Nintendo has carved a reputation for itself by making stellar games for all ages that prefer to shy away from violence, focusing on other imaginative gameplay loops instead. However, to say that Nintendo games have no combat to speak of would be a huge mistake.
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Some of Nintendo’s best games feature fun melee combat that strives to be different from the norm. These imaginative combat systems turn the simple act of pummeling a foe into something cathartic as players slowly master the controls and show enemies who’s boss.
8
Arms
A Fun, Active Melee Game With Competitive Combat
- Released
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June 16, 2017
- OpenCritic Rating
-
Strong
- Developer(s)
-
Nintendo EPD
ARMS might have been a simple experience, but it was anything but a bad time. Players who gave this title a shot were more than pleased by the fun melee combat that prioritized the motion controls of the Nintendo Switch.
Players controlled fighters with spring-loaded fists that could be launched at combatants from afar for deadly results. Players who mastered the game’s motion controls could decimate opponents in style, leaving them unable to muster a comeback as they’re KO’d time and time again.
7
The Legend Of Zelda: Twilight Princess
The Varied Combat Gives Link Many Options To Choose From In Combat
- Released
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November 19, 2006
- Developer(s)
-
Nintendo EAD
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess is often overlooked for puzzling reasons. Fans of the franchise who embarked on this journey loved the darker vibes of this adventure coupled with the many options at a player’s behest when controlling Link in combat.
The numerous skills Link can utilize make this game the very best for players who want the main character to showcase versatility with his moves. If Twilight Princess had more difficult encounters, it could let players experiment with the combat system to its fullest extent.
6
Hyrule Warriors: Age Of Calamity
The Musou Gameplay Works So Well In The Same World As Breath Of The Wild
- Released
-
November 20, 2020
The combination of Musou combat with the Zelda series made Hyrule Warriors a ton of fun to play through. With Breath of the Wild becoming a massive success, Nintendo decided to continue this collaboration with Age of Calamity.
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This fun crossover game takes place in the past, with players controlling Link and his allies in numerous large-scale battles that boasted a unique spin on Breath of the Wild‘s mechanics. The performance issues held this game back on the Switch, but players willing to bear some framerate dips would love the cathartic combat on display here.
5
Xenoblade Chronicles 3
The Most Impressive Combat System Features In A Xenoblade Chronicles Game
- Released
-
July 29, 2022
- OpenCritic Rating
-
Mighty
As one would expect, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 boasts the best melee combat in the series that fans will have a great time with. Unlike its predecessor, this title learned from past mistakes and ensured that players weren’t locked out from enjoying the best parts of the game.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is an excellent game that makes battles more chaotic than ever before. Players have to manage numerous things at once, with numerous party members joining the fray to enhance the damage inflicted on a tough boss. Arts and chain attacks are a must for players to get the upper hand on a challenging foe.
4
The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom
The Combat Seems Simple But Boasts A Ton Of Complexities
- Released
-
May 12, 2023
- OpenCritic Rating
-
Mighty
- Developer(s)
-
Nintendo
Breath of the Wild and its sequel relies on a simple yet mechanically impressive combat system that rewards experimentation and skill. With the new powers in Tears of the Kingdom, players are encouraged to fuse weapons with different objects to see what special effects they can enjoy in battle.
Along with perfect dodges and parries, players can use special fused weapons to burn, shock, and freeze foes. This ensures that players will have a great time mastering the combat of Tears of the Kingdom and pushing the mechanics of this system to its fullest extent.
3
Punch-Out!!
The Wii Was Graced With What Many People Consider To Be The Best Punch-Out Game
Punch-Out!!
Punch-Out!! for the Wii can be slightly problematic to play nowadays, with the game’s focus on stereotypes for each fighter having aged like milk. However, players willing to look past these dated representations will love how challenging and fun the combat is.
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The game retains a lot of its old-school trappings and uses the Wiimote motion controls to great effect. This ensures that players will have a great time conquering certain fights after memorizing attack patterns and nailing their head movement.
2
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
The Best Game In The Series That Fans Can’t Get Enough Of
- Released
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December 7, 2018
- OpenCritic Rating
-
Mighty
Many people consider Super Smash Bros. Ultimate to be the best game in the Nintendo series, even if Melee occupies a soft spot in the hearts of many fans. The ridiculous cast of characters coupled with tight fighting mechanics means that players will have a great time mastering the move set for each character.
The sequel has its work cut out for it, especially since the combat in Ultimate feels downright perfect. However, given Nintendo’s amazing track record with innovation, it’s very much possible for a new Super Smash Bros. title to blow everyone out of the water with better fighting mechanics that keep fans coming back for more.
1
Bayonetta 3
An Epic, Over-The-Top Action Game With Excellent Combat
- Released
-
October 28, 2022
- OpenCritic Rating
-
Mighty
The controversy surrounding Bayonetta 3 did a great injustice to the brilliance of this title’s melee combat, especially when the falsified nature of the allegations came to light. Thankfully, many people appreciated Bayonetta 3 for its wild combat and ridiculous story, letting players engage with not just one but multiple versions of Bayonetta across different dimensions.
As one would expect, this ensures that Bayonetta 3 would boast the wildest combat system in the series, and the franchise didn’t disappoint. Everyone’s favorite witch was back in numerous bold avatars as players took on numerous enemies and bosses, aiming to kill them off in style.
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