Gamecloud - How will the game's combat system be handled?

Benjamin "BJ" Cholewinski - Neo entertains quite a few one-on-one fights in the game. To take on boss-type characters such as Smith and Seraph, Neo can pull aerial evasions, off-wall attacks, strike and special combos, linkers, finishers, charge-ups, and more by using combinations of the Strike, Special Attack, Evade, Jump, and Focus (bullet time) buttons.

Fighting bosses can be tough as they will quickly begin to counter and dodge attacks used too often by the player. Some even regenerate health. It's best to mix up attacks and fight bosses aggressively. The combat system also includes some cool ways to fight multiple enemies at once. Groups of enemies will attempt to surround Neo and land attacks offline. To handle these situations players can use the left stick and the Strike button to direct offline strikes, blocks, throws, and knock backs.

There are also Link-Up Attacks activated by using the left stick and Special Attack button which are most effective at disposing two or three NPCs simultaneously. Neo can do aerial splits kicks or punch a guy on his left and right while kicking a third in front of him. Using Focus at the start of a Link-Up Attack increases damage and changes the animation set. If Neo is armed with a Melee Weapon then the animations, damage, and attack angles will vary.

Ranged combat tactics occupy their own buttons and the default controller set-up separates the guns from the gloves. When you're punching and kicking you're on the face buttons. Targeting and blasting is on the shoulder buttons to drive home the feel of pulling a trigger. The Target Lock button can be used anytime Neo has a melee weapon, firearm, or grenade on hand to quickly sight and lock-on. The right stick is used to cycle targets and interactive objects that beg to be blown to bits.