Action Combat
Ongoing coverage on Action Combat.
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MMOs You’ve Never Heard of: Project Sunderfall, Moonbound, and Hana
This article rounds up several lesser-known MMORPGs, including Project Sunderfall, which features stylized fantasy combat and crafting; Moonbound, an isometric MMO inspired by MapleStory with action combat and housing; and Hana, a turn-based MMORPG where players rebuild an elven civilization. Project Sunderfall is described as whimsical, Moonbound allows players to ride pigs and decorate houses, and Hana plans its first alpha in February 2027 with founder's pack purchases.
ArchAge Chronicles summarizes its gameplay and confirms its early access monetization in new video
XLGames has released a new video digest for ArcheAge Chronicles, detailing its gameplay and monetization plans. The open-world action MMORPG will feature a box price at early access with no cosmetics, and a cash shop planned for full release that aims to avoid pay-to-win mechanics. The developer also confirmed a PvP-focused demo on October 19th.
EmberQuest is a ‘cozy lite MMO’ promising deep skill trees and action combat arriving October 15
EmberQuest, a 'cozy lite MMO' from Faded Scroll Games, is set to launch on PC via Steam on October 15th as a free-to-play title. The game features physics-driven action combat, deep skill trees, and limited server sizes to foster a community atmosphere, alongside PvP elements and world bosses.
MMO Week in Review: Destiny 2’s revival, Aion 2’s stress test
This week's MMO news covers Destiny 2's revival with unvaulted content, Aion 2's stress test, and Ultima Online's 29th anniversary. Dune Awakening launched on consoles, Elder Scrolls Online discussed experimental features, and Microsoft continued layoffs. World of Warcraft Forever is impressing players, while other news includes The Division 2, Marathon, Warframe, and various other MMO updates and discussions.
Massively Overthinking: Does action combat have too much of a negative effect on MMORPG scales?
This article discusses whether action combat negatively impacts the scale of MMORPGs, using Guild Wars 3's design as a focal point. Developers and writers debate if the emphasis on movement and momentum is worth the potential loss of large player numbers, with opinions varying on whether a compromise is possible or necessary.
Control Resonant Review
Remedy Entertainment's new title, a follow-up to Control, shifts to action combat within an open world. The game focuses on a character-driven narrative while retaining its signature paranatural atmosphere.
Under Mythos announced for Nintendo Switch
Kadath, a studio founded by Yoichi Miyaji, producer of the Lunar RPG series, has announced its debut title, Under Mythos, for Nintendo Switch in 2028. This dark fantasy RPG combines peaceful hot spring inn management with dungeon exploration and action combat as the world descends into madness.
Onimusha: Way of the Sword proves the parry formula is far from stale, you just need to get freaky with it
Onimusha: Way of the Sword is praised for its innovative approach to the parry mechanic, offering multiple layers of defensive options that keep combat engaging. While some games may overuse parries, Onimusha demonstrates the mechanic's potential for depth and player expression, contrasting with Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and Nine Sols.
Guild Wars 3's approach to combat and movement is like nothing I've ever seen in an MMO before: 'One of our big goals when we make a new game in the Guild Wars franchise is to set out and try new things'
ArenaNet's Guild Wars 3 aims to innovate within the MMORPG genre with a focus on dynamic movement and visceral action combat. The game, set 1,000 years before Guild Wars 2 in the land of Orr, introduces mechanics like wall running, mantling, and seamless transitions between gliding and combat, all powered by a momentum system. This approach aims to create a fluid experience distinct from traditional MMOs, with developers Colin Johanson and Kevin Stocker highlighting how movement directly impacts combat effectiveness.
Hordeguard: Winds of the North – Open Beta | Alpha Beta Gamer
Hordeguard: Winds of the North is a Viking fantasy defense game combining tower defense, real-time strategy resource management, and action combat. Players defend their settlement by building fortifications, upgrading structures, and fighting directly, with RPG progression through upgrade cards. The game also features local split-screen cooperative play.
Mistfall Hunter Interview – Game Balance, Beta Feedback, PvE Mode, PC Features, And More
Bellring Games discusses Mistfall Hunter's development, focusing on player feedback from beta tests that led to changes in early game progression and combat systems. The developers emphasize the importance of PvE content in an extraction RPG and highlight how their genuine third-person action combat differentiates the game from traditional shooters. They also confirm plans for a pure PvE mode and detail PC features like ultrawide support and various upscaling technologies, alongside console targets for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
Granblue Fantasy: Relink – Eternal Ragnarok (Switch 2)
Granblue Fantasy: Relink offers a unique and enjoyable JRPG experience on the Switch 2, featuring fast-paced action combat and stunning visuals. While the main story is short, the game provides ample side content and co-op options to keep players engaged. It serves as an excellent entry point for newcomers to the Granblue Fantasy franchise.
Indie fantasy MMO Misa Online shares eight minutes of pre-alpha gameplay
Indie developer Misa Games has released an eight-minute pre-alpha gameplay video for its fantasy MMORPG, Misa Online. The footage showcases the game's world, action combat, and various mechanics, set in a world threatened by creatures emerging from interdimensional portals. Preorder packs are currently available for purchase.
Past Fate opens the Depths of Korag and changes its combat model in latest patch
The early access MMORPG Past Fate has released a new patch that opens the Depths of Korag, a large underground area featuring ancient ruins, mines, and new threats. The update also revises the combat system to a more action-oriented tab-targeting approach, increasing difficulty and requiring players to utilize dodging and blocking more effectively. Additional changes include new fishing content, HUD adjustments, and increased character stamina.
Bite Sized Reviews: Demon Lord
Demon Lord: Just a Block is an indie roguelite that successfully blends grid-based movement, turn-based tactics, and action combat with a humorous narrative. Despite minor balance issues with some power-ups and a few interface glitches, the game offers engaging tactical gameplay and a satisfying progression loop for its reasonable price.
My Time in Evershine Preview – Shine On, You Crazy Governor
My Time in Evershine is a life-sim RPG where players act as the governor of a town built on the ruins of an old world. The preview showcased resource gathering, action combat against bandits and a robot boss, and puzzle-solving using serums. The game features a cozy visual style and is planned for release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
Flameseeker Chronicles: I’m hyped for Guild Wars 3 – but dreading it too
A Guild Wars 2 player expresses mixed feelings of hype and dread regarding the announcement of Guild Wars 3. While excited for a fresh start free of Guild Wars 2's accumulated 'cruft' and the potential for a console audience, concerns remain about the new game's action combat, the potential impact on Guild Wars 2's ongoing development, and whether Guild Wars 3 will cater to existing player preferences.
Medieval: Chronicles Looks to Offer Deep Strategic Gameplay Along With Gruesome Up-Close Action Combat | IGN Preview
Chronicles: Medieval aims to blend deep strategic gameplay with visceral close-quarters action combat. Developer Raw Power has enlisted the vocal talents of actors Tom Hardy and Lars Mikkelsen for the project.
Review: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (Switch 2) - Some Rough Edges, But Still A Great Game
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth on Nintendo Switch 2 offers an engaging JRPG experience despite some visual and performance compromises. The port retains the expansive open world, deep combat system, and heartfelt story of the original, making it a strong addition to the Switch 2's library. While resolution is soft and frame rates can dip, the overall immersion remains high, especially in portable mode.
Review: Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn Edition Is a Pristine Port
Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn Edition is a well-executed port for the Nintendo Switch, offering a smooth experience with its active combat system and impressive visuals. The complete package includes the base game and its expansion, providing a strong JRPG experience that runs admirably at 30fps in handheld mode, though it doesn't match the performance of the PlayStation 5 version.
