Video games have evolved to the point where frame-perfect inputs have reached an all-time peak. As a result, we've got Parrying. We're no longer taking turns in combat or waiting for our ATB gauges to fill; we’re in the age of real-time action, where reflexes are everything.
Parrying in games has never been this satisfying, especially when deflecting attacks from a major boss or a particularly tough enemy. It's addictive, even when dodging might technically be the safer option. It’s like a rush, and you just can’t quit.
Here are five games that make excellent use of their parry mechanics:
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
If one game has mastered the art of parrying, it’s FromSoftware’s award-winning Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. From a studio known for its brutal and unforgiving action-RPG format, it was a fantastic move to see an attempt at a Tenchu-like game with a responsive parry system.
Sekiro felt like a rhythm game most of the time, even as you face off against immortal abominations like the Guardian Ape or the legendary Sword Saint, Isshin, parrying felt like something you’re meant to do. Dodging was unnecessary as parrying yielded more rewards due to the game’s Stagger Meter.
Nine Sols
Sekiro also gave birth to a handful of Soulslikes that have taken inspiration from its lore and mechanics. Red Candle Games, developers of Detention and Devotion, have scaled the shoulders of the Giant and made their own Soulslike slash metroidvania with a clear focus on Parrying.
Nine Sols’ combination of Taopunk aesthetics with a deeply satisfying combat system is the right mix. Imagine if Hollow Knight had a parry button, and made it ten times more lore-heavy with fantastic boss fights to boot. That’s Nine Sols.
READ: 'Nine Sols' Proves We No Longer Need 'Silksong'
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Who would’ve thought a turn-based game like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 would deliver one of the most satisfying parry mechanics in a videogame? Nobody did, but we’re thankful Sandfall Interactive has injected a real-time approach to the classic turn-based format.
A true Clair Obscur fanatic avoids dodging like the plague. Parrying is the only solution, even if we’ve fumbled it 10 or 20 times. There’s a sheer satisfaction from simply parrying all of the enemy’s moves, and before they know it, they’ve been hit with a massive counterattack that takes half of their health. (Or just leave the rest to Maelle.)
READ: RPGs You’ll Love If You’re Into Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Lies of P
Neowiz’s Lies of P did something well that not a lot of up-and-coming studios can do. They made a competent soulslike game. It was one of those Soulslike clones that did their homework right. They got the tools and successfully created their version of a dark, gloomy souls-like set around twisted fairy tales.
Parrying felt good in Lies of P, and the satisfaction you get when they get staggered as they’re primed for a fatal attack feels good. My immense joy after taking down Laxasia and that annoying Swamp Monster was a highlight for me. Now I can’t wait for the DLC.
Sifu
Of all the games on this list, Sifu’s parry mechanics demand more than just reflexes; it also requires you to learn about combos like a fighting game. While it is a purely single-player experience, Sifu’s impeccable Kung Fu combat system makes it feel like you’re living in a Donnie Yen or Jackie Chan movie.
Sifu is a challenging game to master, but like all games that require precise button work, once you understand how everything moves, everything will flow seamlessly like water.
There may be more games with a heavy reliance on their parry mechanics, but these five are my personal favorites that have truly mastered this gameplay feature. For more like this, check out Gfinity.
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