Action Games Edward Collins

The Best Action Games with a Focus on Environmental Combat

Environmental combat in action games offers an immersive and dynamic experience, challenging players to utilize their surroundings creatively. These games go beyond traditional gameplay mechanics by allowing players to interact with the environment, turning everyday objects into lethal weapons and making terrain a strategic advantage. Whether it’s using explosive barrels, collapsing buildings, or natural elements like water and fire, the best action games with a focus on environmental combat bring a fresh layer of strategy and excitement. This article explores top titles that masterfully integrate environmental combat, providing players with adrenaline-pumping experiences grounded in innovative game design.

Best Action Games with a Focus on Environmental Combat

The Best Action Games with a Focus on Environmental Combat

What is Environmental Combat in Action Games?

Environmental combat involves using the surroundings to gain an advantage in a fight. This can include using objects as weapons, manipulating the environment to create traps, or utilizing the terrain for strategic benefits. It adds an extra layer of strategy and immersion to action games, making each encounter more dynamic and engaging.

Top Games Featuring Environmental Combat

Several action games have excelled at incorporating environmental combat into their gameplay. Here are some of the top contenders:

Batman: Arkham Series – Known for its fluid combat system and interactive environments, allowing players to use gadgets, stealth, and the environment to defeat enemies.
Shadow of the Tomb Raider – Lara Croft can use her surroundings, including crafting makeshift weapons and creating traps from the environment to take down foes.
Uncharted Series – Nathan Drake often uses environmental hazards, destructible cover, and dynamic set-pieces to outsmart and outfight his opponents.
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey – This game offers a variety of ways to use the environment, from stealth attacks to pushing enemies off cliffs.
The Last of Us Part II – Features highly interactive environments where players can use materials to craft weapons and traps, and utilize stealth tactics effectively.

Key Features of Effective Environmental Combat

For environmental combat to be effective, games usually include several key features:

Interactive Objects – Items and parts of the environment that can be used as weapons or tools.
Destructible Environments – Areas where parts of the terrain can be destroyed, creating new tactical opportunities.
Strategic Advantages – Terrain features that provide cover, high ground, or other benefits.
Dynamic Elements – Environmental features that change or can be manipulated during combat.
Crafting Systems – The ability to create traps or weapons from environmental resources.

Benefits of Environmental Combat in Action Games

Incorporating environmental combat into action games offers several benefits:

Enhanced Immersion – Makes the game world feel more alive and interactive.
Increased Strategy – Encourages players to think critically about their surroundings and how to use them.
Replayability – Different environments and combat scenarios can lead to unique experiences each time.
Diverse Gameplay – Provides variety in combat strategies, keeping gameplay fresh and engaging.
Player Agency – Allows players to approach challenges in multiple ways, enhancing their sense of control.

Comparing the Best Action Games with Environmental Combat

Here’s a comparison of some of the best action games that feature environmental combat:

Game	Developer	Key Environmental Combat Feature	Release Year
Batman: Arkham Series	Rocksteady Studios	Gadgets and Interactive Environments	2009-2015
Shadow of the Tomb Raider	Crystal Dynamics	Traps and Crafting	2018
Uncharted Series	Naughty Dog	Dynamic Set-Pieces	2007-2016
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey	Ubisoft	Stealth and Terrain Usage	2018
The Last of Us Part II	Naughty Dog	Crafting and Stealth	2020

FAQs

What are the defining features of environmental combat in action games?

Environmental combat in action games involves using the game world itself as a weapon or tool. Interactive elements within the environment can be leveraged to gain an advantage over opponents. This can include trapping enemies, using destructible objects, or manipulating elements like fire, water, and electricity to cause damage. The key defining feature is the reliance on the surroundings to create dynamic and often unpredictable combat scenarios. This requires players to be both strategically aware and adaptable, using creativity and quick thinking to exploit their environment successfully.

Which action games are known for incorporating environmental combat effectively?

Several action games are renowned for their innovative use of environmental combat. Batman: Arkham series is a prime example, where Batman uses his gadgets to interact with the environment, setting traps and using stealth. Mad Max offers a harsh desert landscape where players can use the terrain and various traps to outsmart enemies. Shadow of Mordor and its sequel, Shadow of War, utilize dynamic environmental factors such as explosive barrels and beasts that can be freed to attack foes. Uncharted series also deserves mention for its cinematic use of the environment in combat sequences, blending action with exploration.

How does environmental combat enhance the gameplay experience?

Environmental combat significantly enriches the gameplay experience by adding layers of strategy and immersion. Players are encouraged to think beyond traditional combat techniques, considering their surroundings to come up with creative solutions to combat scenarios. This type of engagement keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting, allowing for multiple ways to approach and solve problems. Additionally, it adds a sense of realism and tactical depth, making the game world feel more alive and interactive. By utilizing environmental elements, players can experience a greater sense of achievement and mastery as they learn to manipulate the game world to their advantage.

What skills do players need to excel in action games with environmental combat?

To excel in action games that emphasize environmental combat, players need a mix of problem-solving skills, quick reflexes, and situational awareness. Understanding the layout of the environment and recognizing potential interactive elements is crucial. Players must be observant and able to quickly adapt to changing scenarios, leveraging the environment effectively. Strategic thinking is important for planning and executing complex maneuvers, while reflexes and timing are essential to take advantage of fleeting opportunities. Additionally, creativity plays a vital role in coming up with innovative ways to use the environment in combat, often leading to unique and satisfying gameplay moments.