Update: there’s now a combat demo!
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The combat is based on Roguelike movement, where you go and then everyone else goes. This removes your reactions completely from the equation, and allows characters to move different speeds whilst still giving you time to think. It works by giving each character ‘turns’ in quick succession, which each replenish 10 energy. Once energy reaches 100, the character gets a chance to act. Moving one square or attacking will cost between 80 and 120 energy, depending on how heavy your weapon is. Several characters may move before you get a chance to move again. This also means that some characters with lighter weapons will get a free turn every few turns, which can make all the difference.
When choosing an attack, you can move the mouse over your opponent to see when the last attack was. Try and choose an attack that gives you an advantage. Choose a Counter if they made a Attack, choose a Feint for a Counter, or choose a straight Attack for a Feint. If they don’t get to react before you make your attack, or if they choose the wrong attack at the same time as you, then you will gain an advantage, which will give you +1 to your next move. These advantages stack, so you can end up having a +3, +5 or even a +10 attack if you continue to play the correct moves. Beware though, one wrong move and you’ve lost your whole advantage. If your opponent doesn’t play any attack against you then the attack is counted as ‘unopposed’ which gives you a hefty bonus.
Other modifiers include the strength of your weapon, your own strength, and whether you have to turn to make the attack. Counters and Feints are also less powerful, but they’re still better to play them correctly than just attack all the time.
Once your modifiers has been added together, the game rolls two six-sided dice for you and adds the total modifier. You need to roll 15 for the most powerful critical hits (which will usually end the fight), 13 for a major hit, and 9 for a minor hit (Nick or a Graze). Everything else will miss. Obviously without any modifier you can’t do more than make minor hits, but as you gain advantage you’ll be able to drop your opponent quickly. Depending on where you end up attacking (High, Medium or Low) these attacks will do different types of damage. Some attacks will cause characters to lose a limb or eye, or suffer a fatal wound, which might take a few turns to take effect. If a character loses vision or hearing they might also turn and run from the fight.
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I suggest you choose a smaller weapon the first time you play. Larger weapons are much more powerful but slow you down and you might get outmanoeuvred. It’s important not to get surrounded and suffer unopposed attacks - it’s easy to bring someone down who isn’t defending themselves properly. If you’re quick on your feet, you’ll be able to Counter an Attack that’s already been played against you. Keep an eye on what others are doing around you - a quick strike behind might take down an enemy quickly. Use your allies as human shields, and use the obstacles in the world to your advantage to stop yourself getting surrounded!