Quick definition:A style of action game or play focused on fast, close-range combat, in which the player cuts through large numbers of enemies with swords or other melee weapons.
Meaning
Hack and slash describes games that centre on rapid melee combat. The player controls a warrior who moves through levels, defeating waves of enemies with swords, axes or similar weapons, often using combinations of attacks, blocks and special moves.
The name comes from a play style in which fighting is the main activity. In video games, it is used loosely for action games and for action role-playing games that stress combat and collecting loot, such as better weapons and armour, over deep conversation or exploration.
Boundaries are blurred. Some hack and slash games use fixed camera angles with crowds of foes, while others allow free movement in three dimensions, and the style often overlaps with the beat 'em up genre. Fans enjoy the satisfying feeling of cutting down opponents in quick succession and of gradually improving their character's power.
Origin:The phrase comes from tabletop role-playing games, where it described a style of play centred on fighting and looting rather than story or puzzles. Video games later applied it to action titles built around melee combat against many enemies. The exact first use of the phrase is hard to trace.
Example:Entering a ruined fortress, Dara swings her axe through a crowd of skeletons, chaining quick attacks and dodging blows. Enemies fall by the dozen, dropping coins and armour pieces. By the end of the hall, she has collected enough to upgrade her weapon, and she heads towards the next room without stopping.
Did you know?The label is sometimes used critically for games thought to be repetitive, but it is also embraced by fans who enjoy the rhythm of combat. It overlaps with the beat 'em up and the action role-playing game.
