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v t e

Hack and slash or hack and slay (H&S or HnS; also can be stylized in a hyphenated form as in hack-and-slash, or with a contracted conjunction as in hack 'n' slay) refers to a type of gameplay that emphasizes combat.

The term "hack and slash" was originally used to describe a play style in tabletop role-playing games, carrying over from there to MUDs, MMORPGs, and role-playing video games. In arcade- and console-style action video games, the term has a different usage, specifically implying a focus on real-time combat with hand-to-hand weapons as opposed to guns or fists.

Role-playing games

The term "hack and slash" has its roots in "pen and paper" RPGs such as Dungeons & Dragons, denoting campaigns of violence with no other plot elements or significant goal. The term itself dates at least as far back as 1980, as shown in a Dragon article by Jean Wells and Kim Mohan which includes the following statement: "There is great potential for more than hacking and slashing in D&D or AD&D; there is the possibility of intrigue, mystery and romance involving both sexes, to the benefit of all characters in a campaign."^[1] The article goes on to report the experience of one D&D player who claimed that "when she plays in tournaments, she does run into the 'hack and slash' type of player, but most of them are adolescent males. These types of players not only aggravate her, but [aggravate] other, more mature players as well."^[1]

Role-playing video games

Hack and slash made the transition from the tabletop to role-playing video games, usually starting in D&D-like worlds.^[2] This form of gameplay influenced a wide range of action role-playing games, including games such as Lineage,^[3]Xanadu^[4] and Diablo.^[5][6]

Action video games

Distinct from hack and slash role-playing games, the term "hack and slash" also began being used to refer to weapon-based beat 'em up action games, such as the Golden Axe series.^[7][8] Journalists covering the video game industry often use the term "hack and slash" to refer to a distinct genre of 3D third-person, weapon-based, melee action games, including titles such as Devil May Cry, Dynasty Warriors, Ninja Gaiden, God of War, Genji, No More Heroes, Bayonetta, Darksiders and Dante's Inferno.^[9][10]

See also

• Action role-playing game


• Dungeon crawl


• Munchkin (role-playing games)


• Powergaming

References