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Exploring the need for lateral movement in melee combat

Melee Combat Mechanics | Players Question Lack of Sideways Movement

By

Sophie Patel

Aug 26, 2025, 09:51 PM

Edited By

Marco Silva

2 minutes of duration

A fighter lunges sideways with a sword, showcasing lateral movement in a combat stance

A recent discussion among gamers raises eyebrows over the limited lateral movement options in melee stances. Many players are questioning why the game lacks vibrant sideways strategies, sparking debate about potential improvements from developers at Digital Extremes.

Context of the Discussion

In a forum post, players pointed out that existing melee combos primarily focus on forward movement. Comments suggest it might be worth exploring creative ways to enhance lateral combos. One player noted, "Could DE implement stance animations to introduce lateral movement in melee?"

Technical Challenges in Animation

Several contributors highlighted technical difficulties as a major hurdle for developers. As one user expressed, "This is technically unfeasible as DE would have to make animations for both directions." Many players feel that the animation team is already under pressure, contributing to concerns about possible delays in updates.

Mixed Reactions Surrounding Weapon Mechanics

While some users expressed frustration, others shared their positive experiences. A comment by another user stated, "Sparring weapons with brutal tide do a forward kick/roll for a slide attack that I actually find really nice to use." This indicates that while the mechanics may be limiting, players are still discovering ways to adapt and enjoy their gameplay.

Key Themes from User Feedback

  1. Limited Movement Options: Players feel that existing combos restrict tactical gameplay.

  2. Animation Feasibility Concerns: Many believe that adding new animations poses substantial challenges for the development team.

  3. Alternative Strategies: Some players have found creative workarounds for movement, offering fresh perspectives.

"Using the butt scooch technique, you can get a small amount of omni-directional movement by tapping crouch during a combo," one user mentioned, showcasing a makeshift solution to the issue.

Key Takeaways

  • โฏˆ Gamers are pushing for better lateral options in melee combat.

  • โฏˆ Development concerns highlight animation challenges for Digital Extremes.

  • โฏˆ Players are finding unique ways to engage with current mechanics despite limitations.

As excitement builds around the potential for gameplay improvement, one question resonates: Will developers heed the call for enhanced melee combat dynamics?

The conversation continues, with gamers hopeful for updates that will expand their combat strategies in the future.

The Road Ahead for Melee Combat Mechanics

As the conversation around lateral movement in melee combat progresses, there's a strong chance that Digital Extremes could introduce updates to enhance gameplay options. Experts estimate that if substantial pressure from players continues, developers may prioritize lateral combos in future updates, addressing the concerns about animation feasibility. Given the player interest and the potential for increased engagement, we might see a significant shift within the next few months that expands current mechanics. Yet, many believe that a rushed approach could lead to subpar outcomes, so a balanced development timeline will likely be key in achieving quality enhancements.

Uncommon Threads in Gaming Evolution

This situation mirrors the growth of fighting mechanics in early 2000s platform games, such as the introduction of air-dash techniques in fighting franchises. Initially met with skepticism due to animation constraints, those mechanics eventually became vital for gameplay dynamics. Just as those games found a way to evolve and adapt, it's possible that Digital Extremes will recognize the need for lateral diversity and innovate their melee combat system. This history showcases how player feedback can transform gameplay, creating a cycle of improvement that could ultimately redefine how the community engages with the game.