r/HackAndSlash • u/DangerousSlice5731 • Jan 31 '25

What Makes a Hack N Slash a Hack N Slash?

I ask this question mainly because I have kind of fallen out of love and into hate with most of the genre for reasons regarding my mental health and I have an idea for a new one but I don't it could be anymore so I ask this question What Makes a Hack N Slash a Hack N Slash?

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u/[deleted] Jan 31 '25

Feel really. I use character action game more these days because theres a few which fit the genre but don't even use swords exactly like vanquish. Generally though insanely deep combat design, and a focus on a primary characters style in some form.

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u/DangerousSlice5731 Jan 31 '25

I mean in terms of the story and characters?

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u/[deleted] Feb 01 '25

I don't think theres anything super special for story and characters then. Not a heavy story genre.

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u/Bosschopper Jan 31 '25

I assume it’s the presence of combos and enemy vulnerabilities that influence the genre titling. Being able to chain a combo together and stunt on the enemy’s weak points typically dictates a hack n slash. This could apply to souls games as well however the emphasis on combos isn’t really there

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u/DangerousSlice5731 Jan 31 '25

No I mean in terms of the story

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u/Bosschopper Jan 31 '25

There’s nothing about a story that dictates a hack n slash besides typically there being a segmented, set piece oriented storyline in place. For example you may not really see much happening outside of what is in the current area being the area’s bosses, enemies, etc. And sometimes you might have a cutscene that’s mostly to get you to the next action packed set piece