TECHMASH

Tag: #hackandslash

Full Force Burst: Our Review of One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4!

Welcome back, Nakama! If you’re a fan of the legendary One Piece anime and manga, you’ve likely dreamt of unleashing a massive Gum-Gum Pistol or shattering the ground with an Earthquake Punch. Well, the Musou magic of One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4 brings that power fantasy to life, letting you steamroll through thousands of enemies as your favorite pirates.

Is this the ultimate voyage for Straw Hat fans, or does it sink under the weight of its massive crew? Let’s dive into our full breakdown!

A True One Piece Power Trip

Pirate Warriors 4 is, at its core, an Omega Force-developed Musou (or “Warriors”) game. That means you’ll be dropped onto a massive battlefield, facing literally thousands of enemies who are little more than cannon fodder for your incredible power. The thrill of chaining together devastating combos that send hundreds of Marines flying is the lifeblood of this game.

What Makes it Stand Out?

Air Combos: A new addition to the formula, the emphasis on air combos dramatically changes the flow of combat. Every character can launch enemies and take the fight to the sky, adding a layer of depth and visual flair to the already frantic action. Characters like Sanji, who thrive in the air, feel distinct and incredibly satisfying to master.
Destructible Environments: For the first time, you can truly feel the weight of your attacks as buildings and terrain crumble around you. This, coupled with smoke and dust effects, makes the battlefields feel far more dynamic and chaotic—a real “One Piece battlefield.”
Character Class Types: The massive roster is sorted into four playstyles—Power, Speed, Technique, and the new Sky type—which helps differentiate their movesets and playstyles, encouraging you to try out a wide variety of fighters.

The Grand Line of Content

The game offers plenty of ways to experience the One Piece saga and grind your characters to peak pirate power.

1. The Story: Dramatic Log

The main story mode, the Dramatic Log, covers major arcs from the beginning of the series all the way up to the Land of Wano arc. While it does skip some of the quieter narrative moments (you’re here for the battles, after all!), it excels at recreating the biggest, most emotional, and most spectacular moments of the anime with fully-voiced cutscenes and in-engine recreations.

2. Post-Story Fun: Treasure Log

Once the main story is complete, the Treasure Log offers unique side-missions with varied objectives and increasing difficulty. This is where you’ll spend most of your time unlocking new characters, earning powerful materials, and grinding for those coveted S-Ranks.

3. Deep Progression System

Beyond just leveling up, each character has their own unique skill tree. There’s also a universal skill tree that applies passive bonuses to the entire roster, allowing for interesting decisions about whether to focus your resources on one favorite character or spread the love across your growing crew.

The Best of the Roster

With over 40 characters at launch and many more added through extensive DLC, the roster is a treasure chest of fan favorites. While every character is capable, a few stand out as truly game-breaking powerhouses:

Character	Class	Why They’re King of the Pirates
Charlotte Katakuri	Speed	Insane damage per second (DPS), excellent range, and a self-heal special move that makes him almost unstoppable.
Kaido	Power/Giant	His Dragon Form annihilates everything on screen. Pure, unadulterated power and crowd control.
Monkey D. Luffy	Speed/Sky	His various Gear Forms (especially Gear 4: Bounce Man) are a pure spectacle and deliver massive damage. Versatile and always fun.
Whitebeard	Power/Giant	While his normal attacks can be slow, his special moves and sheer power output are soul-crushingly strong, great for clearing maps fast.

Pro-Tip: Keep an eye on the extensive DLC! Character Passes 1, 2, and 3 have added fan-demanded pirates like Yamato, Uta, and characters from the recent Egghead arc.

The Verdict: Is It Worth Setting Sail?

One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4 is a phenomenal entry into the Musou genre and a spectacular tribute to the One Piece series.

While it retains some genre flaws—like simplistic objectives and the occasional camera hiccup during boss fights—its smart additions to the combat system, the sheer joy of leveling up your favorite characters, and the incredible feeling of being an unstoppable force easily outweigh its shortcomings.

If you are a One Piece fan, this game is a must-buy. It’s a cathartic power fantasy that lets you live out the anime’s biggest battles. If you are new to the series but enjoy hack-and-slash games, you’ll find a massive amount of content and a surprisingly deep combat system to enjoy.

What’s your favorite character to play in Pirate Warriors 4? Let us know in the comments below!

One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4 – https://en.bandainamcoent.eu/one-piece/one-piece-pirate-warriors-4

#OnePiecePirateWarriors4 #Pirates #Warriors #hackandslash #dlc #PlayStation #Xbox #NintendoSwitch #BandaiNamco #gameplay #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

24th November 2025

Flashback to Fury: Our Review of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment on Nintendo Switch 2!
The long-awaited Nintendo Switch 2 has arrived, and alongside it, a game that bridges the gap between ancient legend and modern lore: Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment. Stepping away from the what-if narrative of Age of Calamity, this new Musou epic dives headfirst into one of the most mysterious periods in the Zelda canon: the Imprisoning War as glimpsed in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.

Is this hack-and-slash prequel worthy of the history it’s filling in? We’ve gathered our forces to find out.

Unveiling the Imprisoning War

Unlike its predecessor, Age of Imprisonment is a canonical entry, sanctioned by Nintendo to flesh out the foundational story of the Demon King Ganondorf’s first invasion. The game kicks off right after Princess Zelda is sent back in time, placing her at the heart of ancient Hyrule alongside King Rauru, Queen Sonia, and the brilliant Mineru.

This is, wonderfully, Zelda’s story. As she attempts to guide Rauru and his allies using knowledge of the future, players get to experience the rise of the Sages and the desperate battles that led to Ganondorf’s initial sealing. The narrative focuses on fleshing out these characters and the early diplomacy with the ancient Gerudo, Gorons, and Zora.

One of the most compelling additions is the Knight Construct, a unique character whose design and fighting style deliberately evoke a certain green-tunic-wearing hero. While not “Link” in the traditional sense, this construct, powered by a shard of the broken Master Sword, fills the vital role of a warrior on the battlefield, all while adding a fascinating, subtle layer to the lore.

Next-Gen Musou Mayhem

The jump to the Nintendo Switch 2 hardware is immediately noticeable, providing the technical muscle that the chaotic Musou genre has always craved.
- Targeting 60 FPS: The most significant victory is the pursuit of a mostly steady 60 frames per second in standard combat. While the screen can still dip under the most ludicrous explosions and particle effects, the fluidity is a massive improvement over past entries, making the one-versus-a-thousand battles feel smoother and more responsive than ever before.
- Zonai Warfare: Mechanically, the game is a beautiful translation of Tears of the Kingdom‘s systems. Warriors can equip and strategically deploy Zonai Devices—flamethrowers, hydrants, and fans—to add elemental effects and battlefield control. This adds a new layer of tactical depth, forcing players to consider enemy weaknesses and environmental interactions.
- The Power of Partnership: The new Sync Strikes feature is a genuine thrill. By teaming up two characters, players can execute devastating, flashy combination attacks, complete with an awesome cut-in animation. It encourages smart tag-teaming and mastering multiple heroes.
While the graphical fidelity gets a boost, with stunning character models and popping particle effects, technical analysis points out that the game employs dynamic resolution scaling and occasionally suffers from reduced ground detail—necessary concessions to maintain that high frame rate target. The less-than-ideal 30fps for local split-screen co-op remains a slight drawback, but the GameShare feature for two Switch 2 consoles fixes this beautifully.

Verdict: A New Piece of the Triforce

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is more than just a fast-paced action game; it’s an officially sanctioned, story-driven, canonical prequel that beautifully utilises the power of the Switch 2. It successfully blends the signature Warriors hack-and-slash loop with the rich lore and mechanics of Tears of the Kingdom.

If you loved the history snippets in the main Zelda game or simply want a smooth, over-the-top action experience starring Princess Zelda, King Rauru, and a host of new, compelling allies, this title is a must-buy. Koei Tecmo has delivered an exceptional launch-era title for the new console, setting a high bar for performance and spectacle.

What ancient Hyrule hero are you most excited to play as? Let me know in the comments below!

Hyrule Warriors – https://ninten.do/6008Spp2s

#HyruleWarriorsAgeofImprisonment #LaunchTrailer #games #gaming #gamers #videogames #NintendoSwitch #HyruleWarriors #AgeofImprisonment #KoeiTecmo #AAAGamesStudio #hackandslash
10th November 2025
Enter the Darkness: Everything You Need to Know About RAVEN2 Before the Global Launch!
Get ready to step into a brutal, beautiful, and dark fantasy world! Netmarble is gearing up for the massive global launch of its highly anticipated MMORPG, RAVEN2, and it’s shaping up to be one of the biggest cross-platform releases of the year.

If you’re a fan of sweeping dark fantasy epics, cinematic storytelling, and large-scale multiplayer combat, here’s a deep dive into what you need to know before the game arrives.

A True Dark Fantasy MMORPG Experience

RAVEN2 isn’t trying to be a lighthearted adventure. It promises a “brutal dark fantasy” experience powered by Unreal Engine for high-end visuals. You’ll enter a vast, seamless open world as a member of the Special Corps bearing a “Cursed Stigma,” tasked with battling demonic forces and investigating mysterious phenomena.

The developers have centred the game around three core MMORPG pillars:
1. A Seamless Open World with Cinematic Storytelling: Expect an immersive narrative brought to life through impressive direction and visuals.
2. Diverse Classes with Customizable Playstyles: More on this below!
3. Large-Scale Battles: The “Born in Blood. Built for War” motto hints at intense, server-wide conflicts that blend cooperation and competition.
The Classes: Choose Your Weapon

One of the most exciting features is the sheer variety of ways you can play. RAVEN2 is launching with eight distinct classes, each with unique skills and customizable playstyles. Whether you prefer to be on the frontline or dealing damage from afar, there’s a character for you:
- Assassin: For those who prefer lethal strikes from the shadows.
- Berserker: Annihilates enemies with overwhelming destructive power.
- Vanguard: The stalwart protector, shielding allies with steel.
- Elementalist: Dominates the battlefield with powerful magic.
- Divine Caster: Supports and heals allies with divine power.
- Night Ranger: Subdues enemies with ranged attacks.
- Destroyer: Throws enemy formations into chaos.
- Deathbringer: Turns the tide of battle with the power of Spectres.
Beyond your class, a robust customisation system is available to help you design a hero that truly stands out in the sprawling world.

Global Launch & Pre-Registration Details

Mark your calendars! RAVEN2 is set to launch globally on October 22nd for both mobile and PC. You can start pre-downloading a day earlier, on October 21st.

The game will be available in 150 countries and support 16 languages, with servers divided across three major regions: North America, Southeast Asia & Oceania, and Europe.

Exclusive Launch Rewards!

Netmarble is rewarding early adopters with some fantastic bonuses. If you haven’t already, make sure you pre-register on Google Play, the App Store, or wishlist the game on the Epic Games Store to receive:
- A Heroic-Grade Holy Garment
- A Special Package at launch
The Verdict So Far

While early impressions from the Korean launch have given us a taste of the slick hack-and-slash combat and impressive visuals, the true test will be the global version’s overall design, especially its economy and progression loop. As with many mobile-focused MMORPGs, the game features an emphasis on farming and collecting, which is a key consideration for players looking for a long-term commitment.

However, the promises of a sprawling dark fantasy narrative, cross-platform play, and massive guild-based warfare make RAVEN2 an absolute must-watch for any MMORPG enthusiast. The grand scale and ambition are undeniable.

Are you ready to claim your Cursed Stigma and battle the shadows? Pre-register today and get ready for the fight!

What class are you planning to main when RAVEN2 launches? Let us know in the comments below!

RAVEN2 https://epic.gm/raven2

#RAVEN2 #Netmarble #MMORPG #hackandslash #combat #pc #android #ios #mobilegames #pcgames #fantasygames
2nd October 2025
Bloodthirst and Momentum: A Deep Dive into the Game ‘Bloodthief’

Are you a fan of breakneck speed, intricate movement, and a whole lot of blood-fueled carnage? Then you’ve probably heard of Bloodthief, the new indie game that’s been making waves in the speedrunning community. Developed by the solo creator Blargis, this first-person melee dungeon-runner is a masterclass in momentum-based gameplay and a love letter to classic “boomer shooters” like Quake and modern fast-paced titles like Ghostrunner.

The Core Loop: Run, Slash, and Drink

Bloodthief is not a game about deep lore or complex characters. Its premise is simple: you are a vampire, and your mission is to slice your way through hordes of undead foes in order to save the world. The real heart of the game, however, lies in its gameplay loop. It’s a furious, high-octane dance of movement and combat.

Your vampiric abilities are fueled by the blood of your enemies. By vanquishing your foes, you collect this vital ichor, which in turn boosts your speed and power. This creates a compelling feedback loop where killing enemies not only progresses you through the level but also makes you more capable of navigating the game’s challenging environments. Wall-running, sliding, and air-dashing become second nature as you chain together kills and parkour moves to maintain your momentum.

Designed for Speed and Mastery

What sets Bloodthief apart is its singular focus on speed and player skill. The levels are designed with multiple paths, shortcuts, and hidden secrets that reward players who take the time to learn the layouts and master the movement mechanics. The game’s difficulty is intentional, pushing you to your limits and making you feel like an unstoppable killing machine once you get the hang of it.

This design philosophy is evident in the game’s “no-reset” checkpoint system. While you can restart from a checkpoint, the timer continues to run, meaning that to achieve the best times and highest ranks, you must complete a level flawlessly. This might seem frustrating, but for a game centred on speedrunning, it’s a brilliant design choice that encourages repeated play and genuine mastery.

A Retro Aesthetic with Modern Flair

Bloodthief embraces a retro visual style reminiscent of classic run-and-gun games from the ’90s. The environments and character models have a low-poly aesthetic, but the level design itself is anything but simplistic. Levels are well-designed and easy to navigate without relying on “yellow paint” to guide the way, using distinct textures and colour palettes instead. The retro vibe is enhanced by a fitting soundtrack that perfectly complements the fast-paced action.

A Testament to Solo Development

The game’s development journey is also a story in itself. Creator Blargis has been actively sharing the process through a series of popular YouTube devlogs. These videos offer a fascinating look behind the scenes, from level design to the implementation of mechanics. It’s an inspiring example of what a passionate solo developer can achieve.

Bloodthief is a must-play for anyone who loves first-person action games that prioritise skill, speed, and relentless momentum. It’s a game that knows what it wants to be—a fast-paced, bloody, and challenging dungeon-runner—and executes it with incredible precision. While it may not be for those seeking a deep narrative, it’s a perfect title for turning your brain off and embracing the exhilarating feeling of becoming a powerful, acrobatic, and very, very fast vampire.

Bloodthief is available now on PC via Steam.

Bloodthief https://www.bloodthiefgame.com/

#Bloodthief #vampire #demons #pc #steam #games #gaming #gamers #horror #Blargis #hackandslash #classicgames #retrogames #arcadegames

23rd September 2025
Tears of Metal available in open beta on Steam

Players looking for a medieval hack and slash game need not look any futher than the Tears of Metal game, this is one of those games that is reminiscient of classic games from the past with plenty of action and enemies that are sometimes just too tough to beat the first couple of times. The great news is that the game is now out on open beta so players can get a taste of whats ahead, check it out on Steam now.

To find out more about the Tears of Metal game, go to the official game website here https://www.tearsofmetal.com/ or go to the games page on Steam here https://s.team/a/1913120

#TearsofMetal #games #gaming #newgames #firstopenbeta #trailer #demogame #indiegames #PaperCult #TripleIinitiative #medieval #hackandslash #coopgame #roguelike #steam #warfare

11th April 2025