Players Like...

❤ Realistic and Authentic Swordplay

The game utilizes motion capture data from real-life Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) practitioners to faithfully recreate the techniques and movements of historical sword fighting styles, such as the use of sabres, rapiers, longswords, and other period-accurate weapons. Players with HEMA experience frequently comment on how the combat mechanics closely mirror the tactics, footwork, and timing required in real-world fencing.

❤ Challenging and Skill-Based Gameplay

Players must rely on proper technique, timing, and strategy to succeed, rather than memorizing complex combo inputs. The game's steep learning curve requires players to learn to use the four different attack angles, manage their stamina, and adapt to their opponent's style in order to emerge victorious in the quick, lethal duels. This emphasis on skill over raw technique sets the game apart from more button-mashing oriented fighting games.

❤ Responsive Controls and Physics

The game maps the four attack angles to the gamepad buttons, creating a responsive and intuitive control scheme. Combined with the physics-based combat system that utilizes active ragdoll mechanics, this provides a sense of direct, visceral interaction between the player and their character. Reviewers highlight the weight and momentum in the characters' movements as feeling true to life.

❤ Deadly and Impactful Combat

Duels can often be decided in a single, well-placed strike, leading to dramatically sudden and violent conclusions. This heightens the tension and stakes of each encounter, as players must be cautious and deliberate in their approach. The game's depiction of graphic, realistic injuries and dismemberment further reinforces the consequences of failure, contributing to an exhilarating, high-stakes experience.

❤ Versatile and Balanced Weapon Archetypes

The current roster of playable characters, each wielding a different historical European weapon type, offers a diverse and well-balanced set of playstyles. From the long-reaching rapier to the powerful longsword, each fighting style has distinct advantages and disadvantages that players must learn to exploit or counter. This variety, combined with the game's physics-driven combat, leads to a high degree of nuance and interplay between the different weapon classes.