5 Most Complex Combat Systems in Gaming

As video games become more and more ambitious, so do their physics and combat systems. This is something we've been able to watch develop for decades now, and it's likely the complexities that tie in with advanced mechanics will only grow in future releases. Take some JRPGs, for example, and how they adopt turn-based combat systems that go way beyond the realm of possibility. Chances are, these are the types of creations that will establish a new generation of state-of-the-art gameplay by the turn of the new decade.

Of course, this isn't to say that the current market is lacking in complex battle systems. The fact is, there are copious amounts of them, and they're often found embroidered on the most unlikely crests. Now, if that is something that piques your interest, and you're one for studying the extensive knowledge that comes with advanced combat, then you'll definitely find sanctuary in these five innovative video games.

5. Yakuza (Series)

As one of the most bizarre video game franchises ever conceived, Yakuza knows how to laugh at itself. That said, there are a select few things that the series also takes seriously. Combat-wise, it's oddly complex, and actually employs far more than the bog-standard beat 'em up title. The reason for its advanced learning curve isn't to throw players off, though, but to sway them towards experimenting with its countless fighting styles and techniques.

Of course, if the series had just the one fighting style to conquer and nothing more, then fans could've mastered it a long, long time ago. Instead, each chapter hurls a variety of them at you, all of which have different offensive and defensive move sets and special abilities. Because of this, a single play through is rarely ever enough to truly grasp a mild understanding of the series' systems.

4. Monster Hunter (Series)

In order to conquer unchartered territory and forge a name in the stars, one must first learn to master the principles of combat. Good thing the combat in series like Monster Hunter isn't overly complex or anything, cough cough. All things considered, it's actually one of the toughest to master in the role-playing genre, made even more difficult by the sheer amount of weapons that are lumbered on you to toy with.

From the moment you make way for your epic journey as an aspiring monster hunter, you'll have to forge and upgrade a number of weapons. On top of general crafting, you'll also have to shovel through mounds of unique mechanics and develop your techniques. Easier said than done, though, as the majority of weapons require a whole lot of hands-on experience just to knuckle in on the fundamentals. To truly master one tool, in particular, you'll have to spend weeks knocking heads with some of the deadliest foes on the continent.

3. For Honor

For Honor employs a combat system similar to the ones seen in the vast majority of the Soulslike series. Mechanically, it hits hard with a harsh learning curve that deals massive amounts of rewards for those who are willing to stick it out. But learning to master any of the four classes, though, can mean embarking on an incredibly monotonous grind that's fueled only by trial and error.

For Honor invites players to plunge into an action-heavy campaign that sees to an influx of adrenaline-fueled encounters. For every victory there's a sudden increase in difficulty, which only leads to a monumental crescendo with hundreds of epic clashes in tow. Its prologue, as simple as it may seem at the time, really is the only chance you'll have to take a breather before embarking on the long and vigorously entertaining conquest ahead.

2. Devil May Cry (Series)

Devil May Cry was built to get the player's creative juices flowing more than anything, as it opened the floodgates to countless combat opportunities that could be tackled in any way shape, or form. And, thanks to the game's impressive arsenal of weapons and techniques, it meant players had the luxury of shifting between styles while on the move.

Of course, the series itself isn't overly complex. If anything, it's the combat that adds a fork in the road, and it's only really once you've perfected the whole palette of tools and techniques that you can actually start enjoying the gameplay. Once mastered, though, players can pretty much hover on cloud nine, bathing in a state of ecstasy as the world yields to an army of one. It's getting a hold on that invincibility status that's the complex part.

1. Tekken (Series)

Sure, it's easy to discard Tekken, or any arcade-style fighting series for that matter. After all, with the vast majority of its players primarily focusing on mashing buttons to secure a victory, it's easy to shrug the saga off as being a reckless brawler with no actual structure. But the fact is, Tekken, along with all of its beat 'em up counterparts, actually have roots that run a lot deeper than most, if not all action role-playing games.

The problem, of course, isn't with the characters themselves, but the lack of patience players have for the move sets each of them employ. Take a gander at any list of commands for any one character, and you'll be surprised at just how many variations one can mince together to form art. It's not that winning a battle is difficult or anything, but to truly compete against the world's greatest, anyone will have to know the combos like the back of their hand. Take into account that Tekken boasts fifty-plus characters all with unique styles and abilities, you've actually got yourself quite a demanding little number.

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our top five? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.