Hack and slash,also known ashack and slay(H&SorHnS) orslash 'em up,[1][2]refers to a type ofgameplaythat emphasizes combat withmelee-based weapons (such as swords or blades). They may also feature projectile-based weapons as well (such as guns) as secondary weapons. It is a sub-genre ofbeat 'em upgames, which focuses on melee combat, usually with swords.Third-personhack and slash games are also sometimes known ascharacter action gamesandspectacle fighters.
The term "hack and slash" was originally used to describe a play style intabletop role-playing games,carrying over from there toMUDs,massively multiplayer online role-playing games,androle-playing video games.Inarcadeandconsolestyle action video games, the term has an entirely different usage, specifically referring to action games with a focus onreal-timecombat withhand-to-handweapons as opposed to guns or fists. The two types of hack-and-slash games are largely unrelated, thoughaction role-playing gamesmay combine elements of both.
Types of hack-and-slash games
editAction video games
editIn the context ofaction video games,the terms "hack and slash" or "slash 'em up"[1][2]refer to melee weapon-based action games that are a sub-genre ofbeat 'em ups.Traditional 2Dside-scrollingexamples includeTaito'sThe Legend of Kage(1985)[2]andRastan(1987),[1][3]Sega'sarcade video gameseriesShinobi(1987 debut)[1][4]andGolden Axe(1989 debut),[5][6]Data East's arcade gameCaptain Silver(1987),[1]Tecmo's earlyNinja Gaiden(Shadow Warriors) 2D games (1988 debut),[1]Capcom'sStrider(1989),[2][7]the SegaMaster SystemgameDanan: The Jungle Fighter(1990),[1]Taito'sSaint Sword(1991),[1]Vivid Image's home computer gameFirst Samurai(1991),[2]andVanillaware'sDragon's Crown(2013).[4]The term "hack-and-slash" in reference toaction-adventure gamesdates back to 1987, whenComputer EntertainerreviewedThe Legend of Zeldaand said it had "more to offer than the typical hack-and-slash" epics.[8]
In the early 21st century, journalists covering the video game industry often use the term "hack and slash" to refer to a distinct genre of3D,third-person,weapon-based, melee action games. Examples include Capcom'sDevil May Cry,Onimusha,andSengoku Basara[9]franchises,Koei Tecmo'sDynasty Warriorsand 3DNinja Gaidengames,Sony'sGenji: Dawn of the SamuraiandGod of War,as well asBayonetta,Darksiders,Dante's Inferno,[10][11][12]andNo More Heroes.The genre is sometimes known as "character action" games, and represent a modern evolution of traditional arcade action games. This subgenre of games was largely defined byHideki Kamiya,creator ofDevil May CryandBayonetta.[13]In turn,Devil May Cry(2001) was influenced by earlier hack-and-slash games, includingOnimusha: Warlords(2001)[14]andStrider.[15]
Role-playing games
editThe term "hack and slash" itself has roots in "pen and paper"role-playing gamessuch asDungeons & Dragons(D&D), denotingcampaignsof violence with no other plot elements or significant goal. The term itself dates at least as far back as 1980, as shown in aDragonarticle byJean WellsandKim Mohanwhich includes the following statement: "There is great potential for more than hacking and slashing inD&DorAD&D;there is the possibility of intrigue, mystery and romance involving both sexes, to the benefit of all characters in a campaign. "[16]
Hack and slash made the transition from the tabletop torole-playing video games,usually starting inD&D-like worlds.[17]This form of gameplay influenced a wide range ofaction role-playing games,including games such asXanadu[18]andDiablo.[19]
See also
edit
- Action role-playing game
- Beat 'em up
- Dungeon crawl
- List of beat 'em ups,including hack-and-slash games
- Powergaming
- Roguelike
- Slasher film
References
edit- ^abcdefgh"Complete Games Guide".Mean Machines.No. 20 (28 April 1992). May 1992. pp. 6, 14, 18, 20, 22, 26.
- ^abcde"First Samurai".Computer and Video Games.No. 121 (December 1991). 15 November 1991. pp. 28–30.
- ^Reed, Kristan (4 January 2007)."Taito Legends Power-Up".Eurogamer.Retrieved11 April2021.
- ^abGass, Zach (11 May 2020)."10 Awesome Hack and Slash Games That Aren't God of War".Screen Rant.Retrieved11 April2021.
- ^Greg Kasavin (30 November 2006)."Golden Axe Review".GameSpot. Archived fromthe originalon 4 February 2009.Retrieved7 October2008.
- ^Patrick Shaw (16 May 2008)."Golden Axe: Beast Rider".GamePro. Archived fromthe originalon 17 October 2008.Retrieved7 October2008.
- ^Weiss, Brett (9 July 2018).Classic Home Video Games, 1989-1990: A Complete Guide to Sega Genesis, Neo Geo and TurboGrafx-16 Games.McFarland & Company.p. 206.ISBN978-0-7864-9231-2.
- ^"Nintendo Software"(PDF).Computer Entertainer.Vol. 6, no. 5. August 1987. p. 12.Archived(PDF)from the original on 23 November 2019.
- ^"The Story behind Development of" Sengoku BASARA "".Capcom. 24 December 2015.
- ^"Dante's Inferno Review - UGO".5 November 2013. Archived fromthe originalon 5 November 2013.
- ^Freeman, Will (6 June 2021)."Heavenly Sword Review".VideoGamer.Archivedfrom the original on 25 May 2022.Retrieved10 March2024.
- ^Pementel, Michael (7 January 2019)."A Timeless Hack And Slash Historical Adventure: Remembering 'Onimusha: Warlords'".Bloody Disgusting.Retrieved11 August2021.
- ^Hovermale, Chris (10 March 2019)."How Devil May Cry's arcade inspirations shaped character action games".Destructoid.Retrieved30 April2021.[permanent dead link]
- ^"Afterthoughts: Devil May Cry".Electronic Gaming Monthly.December 2001. p. 56.Retrieved9 March2024.
- ^Fahey, Rob (1 January 2007)."Strider 1/2".Eurogamer.net.Retrieved9 August2020.
- ^Wells, Jean;Mohan, Kim(July 1980). "Women want equality - and why not?".Dragon #39.V(1). TSR Hobbies, Inc.: 16.
- ^David Myers."The attack of the backstories (and why they won't win)"(PDF).Loyola University New Orleans.Archived fromthe original(PDF)on 1 December 2008.
- ^"Hack and Slash: What Makes a Good Action RPG?".1UP.18 May 2010. Archived fromthe originalon 29 June 2011.Retrieved2 March2011.
- ^Kruse, Cord (5 September 2008)."Diablo III: Timeline, Expanded RPG Elements, iTunes D3 Music".Inside Mac Games.Archived fromthe originalon 6 June 2019.Retrieved7 October2008.