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Exploring the most satisfying parry systems in gaming

Satisfying Parry Systems | What Gamers Are Saying

By

Emma Turner

Feb 3, 2026, 04:20 PM

Edited By

Sofia Wang

3 minutes of duration

A character performing a parry move, blocking an attack with precise timing, surrounded by a dynamic battle scene.
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As the gaming community continues to debate the most satisfying parry systems, players are pointing fingers at indie gems and familiar titles alike. Recent discussions highlight a mix of FromSoftware's classics and rising indie games, sparking varied opinions on what truly makes a parry feel rewarding.

FromSoftware Takes the Lead

FromSoftware's influence is undeniable, particularly with games like Bloodborne and the original Dark Souls. Many users praise Bloodborne for its visceral finishers, while Dark Souls 1 is noted for having an effective parry that can easily exploit certain enemy weaknesses, like defeating black knights with finesse. "I never get sick of pulling off those sweet Viscerals," shared a player.

Indie Alternatives Steal the Spotlight

Interestingly, newcomers are challenging FromSoftwareโ€™s dominance, with titles like Nine Sols, Khazan, and Stellar Blade gaining traction. One gamer mentioned, "Stellar Blade has just such a satisfying parry sound," showcasing how audio feedback can enhance gameplay.

Another player noted the thrilling feel of parrying in Khazan, likening it to a "casino slot machine effect," when executed correctly.

Diverging Opinions on Parry Mechanics

Opinions are not uniform, as some players express criticism, particularly towards Lies of P. One comment read, "I really hated Lies of Pโ€™s parrying, felt indie game-esque and too narrow of a window." This sentiment highlights that not every player agrees on the best mechanics, leading to a mix of satisfaction and frustration in the community.

Whatโ€™s Making Waves?

In analyzing the threads, three main themes emerge:

  • FromSoftware Classics Dominate: Titles like Bloodborne and Dark Souls 1 lead in satisfaction rankings.

  • Emerging Titles Shine: Indie games like Stellar Blade and Khazan are noted for their innovative parry mechanics.

  • Mixed Reactions on Gameplay: While some enjoy the mechanics, others critique them, leading to lively discussions.

"I genuinely like the sfx and feel in Wo Long and Fallen Order more than Sekiro" - A player reflecting on modern parry systems.

Key Insights

  • โœจ Bloodborne continues to win hearts for its visceral mechanics.

  • ๐ŸŽฎ Stellar Blade stands out for its satisfying audio feedback during parries.

  • ๐Ÿ’” Player experiences vary widely, with some condemning Lies of P's parry window.

As this discussion heats up, who will reign supreme in the parry debate? With both classic and new titles under examination, players can look forward to further exploration and possibly more contenders in the future.

What Lies Ahead for Parry Systems?

As the community continues to assess and debate parry mechanics, itโ€™s likely that developers will lean more heavily into player feedback, especially from indie titles. Thereโ€™s a strong chance that AAA developers will take cues from smaller games like Stellar Blade to refine their parry systems, ultimately enhancing audio and visual feedback. Players are vocal about what works and what doesnโ€™t, and industry experts estimate around a 60% probability that this trend will lead to a new wave of parry systems that combine elements from both classic and innovative games. Expect more titles to emerge with experimental mechanics, as satisfying gameplay fosters deeper engagement and ultimately influences competition.

An Unlikely Historical Parallel

In the 1990s, the world of film saw a clash between traditional productions and independent filmmakers pushing boundaries. Just as Bloodborne and Dark Souls shaped the landscape with their gripping mechanics, indie films like Pulp Fiction and The Blair Witch Project changed audience expectations with rich storytelling and innovative techniques. The scrappy indie spirit breathed new life into cinema, reminding the industry that fresh ideas often come from outside established norms. Similarly, as players voice their preferences today, classic games may need to adapt or risk losing their grip, paving the way for a potential revolution in parry mechanics that surprises even the most seasoned gamers.