Melee Combat
Ongoing coverage on Melee Combat.
Latest coverage
Control Resonant might be a new direction for the studio, but it still feels like a Remedy game at heart
Control Resonant shifts the series towards a melee-focused action RPG, starring Dylan Faden exploring the outside world after his brother Jesse's adventures. Lead Gameplay Designer Sergey Mohov explains the new direction, emphasizing aggressive combat and a fresh perspective for newcomers. Despite some clunky platforming and less interesting open-world sections compared to the original's Oldest House, the preview highlights Remedy's signature blend of narrative, character work, and set pieces.
Preview: Like a Greatest Hits Game, Remedy Peaks in Control Resonant
Remedy Entertainment's upcoming title, Control Resonant, shifts focus from Jesse Faden to her brother Dylan, introducing a new emphasis on melee combat and a narrative blending live-action FMV with gameplay. The preview highlights the game's experimental approach, combining elements from Alan Wake 2's storytelling with Control's combat and movement. Control Resonant is set to release on September 24, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
From its electric melee fights to its surprise Firewatch nods, Control Resonant's radical sequelcraft looks like it might just pay off
Control Resonant's preview build showcases a significant evolution from its predecessor, focusing on fast-paced melee combat with Dylan Faden wielding a shapeshifting weapon. The game expands on the supernatural elements and unique environmental design, moving from the Oldest House to a stylized New York City. Influences from games like Devil May Cry and Batman Arkham are apparent, with Remedy aiming for a proactive, aggressive combat style and a narrative driven by the dynamic between Dylan and his handler, Zoe, drawing inspiration from Firewatch.
Control Resonant Hands-on Preview - Manhattan falls
Remedy Entertainment's upcoming game, Control Resonant, shifts focus to a melee-centric combat system starring Dylan, Jesse Faden's brother. A hands-on preview reveals fast-paced, agile combat with various weapon forms and special abilities, set in a Hiss-infested Manhattan. Control Resonant is set to launch on September 24, 2026, for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
Protagonist Complex one – Beta Demo | Alpha Beta Gamer
Protagonist Complex One is a fast-paced action game featuring sharp melee combat and strategic resource management. The game emphasizes split-second decisions and flawless execution, set in a visually striking world with vibrant graphics and an electronic soundtrack. A beta demo is available for download on Steam.
Round Up: Stranger Than Heaven Makes a Strong Impression with Its Unique Melee Combat
SEGA and RGG Studio's upcoming action-adventure game, Stranger Than Heaven, is generating buzz for its unique melee combat system, which allows players to control the protagonist's left and right sides independently. While some previews praise the system's depth and potential, others express reservations about its execution and camera control. The game is set to release on PlayStation 5 early next year and features a cast including Snoop Dogg and the late Tupac Shakur.
Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy devs learned to make melee combat on the job
Asobo Studio, developers of Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy, discussed the challenges of implementing melee combat for the first time. Lead level designer Valérian Robert explained that the team drew inspiration from games like Ghost of Tsushima, Sekiro, and Sifu to develop their combat mechanics. The game focuses on Sophia using speed and environmental interactions to defeat armored soldiers, aiming for a balance between challenging and accessible gameplay.
HYPERSTRANGE Steam Publisher Sale blazing Alongside Heavy Metal Slasher “Slaughter Void” Launch and New Game Reveals
HYPERSTRANGE is holding a publisher sale on Steam, coinciding with the launch of their new heavy metal slasher game, Slaughter Void. The sale also features new game reveals and DLC releases, including Blood West's Scavengers DLC and the official reveal of Elderborn Vengeance. Upcoming titles like Bloodwoven, Raining Lead, Derelikt, and Jupiter Hell Classic were also showcased.
Stealth's been replaced with scrappy swordfighting in Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy, but what I really miss are the rat swarms
Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy shifts from stealth to melee combat, drawing inspiration from games like Sekiro and Sifu. The preview showcases Sophia's scrappy fighting style, utilizing environmental hazards and a grappling hook. While the game features environmental puzzles and hints at the return of the Macula plague, the absence of the signature rat swarms leaves the reviewer wanting more unique elements.
Plague Tale's prequel makes serious moves for the Uncharted and Tomb Raider crown – after one chapter of Resonance I'm eager for more adventuring
Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy shifts from the grim medieval setting of its predecessors to a sun-drenched Mediterranean, focusing on a younger, more capable Sophia. This prequel emphasizes third-person action, puzzles, and melee combat, drawing comparisons to Uncharted and Tomb Raider. Developed by Asobo Studio and published by Focus Entertainment, the game is set for a 2026 release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X.
Armatus, the demonic roguelite where you start strong and just get stronger, is coming this winter
The third-person roguelite Armatus, developed by Counterplay Games and published by Fictions, is set to launch this winter for PC. The game features a blend of melee combat, guns, demons, and a roguelite loop where players are encouraged to feel powerful from the start. A new trailer was revealed at the PC Gaming Show, showcasing the warrior protagonist tearing through a ruined city.
ILL is the most violent horror game I've ever seen, it makes Resident Evil and Dying Light look kinda cute
The upcoming horror game ILL, developed by Team Clout, is described as one of the most violent games seen, drawing comparisons to Resident Evil and Dying Light for its gory melee and shooter action. The game features detailed anatomical damage, similar to Dead Island 2's FLESH system, and appears to blend elements from various popular horror titles. ILL is slated for release in 2027.
Control Resonant Hands-On Preview: No Guns, No Problem for This Melee-Action Sequel
Control Resonant is a melee-focused sequel to the physics-driven third-person shooter Control. Early impressions suggest a potent mix of familiar elements with a new combat focus.
Remedy says Control Resonant's shapeshifting weapon was conceptualized for the first game when it considered enabling Jesse's gun to turn into a sword — 'We really needed to make sure that this is something that works and is fun on a very visceral level'
Remedy Entertainment discusses the development of Control Resonant's melee-focused combat, emphasizing the need for a visceral and fun experience. The idea for a shapeshifting melee weapon originated during the development of the original Control, with the concept being refined for Dylan's character in the new game.
007 First Light Review 🍸
007 First Light offers a promising start to a new James Bond game series, blending stealth and action with a focus on environmental interaction and visceral melee combat. While the game features impressive location variety and fun gadget use, it suffers from repetitive linear segments, unimpressive graphics, and a lack of checkpoints. Despite these drawbacks, the approximately 15-hour campaign provides enjoyable moments that feel true to the franchise.
Sleeping Dogs May Never Get The Sequel It Deserves, But Here’s The Next Best Thing
While a sequel to Sleeping Dogs seems unlikely due to past sales and the closure of developer United Front Games, the combat in IO Interactive's 007 First Light offers a spiritual successor to the beloved brawling mechanics of the 2012 open-world classic. The game's focus on improvised melee combat and environmental takedowns evokes the brutal, satisfying fights that made Sleeping Dogs a cult favorite.
007 First Light Review – Youth In Revolt
007 First Light offers a thrilling James Bond experience, blending stealth and action with a compelling original story and a younger, more flawed Bond. Developed by IO Interactive, the game draws parallels to the Hitman series in its social engineering and infiltration mechanics, but excels with its dynamic combat and gadget use. While driving sections and some puzzle segments slightly hinder pacing, the overall package delivers an authentic and exciting new take on the iconic spy.
Lineage Piece Tier List – Weapon, Melee & More [Gilgamesh]
This article provides a tier list ranking for Lineage Piece, covering weapon and melee categories. It aims to help players understand the best options within the game.
Scott Miller, founder of Apogee, has over 1,000 hours in World of Warcraft and always plays a warrior in any RPG: 'I like to get right in their face and pound away'
Scott Miller, founder of Apogee Software, discusses his extensive career in gaming and his current gaming habits. He has over 1,000 hours in World of Warcraft and prefers playing warrior characters in RPGs. Miller also shares his thoughts on recently played games like Far Far West, The Drifter, and Stray, and his ongoing work with Apogee Entertainment.
Bohemia Interactive and Destructive Creations Announce Nailcrown
Bohemia Interactive and Destructive Creations have partnered to develop Nailcrown, a dark-fantasy first-person shooter combining boomer-shooter elements with melee combat. Bohemia Interactive's publishing label, Bohemia Incubator, will support Destructive Creations in bringing the game, which features single-player, co-op, and PvP modes, to market.
