Fighting Orcs
The right mouse button acts as a parry which is crucial in close-up battles, whereas the left mouse button allows you to attack. Holding the button down for different lengths of time allows you to pull off different moves and combining these moves with the characters kick function means that combat remains fresh and exciting. The single player demo demonstrates some excellent combat moves, including impaling your enemy before he gets up off the ground and cutting off the sword arm of an opponent. The adrenaline gauge indicates when these finishing moves can be executed and they animate in spectacular fashion. At one point an opponent grabbed us, hoisted us in the air and threw us across the room. The animation of the A.I whilst pulling of these moves was both fluid and realistic.
Click for larger imageWhile Dark Messiah of Might and Magic does overflow with fighting, it never feels like a chore. The combat feels balanced and as you progress through the levels it becomes more tactical. For example, in the ‘Temple of The Spider’ level you’ll be up against a number of ferocious Orcs which you’ll have to defeat. They make for a tough fight and we were pulverised on a numerous occasions before finally re-thinking our tactics and despatching the ugly brutes. At times sheer brute force will get you through, but when faced with multiple enemies you’ll need to block, parry, kick and use your adrenaline gauge wisely if you wish to kill the enemy and not suffer too much damage. Close up battles are fast and furious but there’s also a decent amount of variety with the other combat options available.
Click for larger imageMagic plays a big part in Dark Messiah and can be just as effective as using a sharp bladed sword. We ploughed through a Goblin infestation just by using a fire bolt spell that shoots from the fingertips and engulfs the target in flames. Incidentally the Goblins are annoying little tykes that can jump as high as their own bodies as they launch at you with a two footed tackle! Each weapon on offer can be assessed via the menu that allows you to pick and choose those ones that cause the most damage. Whether you wish to use the bow to take enemies out from a distance with a carefully placed headshot or sneak up behind an opponent and take them out in one foul swoop with your double daggers, Dark Messiah allows you to choose how you want to approach combat, are you a Warrior or a stealthy assassin? The choice is totally yours.