Half Sword is a medieval combat simulator set in 15th-century Europe, offering players a blend of historically accurate weapons and chaotic, physics-driven gameplay. Available on Steam, the game provides both a demo and a newly released playtest, each offering distinct experiences. Both versions are currently playable, catering to different player preferences with varying objectives and environments.
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Starting with the Demo: Dungeon Crawling and Boss Fights
The Half Sword demo introduces players to the game’s core mechanics through a dark, dungeon-based adventure. In this mode, players face a series of enemies one by one, battling their way through increasingly difficult foes. Each level culminates in a boss fight, with the bosses becoming progressively tougher as you advance. After defeating a boss, players encounter stronger, more heavily armored enemies, who set the stage for even more challenging boss encounters. Eventually, players face multiple armored bosses simultaneously, creating intense and complex battles.
The dungeon mode focuses on endurance and skill, testing how far you can go as the difficulty escalates with every encounter. The demo serves as an ideal starting point for players to get accustomed to Half Sword’s unique combat system, and it remains a playable mode for those who enjoy its methodical, challenging progression.
The Playtest: Arena-Based Combat and Multiplayer Modes
While the demo offers a linear, dungeon-crawling experience, the playtest shifts the action to arena settings, introducing players to a variety of game modes. This version focuses on fast-paced, competitive battles, including 1v1 duels, team fights, and additional modes designed for multiplayer action. The arenas provide a change of pace from the demo’s dungeon crawl, allowing players to engage in tactical, physics-based combat with others.
The playtest gives players a chance to experiment with different strategies and approaches with various armor and weapon sets in a more open and varied environment. Whether you prefer solo skirmishes or teaming up with others, the playtest offers flexibility and fresh ways to experience Half Sword’s combat system.
Physics-Driven Combat and Realism
Both the demo and the playtest are grounded in the game’s core mechanics: a physics-based combat system that puts control directly in the players’ hands. Half Sword allows you to manipulate your character’s sword using the left and right mouse buttons, creating a dynamic and often unpredictable fighting experience. The game’s ragdoll physics means that no two battles are the same, with character movements and interactions driven by realistic yet chaotic mechanics.
The combat system is rooted in the expertise of Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) practitioners and sword fencing techniques, making each encounter feel both authentic and challenging. Whether you’re clashing swords in the dungeon or fighting for supremacy in the arena, Half Sword delivers a unique and immersive experience.
Brutal, Gory Battles
One of Half Sword’s standout features is its brutal and graphic combat. The game takes violence to the extreme, with skull-crushing blows, decapitations, and bloody displays of gore. Players can witness the impact of their weapon and armor choices as they hack their way through enemies. With its over-the-top gore and visceral combat, Half Sword isn’t for the faint of heart but is perfect for players who enjoy high-stakes, violent action.
The playtest is temporarily without gore, as a “family-friendly” edition for events such as the Tokyo Game Show in September has been created. This closed map focuses solely on testing the new controls, armor, and weapons.
In the official discord they shared this announcement – “Don’t worry—violence, blood, and gore are in the works and will be back in future builds. After the Tokyo Game Show, we’ll be sticking to the main version with all the glorious gore and blood VFX you crave. Just be ready to flash your IDs because we’ll be age-checking for that exclusive 18+ booth!”
Final Thoughts
Half Sword offers a unique blend of physics-based combat, historical authenticity, and chaotic fun. With both the demo and the playtest available to players, there’s something for everyone—whether you prefer the strategic, dungeon-crawling progression of the demo or the fast-paced, multiplayer battles of the playtest. The game’s unpredictable physics and brutal combat ensure that every encounter is fresh and challenging, making Half Sword a must-try for fans of medieval combat games.