The game Nine Sols, with its beautiful art direction, solid story, and exceptional fight design, follows the trend of 'soulslike' games looking more 'sekirolike'.
In Sekiro, breaking the enemy's posture is crucial, achieved by timing blocks effectively rather than just reducing health bars to zero.
The timed block system in Sekiro allows for a more forgiving window to block and rewards well-timed blocks with intensified boss fight experiences.
The rhythm game-like aspect of Sekiro adds a unique flow to combat, where players tap the block button in sync with enemy strikes, creating a gratifying experience.
FromSoftware's 'duels' in boss fights create a sense of balance and exchange of blows, enhanced by the timed block system resembling a martial arts dance.
The strategic nature of timed blocks in boss fights mirrors the intense back-and-forth seen in martial arts movies, providing a sense of mastery and immersion.
The mechanic of the 'Unbounded Counter' in Nine Sols requires charging blocks at the right moment, adding another layer of complexity to enemy encounters.
Timed blocks and parries in games evoke a mythological underdog motif, where players can triumph over formidable foes by mastering precise timing and defensive maneuvers.
The concept of toppling giants through well-timed blocks and parries taps into the inherent human fascination with underdog victories and strategic combat.
The timed block mechanic is praised for its potential in future soulslike games, offering diverse gameplay possibilities and enhancing player engagement in challenging encounters.
Overall, the integration of timed blocks and parries in game mechanics contributes to a more immersive and satisfying gameplay experience, elevating the depth and strategy of combat in modern action games.