Real-time Combat
Ongoing coverage on Real-time Combat.
Latest coverage
The Metroidvania Genre Owes Credit To Much More Than Castlevania And Metroid
This article explores the origins of the Metroidvania genre, arguing that its roots extend beyond Metroid and Castlevania. It highlights early exploration platformers and RPGs like Aztec and Xanadu: Dragon Slayer 2, as well as Sega's Wonder Boy series, as crucial precursors that introduced key mechanics.
Fallout co-creator says turn-based and real-time RPGs both have "loud vocal advocates" who won't play anything else, so devs can't please everyone
Fallout co-creator Tim Cain discussed the ongoing debate between turn-based and real-time combat in RPGs, noting that both have dedicated fanbases who often refuse to play games with the other system. He suggested that while real-time combat offers faster pacing and player reaction, turn-based combat allows for more tactical depth. Cain also advised developers to choose the combat system that best suits their game's perspective, recommending real-time for first-person RPGs and turn-based for isometric party-based titles.
Even though turn-based and real time RPGs 'have their loud, vocal advocates,' Fallout developer Tim Cain thinks they both have a place in the genre
Legendary developer Tim Cain believes both turn-based and real-time combat systems have their place in role-playing games, rather than viewing them as mutually exclusive. He argues that real-time combat is naturally superior for first-person games and allows for faster pacing, while turn-based combat offers strategic depth. Cain cautions against designing games that allow players to switch between modes due to the significant development effort involved.
Capcom’s best new IP of the current gen was released in 2024 - Reader’s Feature
A reader argues that Capcom's most imaginative new IP of the current generation is Kunitsu-Gami: Path Of The Goddess, released in 2024. The game blends tower defense strategy with real-time combat, tasking players with protecting a priestess. Despite minor flaws like a sometimes tenuous lock-on system, the reader praises its unique design and calls it a triumph.
Queen’s Blade Re:Build announced for Nintendo Switch
Hobby Japan announced that Queen's Blade Re:Build, a real-time roguelite deckbuilder based on the dark fantasy franchise, will be released on Nintendo Switch this fall. The game features fast-paced, real-time card combat and the signature "Armor Break" system.
Brain Hack Squad – Beta Demo | Alpha Beta Gamer
Brain Hack Squad is a real-time tactical combat game where players command a cybernetic hit squad to achieve urban dominance. The game features intense battles, infiltration missions, hacking, and kidnapping, with a tactical pause system for planning moves. Players can customize operatives with cybernetic enhancements and manage an informant network to exploit enemy vulnerabilities.
An extraction party-based RPG with real-time, ability-driven combat set in a dark fantasy world releases a demo on Steam.
The party-based extraction RPG Skills & Raids, developed by solo developer Eddie H. Hinestroza, has released a demo on Steam. The game features real-time, ability-driven combat and a dark fantasy world where players must extract resources, craft gear, and complete quests. The full game is slated for a July 2026 release.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth's director weighs in on the real-time versus turn-based debate, saying that younger players…
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth director Naoki Hamaguchi believes real-time combat is becoming more dominant, with younger players favoring action-oriented gameplay over turn-based mechanics. While acknowledging the universal appeal of strategic thinking in games, he notes the trend towards real-time action in mainstream titles, a shift that has also influenced the Final Fantasy series.
Fleet Hunters demo now available on Steam
Independent developer Gnarly Labs has released a demo for their upcoming PC naval strategy game, Fleet Hunters, on Steam. The demo showcases the game's real-time combat system, which eschews turns for simultaneous player actions. Fleet Hunters is slated for a 2026 release and is built using the Godot engine.
An extraction party-based RPG with real-time, ability-driven combat set in a dark fantasy world announces open beta playtest on Steam.
Solo developer Eddie H. Hinestroza has announced an open beta playtest for his party-based extraction RPG, Skills & Raids, which features real-time, ability-driven combat. The game, developed using Unreal Engine, will launch fully in July 2026, with the beta available on Steam. Hinestroza previously worked as a concept artist for titles including Blackmesa and Maquette, as well as AAA studios like Ubisoft Quebec.
Beast Of Reincarnation Release Date And Everything We Know About Game Freak's Ambitious RPG
Game Freak's ambitious action RPG, Beast of Reincarnation, is set to release on August 4, 2026, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, and will be available on Xbox Game Pass day one. The game features a unique blend of real-time and turn-based combat, following a warrior named Emma and her companion dog Koo in a post-apocalyptic Japan. Director Kota Furushima highlighted the game's focus on the bond between the characters and its departure from Game Freak's previous titles.
Peter Molyneux Returns to His Roots with Masters of Albion, Launching in Early Access on April 22, 2026
Peter Molyneux's studio 22cans has released the launch trailer for Masters of Albion, set to enter Early Access on April 22, 2026, for PC via Steam at $24.99. The game blends city-building, simulation, and real-time combat, drawing inspiration from Molyneux's previous titles like Black & White and Fable. Players will build and manage towns by day and defend them from threats by night.
Temtem: Pioneers World Premiere Announced at the Triple-i Showcase
Crema officially revealed Temtem: Pioneers during the Triple-i Showcase, an open-world survival crafting adventure with creature collecting and real-time action combat. The game will launch on PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store, with console release plans under discussion. A Kickstarter campaign is now live to support the project and offer exclusive rewards.
The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales - Here’s What Comes in Each Edition - IGN
The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales, an HD-2D RPG from Square Enix, will launch on June 18 for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and PC. The game features real-time combat and is available in Standard and Digital Deluxe editions, with various preorder and save data bonuses tied to other Square Enix titles. A demo is currently available on Nintendo Switch.
Hidden Gems of Game Design Vol 45
This article highlights several underappreciated games, including the puzzle game Spooky Express, the genre-bending Jail Dice: Roll to Break, the challenging roguelike shmup Rick Henderson, and the flawed but ambitious MMO Champions of Regnum. Each game is presented with its unique mechanics and appeal, encouraging readers to discover these hidden gems.
