Game designer analyzes the rise of parrying mechanics in modern titles
Japanese game designer Nununu explores why parrying has become a staple in recent action games, citing Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, DOOM: The Dark Ages, and Nine Sols as prominent examples. The article distinguishes parrying from related mechanics like deflection, counters, and interruptions, noting that many developers lump these distinct systems under a single label.
Nununu traces the modern wave of parry-focused design to FromSoftware’s Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, which inspired developers of Clair Obscur, Nine Sols, Sifu, and DOOM: The Dark Ages. This trend builds upon Hidetaka Miyazaki’s long-standing emphasis on player proficiency and overcoming adversity, evolving from the defensive parries in Demon’s Souls to Sekiro’s posture-breaking system. The piece also examines earlier influences, such as Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, highlighting how imitation and selective adaptation drive combat innovation.
Summary written with AI assistance by the Hentaidude News Desk from the original report by Game Designer Nununu at AUTOMATON WEST and checked by our automated quality rules. Details may change; see the source for the full story. How we write summaries
Original headline at AUTOMATON WEST: “Why are more games adopting parrying? A game designer explores the mechanic’s appeal and historical origins”
Key facts
- Notable Titles
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, DOOM: The Dark Ages, Nine Sols, Sifu, Lies of P
- Influential Predecessor
- Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Tags
- #Action Game
- #Clair Obscur
- #Combat Mechanics
- #Game Design
- #Parrying
- #Sekiro
Background
Earlier stories from our archive that give context to this one.
Related stories
More games: Related stories
Masahiro Sakurai Honored in Bungei Shunju’s Showa Centennial List
Bungei Shunju's about Sakurai is titled “A Genius of Game Development Who Devotes His Personal Fortune to His Craft.”
via AUTOMATON WEST
Review: Qliphah in Providence’s Shadow Gets Confusing
The combat system concept is interesting in theory, but I wish Qliphah in Providence's Shadow had been a more traditional visual novel.
via Siliconera
Sekiro Anime Producers Apologize for Movie Actually Being Edited TV Series
The producers behind SEKIRO: NO DEFEAT have issued an unusual apology after revealing that the anime currently playing in Japanese theaters was actually an edited version of an eight-episode TV series – something audiences weren’t told before buying tickets.
via Sankaku Complex
DARK HUNTER KURO Adult Game Set for September Release
[HENTAI Plan] "DARK HUNTER KURO" will be released on 26/9/25! If you're interested in this game, don't forget to add it to your wishlist! https://store.steampowered.com/app/4150170 STORY Tachio, an ordinary office worker, is suddenly transported one day to another world overrun by dark monsters known as “Yamimon.”
via OTAKU Plan (Steam)
Baskin Robbins Japan Launches My Melody and Kuromi Ice Cream Event
The new collaboration campaign will run for the entirety of November 2026.
via Siliconera
WORLD OF HORROR ‘AS BELOW SO ABOVE’ update now available for PC, launches in 2027 for PS4 and Switch
Publisher Ysbryd Games and developer Panstasz have released a major free update for Cosmic horror…
via Gematsu