The evolution of combat systems throughout the years has captured the attention of players. Although not every game has combat, an effective battle system can make or break a game. Action-adventure, role-playing, fighting, and platformer games often contain a combat system that is unique and defining. They can immerse players into a video game in an uncanny way.
The PlayStation 4 shipped more units than any other platform of its generation. With an abundance of games to choose from, some of the combat systems truly stood out. A combat system can look like swordplay, firefights, or hand-hand clashes. Let's see which PlayStation 4 gems contained the best combat systems.
10 Mortal Kombat 11
As a fighting game, Mortal Kombat 11 relies on an effective combat system. The Mortal Kombat series is known for it's over the top violence, which has been a recurring theme since its early days on platforms like the Sega Genesis. Following suit, Mortal Kombat 11 is the most violent game in franchise history. One can develop their muscle memory by playing a game like Mortal Kombat 11. It is the quintessential example of a PlayStation 4 fighting game because of its robust combat system.
9 Horizon Zero Dawn
Guerrilla Games' Horizon Zero Dawn became an instant classic with a wide array of enemies to fight and an intuitive combat system. Ranged weapons prove to be a valuable asset in the game. Exploiting the weak spots of machines is an easy way for progression. The melee combat is an area of the game that could've been improved further. The nuance of bashing a machine with a stick soon wears off. Overall, the combat system is decent, which is why we'll be back for the sequel.
8 Batman: Arkham Knight
The Batman: Arkham series wasn't the first to have time-based button pressing to combat foes. However, it was one of the earliest to adopt the combat system. Since the first Batman: Arkham game, Batman: Arkham Asylum, the combat system has been reused in various games, including Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor. Other PlayStation 4 games later trumped this intuitive way to fight in a game.
7 Spider-Man
Marvel's Spider-Man for PlayStation 4 adopted a combat system reminiscent of the Batman: Arkham series. Things soon change as you progress in the game. A wide array of special abilities is what makes Spider-Man for PlayStation 4 a masterpiece. Healing, finishers, and gadgets come with a slight learning curve. Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales expanded on the move set even more, even if the Batman: Arkham series was an inspiration for the combat type.
6 Nier: Automata
The combat system of Nier: Automata is anything but linear. Players shift from the perspective of third-person, to shoot 'em up, to sidescrolling throughout the game. Nier: Automata looks like a generic third-person shooter at face value, but it is so much more.
In many ways, Nier: Automata is like Devil May Cry, but perhaps more combat variation. It's also like Dark Souls since when you die, you can return to your death site to retrieve gear. Nier: Automata deserves placement among the best combat systems because of its confounding nature.
5 Nioh 2
There was once a time when Shadow of the Colossus would have been the top game on this list. Nowadays, games like Nioh 2 contain colossal bosses and a more intuitive combat system. Nioh 2 can be played in cooperative mode, where players have to work together to defeat Yokai. Yokai are spirits and demons in Japanese folklore. Some appear within a dark realm, called a Yokai Realm, which can affect your ability to perceive the present.
4 Ghost Of Tsushima
Developer Sucker Punch Productions has set a new precedent with Ghost Of Tsushima. This game came out near the end of the PlayStation 4's production, and it is one of the most in-depth games on the platform.
People have compared Ghost of Tsushima to games like Ninja Gaiden, Dark Souls, and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. It wouldn't be a stretch to say it's a combination of many games. As a ghost and samurai, you use assassin techniques, face-to-face duels, and ranged attacks. Ghost of Tsushima is continually presenting you with options to tackle a situation.
3 Bloodborne
FromSoftware is renowned for combat systems that have a steep learning curve. Although some would argue FromSoftware's games involve dodging and striking, there is much more beneath the surface.
This action role-playing game pits you against powerful foes. You'll have to forage for resources while upgrading your gear along the way. It was released way back in 2015, yet Bloodborne has a unique combat system that is hard to replicate.
2 God Of War
2018's God of War is nothing short of godlike. The loot system is reminiscent of games like Diablo 3, but God of War plays from over the shoulder rather than from the top-down perspective. This is a highly acclaimed game that is placed among the greatest games of all time. When it's not tossing an assortment of enemies you have to beat strategically, it puts you in boss fights against enemies like the God of Light Baldur. The fluidity of the combat system is a masterclass.
1 Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
In Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, players play as a shinobi named Wolf, who sets out to rescue his lord from evil forces. The game is considered an action-adventure, yet it does contain role-playing game elements.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice won the Game of the Year award at The Game Awards. It has excellent all-around gameplay, including a phenomenal combat system. The grappling hook plays well into the gameplay. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is continually presenting greater challenges throughout the game.