The phrase ‘‘hack and slash’’ was just made for a game like this.
There is nothing really deep or complicated about For Honor, a straight-up basher that puts you in the middle of a fantasy/medieval setting and encourages you to smite many thousands of willing enemies.
I mean, sure, there is some loot to collect and various upgrades to unlock, and it is not TECHNICALLY a button-masher, as you do have to put some thought into how you approach some of your tougher battles. But, really, this is as pure fighting as it gets.
Your choice is to play as one of three factions — the Legion (knights), the chosen (samurai) or the warborn (vikings) — in one of four classes. Assassins are quick and deadly, though slightly under- powered; Heavies are tanks who can deliver and take lots of damage, but are not quick; Vanguards have a nice balance of everything; and Hybrids do a little bit of this and a little bit of that.
It’s worth experimenting with all factions and classes because you might find one you really like, or you might enjoy a bit of time with them all. Me, I’m a pure Knight, born and raised.
My recommendation is play through the single player storymode first. It’s not particularly deep but it gives you a good grounding in the controls.
Light and heavy attacks, and combinations thereof, need to be mixed with defence. Timing is important with this, but the game is very generous at the lower difficulty levels.
The usual levelling up and loot grabs give you opportunities to develop your character, but I haven’t found this hugely absorbing so far.
For Honor had some multiplayer issues at launch, but things seem to be humming along now. A variety of modes allow you to test your battle-worthiness online. But be warned — it can be brutally tough.
I’m not exactly hooked by the game, but I’m interested enough to see where it goes. I sense this might be one that leads to a beefed-up sequel in a couple of years.