There are many factors that influence us when we look for games to play. One of these factors is, of course, the combat. While some people prefer turn-based combat over real-time, some seem to prefer shooters, and some prefer the simplicity of brawler games. No matter your preference, there is one thing that unites us all: Addictiveness.

Combat is incredibly important in a game where the majority of the time is spent kicking and screaming. When the type of combat mechanics a game employs speaks to us, it instantly elevates the mood and makes the game an unforgettable experience. Let us look at some of the games where combat is so addictive that it leaves you with a smile on your face every time you look back at it.
 

1. Batman: Arkham City

This comes off as a surprise to no one, but Batman: Arkham City is definitely one of the blueprints when it comes to fighting games. The combat system is gritty as well as smooth; it becomes addictive as soon as you become better at it. Dodging and countering are enjoyable enough to make the players want to play these games again and again. The combos feel rewarding, and the finishers are satisfying. In fact, there are combat challenges for this exact reason. The combat system is so incredibly neatly made that it is addictive even to those who do not particularly enjoy the game’s story.
 

2. Yakuza Zero

The Yakuza series is not famous for its gameplay mechanics; instead, they are beloved for their soap opera-like stories. Yakuza Zero is the prequel installment of the first Yakuza game; it is set in an open world where the player can do pretty much anything. From mini-games to challenges and side quests, there is much to do around the city in this game. The beat ‘em-up style combat fits really well to this game, albeit being too easy. But the simplicity contributes to its addictiveness of it, and you feel like a master as soon as you start playing.
 

3. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Basically, any game from the soulslike genre would probably have made it to this list, but Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice shines brighter than the rest of them in terms of addictiveness. Soulslike is a hard genre by default in that it is easy to learn but hard to master. Sekiro, however, seems to be the best choice to understand this genre, for it is easy to get the hang of. Once you do, you cannot let go of it. From stealth to gritty, hand-to-hand combat, Everything about Sekiro is addicting. It is satisfying, enjoyable, and intuitive.
 

4. God of War (2018)

God of War might perhaps be one of the most praised games of all time, and for a good reason. Every single element of this game contributes greatly to the story it wants to tell. God of War is a masterpiece in every sense of the word and every aspect of the game. Combat is no exception to that. God of War (2018) has a combat system that is slightly different from the franchise’s other games.

While the other games lean more towards the hack and slash type of combat, this game, in particular, combines the same experience with different mechanics. Throwing and calling back your axe, for instance, makes you feel very in control of your game, which leads to a satisfactory playthrough. I am not even going to talk about how using Blades of Chaos feels like, and I think we all know how great they are by now.
 

5. Control

Labeled by some as the “unofficial Star Wars game”, Control is a third-person shooter that also uses the elements of the force. No, really, you use some psychic abilities like telekinesis. In every level of this game, there are usually a lot of enemies that you have to push your way through, so getting the hang of the combat feels so much fun. Once you understand the mechanics, the game becomes smooth like butter. You can unlock psychic abilities include so much enjoyable stuff like levitating, shielding, and possessing. And yes, they are all as fun as they sound. The combat is satisfying even without the psychic powers. If you like to shoot and throw things, Control is the game for you.
 

The list, of course, can never be fully complete. From open-world games to independently developed smaller games, there are so many games whose combat mechanics can feel groundbreaking at times. As mentioned above, tastes differ greatly when it comes to combat, so you might not agree with some of the games on this list. There are so many games with great combat mechanics, but these are all the ones that came to our minds. What are your favorite games that employ great combat mechanics?
 

Yagmur Sevinc (@yagmursevvinc)
Editor, NoobFeed