As akin to similar fighting games, such as Super Smash Bros., the main objective is to ascend above the other fighters by knocking opponents off stages in quick, aggressive clashes. The game pits divinity against divinity in non-stop addictive battle. The focus on multiplayer, the creative divine roster, and a multitude of different stages all culminate to create a satisfying gameplay loop that will bring players back for more. However, what’s the point in fighting if the player isn’t the best? Here are some tip to play David to their Goliath.
5 Think Ahead When Planning Attacks
Divine Knockout is a straightforward competitive multiplayer game that requires attacking the opponent to win. However, that doesn’t mean the player should always be the first to attack. In similar games, it pays to think a few moves ahead rather than jumping straight in.
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Counter-attacking can be just as effective as attacking, especially when opponents use their abilities. After some attacks in the game, there is a punishable moment called an end-lag whereby the character is locked in an ending animation to their move. This is the perfect time for a player to swoop in and begin a combo all of their own, safe in their assurances that it will hit and maybe even feed into a game-ending combo.
4 Aggression Is Not Always Progression
Knockout style platform fighters can sometimes call for a player to be as aggressive and confrontational as possible. Many ask players to dig deep into the paint to deliver a fast one-two punch that could send enemies flying off the stage for that delicious victory.
However, the best defense is not always offense. Reading opponents’ moves is just as important to ensure one does not get caught in their attacks and combos too. A mental approach to the game, reading character moves and timings, can be the key to victory. Getting caught in an attack can lead to being juggled in a combo and subsequent defeat. However, that also means the same for the opponent.
3 Take Advantage Of The Stage
In an arena with a drop to permanent death on all sides, spatial awareness of the stage is vital to staying alive and getting the upper hand. Players will stay more aware of where they need to move and how far, but more importantly, where to push enemies to the ledge or rather off it.
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Forcing an enemy into a tight situation around the edge splits their focus. The opponent must now focus on staying alive and trying to regain space then win the fight outright. Furthermore, if a player has managed to push the opponent out of the battle arena, this forces them to use their attacks, movement skills and abilities to get back into the area. This then gives the player breathing room or a better vantage to apply pressure, or force the opponent’s abilities into cool down.
2 Balance On The Edge Of Glory
When roles are reversed and a player is playing on the edge of the arena, it becomes paramount that they are familiar with how a character plays. Players must know what is available to them to save them from falling off.
In a very martial arts mantra type of way, the player should become one with the edge. They need to understand how far they can move, as a platform arena battle calls for moving both on the horizontal and vertical when falling off the stage. Knowing how the character cookie crumbles, can also serve to bait the opponent to the edge and outmaneuver them — that is, if a player is skilled enough. This can effectively turn the tide of battle.
1 Get To Know Character Movesets
Every character in Divine Knockout has a different moveset. There are a bunch of gods and mythical figures in the game, and each one can feel different and play differently. Understanding the characters’ strengths and weakness lends itself to how proficiently a player handles the character.
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Moves are predominately broken down into four categories, with combos being strings of those moves in different consecutive orders. Each character has:
Two light attacks Two heavy attacks Dodge Special ability
Once a move set becomes familiar, devastating combinations can be released, and the optimal time to use them becomes clear. For example, some characters are equipped with a spiking move which launches the enemy into the air and off the edge (when close enough) which could spell their doom. At the least, it may expend the opponent’s moves. At best, a player could punish them for trying to get back on the stage.
Divine Knockout is out now on PC.
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