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Hack and slash, also known ashack and slay (H&S orHnS) orslash 'em up,[1][2] refers to a type ofgameplay that emphasizes combat withmelee-based weapons (such as swords or blades). They may also feature projectile-based weapons as well (such as guns) as secondary weapons. It is a sub-genre ofbeat 'em up games, which focuses on melee combat, usually with swords.
The term "hack and slash" was originally used to describe a play style intabletop role-playing games, carrying over from there toMUDs,massively multiplayer online role-playing games, androle-playing video games. Inarcade andconsole style action video games, the term has an entirely different usage, specifically referring to action games with a focus onreal-time combat withhand-to-hand weapons as opposed to guns or fists. The two types of hack-and-slash games are largely unrelated, thoughaction role-playing games may combine elements of both.
In the context ofaction video games, the terms "hack and slash" or "slash 'em up"[1][2] refer to melee weapon-based action games that are a sub-genre ofbeat 'em ups. Traditional 2Dside-scrolling examples includeTaito'sThe Legend of Kage (1985)[2] andRastan (1987),[1][3]Sega'sarcade video game seriesShinobi (1987 debut)[1][4] andGolden Axe (1989 debut),[5][6]Data East's arcade gameCaptain Silver (1987),[1]Tecmo's earlyNinja Gaiden (Shadow Warriors) 2D games (1988 debut),[1]Capcom'sStrider (1989),[2][7] theMaster System gameDanan: The Jungle Fighter (1990),[1] Taito'sSaint Sword (1991),[1]Vivid Image's home computer gameFirst Samurai (1991),[2] andVanillaware'sDragon's Crown (2013).[4] The term "hack-and-slash" in reference toaction-adventure games dates back to 1987, whenComputer Entertainer reviewedThe Legend of Zelda and said it had "more to offer than the typical hack-and-slash" epics.[8]
In the early 21st century, journalists covering the video game industry often use the term "hack and slash" to refer to a distinct genre of3D,third-person, weapon-based, melee action games. Examples include Capcom'sDevil May Cry,Onimusha, andSengoku Basara[9] franchises,Koei Tecmo'sDynasty Warriors and 3DNinja Gaiden games,Sony'sGenji: Dawn of the Samurai andGod of War, as well asBayonetta,Darksiders,Dante's Inferno,[10][11][12] andNo More Heroes. The genre is sometimes known as "character action" games, and represent a modern evolution of traditional arcade action games. This subgenre of games was largely defined byHideki Kamiya, creator ofDevil May Cry andBayonetta.[13] In turn,Devil May Cry (2001) was influenced by earlier hack-and-slash games, includingOnimusha: Warlords (2001)[14] andStrider.[15]
The term "hack and slash" itself has roots in "pen and paper"role-playing games such asDungeons & Dragons (D&D), denotingcampaigns of violence with no other plot elements or significant goal. The term itself dates at least as far back as 1980, as shown in aDragon article byJean Wells andKim Mohan which includes the following statement: "There is great potential for more than hacking and slashing inD&D orAD&D; there is the possibility of intrigue, mystery and romance involving both sexes, to the benefit of all characters in a campaign."[16]
Hack and slash made the transition from the tabletop torole-playing video games, usually starting inD&D-like worlds.[17] This form of gameplay influenced a wide range ofaction role-playing games, including games such asXanadu[18] andDiablo.[19]
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