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Die by the Sword |
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This article or section is missing citations or needs footnotes. Using inline citations helps guard against copyright violations and factual inaccuracies. (December 2007) |
| Die by the Sword | |
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| Developer(s) | Treyarch |
| Publisher(s) | Tantrum Entertainment Interplay Entertainment |
| Platform(s) | Microsoft Windows |
| Release date | February 28, 1998 |
| Genre(s) | Action-adventure |
| Mode(s) | Single player adventure, single or multiplayer arena |
| Media | 1x CD-ROM |
| System requirements | Pentium processor, Windows 95, DirectX 5 compatible video card, 16 MB RAM |
| Input methods | Keyboard, mouse, joystick |
Die by the Sword is a computer swordfighting game developed by Treyarch, and published by Tantrum Entertainment (a sub-brand of Interplay Productions) on February 28, 1998. The title's main selling point was the introduction of the VSIM control system, which allowed players to independently command the movement and swordfighting of their ingame avatars; running, jumping, and turning with one hand, while simultaneously slashing, stabbing, and parrying with the other. While many games of this type allow for a similar dualism, Die by the Sword remains to this day unique in its treatment of physically correct and force based melee combat, as described below.
While the game was well received by critics, the PC releases of Eidos's popular—but only superficially similar—Tomb Raider franchise overshadowed and crippled Treyarch's sales figures. In large part this was due to what are widely viewed as very difficult controls, challenging gameplay, and a steep learning curve for novice players.
Die by the Sword also offered deathmatch and cooperative multiplayer play in its arena mode, where players could stage fights with up to three other players. The lack of a match-making service precludes any significant online community, which when combined with a poor online interface relegates the title to local games only.
The official expansion pack Limb from Limb, released December 31, 1998, added another main quest for single player enthusiasts, enhanced multiplayer through a selection of significantly more creative arenas, and introduced new playable characters such as the Minotaur .
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The unique feature of this game is also the most widely praised. This is the ability for the player to fully control their sword arm, removing the need for pre-recorded animations and statistically-based gameplay. Instead, a physically correct model is used for each avatar and each weapon, and both movement and damage are calculated through forces.
The sword arm could be controlled by using a joystick, the numeric keypad, or a mouse.
For example, with the keyboard, to perform a slashing attack with the default key combination, a player would press the 4 and 6 keys on the numeric keypad in slow succession. This will move the weapon from extreme left to right. The 8-2 combination will likewise perform a top-down striking motion. Blocking is accomplished similarly, not through a separate key or state like in all other games of this genre, but instead through the simple physical principle of positioning your weapon so that it intercepts, and blocks, the enemy's weapon. Shields operate like swords in this respect, though it is generally not possible to directly control the off-hand.
Alternatively, a player may opt to directly control his sword arm with mouse movements or a joystick to gain more subtle control. This allows a player to fluidly move his weapon in any direction instead of being limited to the eight points of a keypad. However, insectoid characters can only be properly controlled by keypad due to their unorthodox movements.
Turning, jumping, and other acrobatics can be used in tandem with sword control to add velocity to your weapon, increasing its damage potential significantly. A vertical slice 'uppercut' while lunging at your opponent is an example of an effective, though vulnerable, combination. There are unlimited techniques and positions employed by skilled Die by the Sword players, as the game does not artificially restrict combat through canned animations or a limited selection of attacks.
Another innovation that added significant complexity and limitless possibility to the game was the ability to target, and eliminate specific body parts. A very well-placed swing to the head can in some cases instantly decapitate an opponent. Strong blows to the arms and legs can sever limbs, leaving the opponent with reduced mobility, or in the case of the swordarm, no way to inflict damage.
This system adds a surprisingly intricate element of strategy and tactics to an otherwise routine melee. It encourages the deftness of multiple repeated hits to a specific region on the body, thereby slowly dismembering the opponent, and reducing his effectiveness. Delicate locations such as the head and neck, while difficult to strike, offer a quick conclusion to those with the appropriate finesse.
The Arena mode in Die by the Sword consists of as many as four players or AI bots fighting in an enclosed arena. With the Limb From Limb expansion installed, there are a total of 9 Arena 'Pits'. The Arenas included with the original game are the following:
The game created a vivid modding community creating new fighters and arenas still alive as of 2006. The active modder Hazard created an easy mod installer and custom mass battle creator raising interest in the game.
Also people have created a modification using Gloviepie, to run and play Die By the Sword with the Wii-mote.
One inspiration for the game was The Bilestoad, a 1982 Apple II axe-fighting game that featured frequent dismemberment.
A potential spiritual successor is Determinance, a mouse-based swordfighting game which can be downloaded at http://www.mode7games.com/. Determinance, however, features only flight-based sword fighting, and therefore does not include Die by the Sword's jumping, dodging, ducking or strafing maneuvers.
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