What are Hack & Slash video games?
- Blacknut LeMag
- Dictionary Definitions
- What are Hack & Slash video games?
Friend of the slicer, hello! You're about to dive into a hostile world with a sword or blade in hand, the H&S (for short) is a genre of role-playing video games where you play a character who “hews and slices” (literal translation of hack and slash) hordes of enemies to complete a quest. It's going to be bloody!
Imagine that hack and slash didn’t originate from a video game, but from the cult classic tabletop role-playing game: Dungeons and Dragons.
Some players abandoned the adventure and story aspects to dive into pure action by eliminating their enemies.
Hack & Slash games therefore borrow some typical RPG elements such as the ability to manage specific skills or upgrade equipment with a clear end goal: eliminate as many 'bad guys' as possible by improving your character's abilities. The idea is that as the player progresses through the game, the enemies encountered become increasingly difficult to defeat.
The player progresses through a succession of environments always infested with hordes of monsters or big human villains to face (often they all rush at you), with villains becoming more powerful and more numerous.
Hack & Slash is therefore based on frenetic action, requiring great player reflexes and quick reactions.
But there is also a tactical and strategic dimension in choosing and optimizing your character's abilities. Each area includes 'treasures' to plunder that will help the player equip themselves, unlock spells or gain various abilities to become stronger. Some items combine more or less effectively with each other; sometimes you must make difficult choices, or even sacrifices, to favor defensive or offensive abilities, new aptitudes, or to master close-quarters or ranged combat.
Games not recommended for younger players or the faint of heart!
Warhammer: Chaosbane
The video game adaptation of the famous RPG, Warhammer: Chaosbane is a hack ’n’ slash action-RPG. Just like in Diablo, you choose a class at the start of the adventure, which has an effect on how you play the game. You’ll also need to upgrade your active attack and defence skills, choosing from the 180 different skills available to you. A faithful rendition of the Warhammer universe!
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Publisher: Nacon
Developer: Eko Software
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Lords of the Fallen
A sublime hack-and-slash if you’re a fan of dark fantasy, set in a beautiful and fascinating world, but be warned: the game is very difficult. Not quite as hard as Dark Souls, but still suitable for any gamer. You just have to not mind starting over again and again to defeat even the easiest bosses. But if you make it through the first hour, the biggest challenge will be putting it down.
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Publisher: CI Games
Developer: CI Games
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Ryse: Son of Rome
One of the best-looking games of the decade. Get ready to be immersed in a Rome bathed in fire and blood. The environments are breathtaking to behold, and your inner centurion will be more than satisfied! You can expect plenty of tactical, pacy combat. If you enjoyed the Spartan kills in 300 and the duels in Gladiator, you’ll be more than happy here. An amazing game!
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Publisher: Crytek
Developer: Crytek
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Bound by Flame
A French RPG for fans of heroic fantasy worlds. The soundtrack is amazing, the combat system inventive, and "normal" difficulty presents a challenge without being demoralising. Then it’s up to you to craft explosive traps, health potions, and crossbow bolts to help you make it through your many battles.
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Publisher: Focus Entertainment
Developer: Spiders
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Styx: Master of Shadows
Styx: Master of Shadows is a stealth game with RPG elements. In a dark fantasy world you’ll play as Styx, harnessing the skills of this 200-year-old goblin who’s an expert in thievery and assassination. Clear a path through the Tower of Akenash and complete varied missions (assassinations, intelligence gathering) without getting spotted.
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Publisher: Nacon
Developer: Cyanide Studio
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Dungeon Hunter 4
The perfect game for blowing off some steam in a medieval/fantasy world that draws on the conventions of the famed Diablo series. You’ll need to forge a path through hordes of monsters, each nastier than the last! It’s easy to pick up and play, even if you’re not familiar with the genre; the graphics are great, and the story engrossing.
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Publisher: Gameloft
Developer: Gameloft
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