As the clock ticked over to 2025, most people were out celebrating with drinks, setting new resolutions, and marveling at fireworks. But if you’re anything like me, you might have found yourself doing something a little different. I was rooted to my computer, diving into what has quickly become a personal favorite of mine — Half Sword. Originally teased with a rough demo in October 2023, this game captivated me with its newly polished playtest version made available this past September. I stumbled upon it over the holidays, and it was love at first click.
Half Sword stands out as a physics-driven medieval combat simulator with an emphasis on freeform controls. It ditches the conventional attack and block buttons for a more organic approach, where all guards and strikes come from your own mouse movements. Specific moves like thrusts and kicks are mapped to buttons, but overall, it’s this refreshing realism that first piqued my interest, setting it apart from genre favorites like Mordhau and Chivalry 2.
What drives the game’s authenticity further is its portrayal of 15th-century weaponry and armor, and the inclusion of a rare technique called half-swording. By pressing the right mouse button, you can grip the blade with your off-hand for better leverage in controlling the opponent’s weapon or exposing vulnerable areas in their armor. This maneuver allows for a unique defensive strategy, particularly against long-reach weapons like spears when closing quarters, and is especially effective against opponents clad in plate armor.
The combat mechanics are a surprising mix of deep strategy and whimsical chaos, reminiscent of Totally Accurate Battle Simulator’s quirky animations. Despite the humorous walk cycles, the depth is undeniable. Every battle demands a careful analysis of strengths and weaknesses — say you’re wielding a halberd against an adversary with a sword and shield. Your best bet is likely to leverage your reach, but be prepared to shift tactics if they breach your weapon’s optimal range.
Armor adds yet another layer to consider in combat strategy. Aiming for vulnerable spots on your enemy’s body, like the neck or legs, becomes key, especially since hitting plate armor directly is largely ineffective. However, delivering a heavy blow to an opponent’s helmet with a blunt weapon could render them unconscious. You can also opt for a more direct approach by grappling your foe, knocking them off-balance, and exploiting openings in their armor.
Currently, Half Sword’s main attraction is its AI dueling mode, where you’ll face off against an opponent with a random assortment of weapons comparable to your own armor. Yet, the game offers more than just duels. You can engage in varied scenarios like team-based skirmishes or one-on-all showdowns. Modes such as the “Brave Stand” in a 1v4 battle shine by allowing players to utilize half-swording to fend off multiple attackers effectively, while “Small Buhurt” 3v3 rounds give maces their time in the spotlight as you exploit distracted opponents.
Visually, battles in Half Sword are as gritty as they are graphic, with a level of brutality that amplifies the medieval feel. It’s not flawless, however. A friend knowledgeable in Historical European Martial Arts pointed out some limitations in the available techniques, and the character’s comically awkward movement can make encounters feel unsteady. The AI can also occasionally overlook effective range, leaving them vulnerable to attacks.
Despite these quirks, Half Sword remains engaging and is a particular delight for anyone with an interest in historical martial arts, like myself. The presentation excels in its depiction of combat’s visceral nature, complete with realistic blood dynamics and atmospheric sound effects, all of which help immerse you in the grim reality of medieval dueling. While the game’s graphics may not be cutting-edge, they are commendable for an indie title and capture the essence effectively.
Looking forward, Half Sword is set to launch fully in 2025, though details on further development, potential enhancements like multiplayer PvP, or character customization are still up in the air. A console port would be a fantastic addition, considering it already boasts controller support. For now, it’s a standout new entry in the PC gaming world, and with a free playtest available, there’s little excuse not to give it a whirl.
