The article discusses how the game Expedition 33 transforms the traditionally exhausting mechanic of parrying into a glamorous and rewarding combat feature, emphasizing its strategic depth, visual flair, and high payoff when executed perfectly, ultimately changing the author's perspective on parrying in games.
The article argues that parrying in video games is an unnecessary and frustrating mechanic, criticizing its reliance on precise timing, its translation from real-life fencing to virtual combat, and its tendency to complicate gameplay with technical details, ultimately advocating for its removal to simplify and improve player experience.
Parrying is celebrated as one of the most satisfying and empowering mechanics in video games, allowing players to turn defense into offense with precise timing, rewarding skill and risk-taking, and creating thrilling moments of mastery and dominance in combat.
Final Fantasy XVI introduces a combat system with various offensive and defensive options, including the challenging yet satisfying parrying mechanic. To successfully parry enemy attacks, players must time their sword swings to connect with the enemy's attack, triggering a slow-motion effect that allows for powerful uninterrupted counterattacks. Timing is crucial, and audio and visual cues can help. While larger enemies have more predictable attack patterns, smaller and faster enemies may not be worth the risk. Additionally, certain Eikon abilities provide easier parrying options but do not slow down time, so players should consider all options for optimal offense and defense.