RPG Studios Embrace Sekiro's Combat Innovations
In the realm of soulslike games, titles such as Wo Long and Lies of P have already adopted Sekiro's hallmark features, notably its parrying system. The Resident Evil 4 Remake also integrated a similar mechanic, showcasing the versatility and appeal of Sekiro's approach to combat. However, the latest news reveals a more intriguing evolution: BioWare and Obsidian are now infusing their upcoming projects with elements inspired by Sekiro.
At the heart of Sekiro's combat innovations lies its focus on parrying rather than dodging, along with a stagger meter that operates alongside player and enemy health points. This shift not only introduced a more satisfying rhythm to battles but also made the combat experience more forgiving compared to the punishing nature of Dark Souls. The stagger mechanic further incentivized aggressive play, allowing players to capitalize on precise timing to deplete an enemy's health effectively.
Recent gameplay showcases from BioWare's Dragon Age: The Veilguard reveal a commitment to these mechanics. A new combat video highlights how parries can lead to devastating counterattacks, with players able to enhance their builds for additional fire damage after successful parries. This integration of action-oriented gameplay with BioWare's traditional buildcrafting is generating excitement among fans.
According to insights from WccfTech, the parry system in Veilguard will offer distinct experiences for different character classes. Warriors will face a more challenging parry window but gain the ability to block attacks with shields, while Rogues will enjoy a more forgiving parry window at the cost of shield defense. Meanwhile, Obsidian's Avowed, although not featuring timed blocks based on its recent demo, is also embracing a stagger mechanic, allowing players to weaken enemies through sustained attacks.
This shift marks a significant departure from the past, when BioWare and Obsidian's action RPGs often felt sluggish and cumbersome. Titles like Jade Empire and Alpha Protocol struggled to find their footing, as the studios navigated their identities between tactical and action-oriented gameplay. With BioWare's evolution away from tactical RPGs and Obsidian's cautious approach following the mixed reception of Pillars of Eternity 2, the integration of Sekiro's mechanics may herald a new era for both studios.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, the infusion of action elements into RPG frameworks presents a promising avenue for innovation. While some action games dilute their core mechanics with convoluted RPG systems, the reverse approach—where RPG developers draw inspiration from the best action games—could yield exciting results. The anticipation surrounding BioWare and Obsidian's upcoming titles suggests that the legacy of Sekiro may very well shape the future of action RPGs.