Summary
Rockstaris one of themost beloved video game developersaround. The amazing open-world games developed by this company are in a class of their own, letting players embark on epic adventures full of violence and bloodshed.
These games feature compelling combat systems, with fans loving the number of options they have in ranged combat. However, players who want to get up close and personal with their foes will be satisfied by the melee combat in some ofRockstar’s best titles, even if it plays second-fiddle to the gunfights that can be enjoyed.
Many gamers love thatRed Dead Redemptionlets them take on enemies with their fists, using grapples and dodges to knock their enemies out. However, melee combat is a death sentence in tense shootouts and should only be a last resort.
Even if players knock enemies down with their fists, a Hunting Knife is needed to finish the job. Otherwise, characters just get back up for another beating, which can take the wind out of the player’s sails. Thankfully, this is a relatively minor complaint, with melee combat being pretty fun inRed Dead Redemptiondespite its limited applications.
One thingGrand Theft Auto 4excelled in was letting players enjoy a fun melee combat system, and it’s a shame that the sequel was a huge downgrade in this regard. Aside from a scene at the start of the game where players beat down Simeon as Michael to teach him a lesson, there’s no real reason to engage in melee combat.
However, it’s a testament tothe impressive systems at work inGrand Theft Auto 5that even this downgraded melee combat system is engaging in its own right. Gamers will love socking smart-mouthed NPCs and beating them to a pulp inGrand Theft Auto 5, even if they have to bolt when the police arrive to arrest them.
While the vibes ofManhuntmay be superior to its successor, the combat is better inManhunt 2. Players will love sneaking up behind their enemies and carrying out brutal executions based on how long they “charged” their kill.
The melee combat is a last resort that players must rely on if they get spotted. They can use either their fists or melee weapons to beat enemies to a pulp if they’re spotted. It may feel clunky, but this is intentional given how players are supposed to bestealthy in their approachinstead of attracting as much noise as possible.
L.A. Noirelets players explore Los Angelesin the late 1940s as they solve a string of cases. Detective Cole Phelps is a compelling character who does everything in his power to solve a string of serial killings, even after facing pushback in his department.
Melee combat in this game feels great, with players smacking suspects around if they’re being uncooperative. While Cole can always pull out his firearm if things get too dire, there are times when he must engage in melee combat and use his fighting skills to incapacitate suspects instead.
Grand Theft Auto 4was a huge step forward for the series, leaving behind the 3D universe and letting players enjoy aGTAgame in a brand-new engine.The urban sprawl of Liberty Cityis a joy to explore, with Niko trying to make a name for himself and earn a ton of cash during his time there.
What comes as a surprise is how deep the melee combat is, with players being able to pull off combos that end in ruthless backfists and powerful overhead kicks. Given that the mo-cap for the melee combat was done by the legendary Bas Rutten himself, it’s easy to see why these moves look so impactful.
Since players control a teenager inBullywho shouldn’t be within fifteen feet of a firearm, it’s easy to see why melee combat is a huge focus in the game. Sure, players have some ranged weapons to rely on, but Jimmy’s fists will usually do the talking for him in most encounters.
Players can unleash combos and grapple their foes, acquiring more moves after going to the gym or learning them from others. In no time, Jimmy can become a master of melee combat, punishing anyone who even looks at him in the wrong way.
For a game thatprides itself on its cinematic firefights, it’s amazing how fleshed out the combat inRed Dead Redemption 2is. Even though a lot of combat moves are contextual, that takes nothing away from how amazing a fistfight feels when Arthur readies a punch.
Players can unleash simple combos, block enemy attacks, deliver counters, and tackle enemies to break their guard. The combat system is deceptively complex and not explained all that well, meaning that players must experiment with it by getting into fistfights and seeing what Arthur is capable of.
The Warriorsis one of themost underrated Rockstar games ever made. It’s a shame that not many gamers have heard of this fun beat ‘em up title, which boasts what is arguably the best melee combat system that players can enjoy in a Rockstar game.
Weak attacks, strong attacks, grapples, throws, and weapons are all present in the game, and they all serve to spice up the melee combat. This makes for an impressive integration of a close-range combat system, and it’s a shame that it hasn’t been experienced by more people.
