElden Ring, along with the sheer amount of items and gear that players can locate, ensures players the freedom tobuild their character entirely as they please.
One category of builds involves the use of shields. Where most From Software titles have players mostly relying on dodging incoming attacks,Elden Ringallows players to get solid use out of a shield. Whether intending to utilize parries and timing or boldly using their shield to tank the majority of incoming damage,Elden Ringplayers who are looking for satisfying shield combat will not be disappointed. Players can find massive towering shields that absorb damage, or smaller ones that allow for satisfying parry timing,and everything in between.
Assassin’s Creed Valhallawas an entry in the modernAssassin’s Creedseries, that opted for a more action-RPG style, rather than that of the earlier stealth games. Set in the Viking era, Ubisoft’s game allowed players to take on a far more aggressive and forward approach to combat. This included the use of a plethora of brutal era-appropriate weaponry.
One such example, though not necessarily the first thing to come to mind when thinking of Vikings, is the shield. Not only could the shield be used both defensively and offensively, with brutal and satisfying output, but the nature of the weapon system inValhallaallowed for a rather unique playstyle. Should they so choose, players could equip a shield in both the left and right hand, dishing out satisfying combinations and attacks with a shield in either hand.
2018’sGod of Waris a special mention as it is a borderline open-world game.
TheGod of Warfranchiseis an incredibly tenured and beloved action series, experiencing a cultural and critical resurgence with the release of the 2018 self-titled entry. This title saw an older Kratos and his son Atreus exploring a vast and fantastical open-world set within the lore of Norse Mythology.
Kratos is known for having an arsenal of weapons and abilities at his disposal, and whilst the Blades of Chaos are associated closely with the gameplay of the series, the shield inGod of Warbrings a whole new depth of combat. Not only does it allow for incredibly satisfying parry timing and blocks, but the shield could also be used far more offensively. Not a wholly unique trait, but the ability to have Kratos bash and pummel his enemies with the shield, coupled with the intensely visceral combat system, serves to demonstrate how satisfying shield combat can be in gaming.
