If you're expecting a fun and mindless button bashing game like Dynasty Warriors, you're going to be disappointed. Though there are plenty of screen shots that might make it look like a similar game, For Honor is slightly more technical apart from trying to chain attack combos.

Surprisingly for a fighting game that has its similarities to Dynasty Warriors, there are a whole lot of elements that make this game technical. First off, when it comes to the fighting component, sure there are a handful of chain combos that you'd use between light and heavy attacks. So that element is similar, however, players must be aware on which side their opponent is blocking which only gives you 2 opportunities to attack. For example, if you were blocking to your left, the enemy can only attack the top or right hand set as the left would be blocked. This makes decisions of when to attack and when to block fun opposed to just button mashing. To a certain degree, you have to be tactical as to where you're wanting to launch each strike and when you should be blocking.

This was something that might take awhile to get used to as your natural instinct is to launch a berserker rage of attacks at the enemy, but will soon find out that you can't just charge at all times. Additionally, having the visual cue for half a second to know when to expect which side you need to block doesn't come naturally or easy. This could also be due to the screen layout of where the cues are placed, and not being able to entirely see your opponent due to the camera angle when you hold the "target" move (L2 on the PS4).

Speaking of game mechanics and camera angles, due to the 'targeting' feature the game has, it makes it a little difficult to watch where your opponent is about to strike due to players naturally viewing their attack stance. That being said, it's just a matter of time before you realize it's not needed and what you need to watch out for is just the little attack indicator to know whether you're supposed to block left, right or top side. Moving your character around is quite the standard in any type of 3rd person game, meaning the developer has done well to ensure it meets the player's expectations for each class of characters. For instance, you can actually select various characters to your battle or gameplay style. There are 4 classes to choose from within each faction.

The game starts you off from the most average statistic character to give you a feel for the game. Through campaign mode, you are made to try all the character variations. These include the stereotypical 'tank' type character where they deal heavier damage etc, but are slightly slower, the faster assassin type character who's lethal in quick attacks but has is prone to damage, and lastly the long range character. Each of the classes has their positives and negatives which makes a great game for a range of people. The only fault with this is through the 3 different factions (Knight, Samurai, Viking), they all have a very similar split of classes, almost to the point where it feels like the same characters with different skins.

In terms of the game's visual design, they've obviously met the minimum standards. As you can see from the screen shots and multiple videos up on YouTube and gaming review sites, For Honor has definitely created an amazing environment and detail to immerse you in it's world. There's plenty detail in the characters as well as the levels to enjoy battling hoards of opposing armies.

Lastly, as previously stated, the campaign mode takes players through each class to ensure you have a feel for every character, as well as all factions. Each character has their differences, but do have the standard 4 variation traits. Starting from the Knights to Vikings and ending with the Samurai, the story itself is not what makes you go back to playing For Honor, but more for the technicality for a game which looks like a button mashing fighting game. This is purposely done to ensure players are familiar with their play style and favorite trait character and most importantly, are ready for the online multiplayer mode.

Speaking of which, For Honor really does feel like the campaign mode leads up to the online multiplayer aspect of the game. Everything prior to this is just training, as Daniel was trained by Mr Miyagi. By the time you've completed the campaign, you would have had a taste of all the various characters and what would suit your gaming style as well as being a master of combat. There are a few different options in playing online. Duel & Brawls is a 1 on 1 battle best out of 5 in which you're able to vs an AI or another player. Death match which seem to have a 4 vs 4, which is again best out of 5. Though this time around, it's the last man standing that determines which side/team wins. Lastly, there's a mode called Dominion which looks very much like some type of board game where as you progress and win, your faction will start to spread their 'color' across the land to symbolise it taking over dominion over the lands.

The multiplayer side of For Honor definitely has it's perks in the sense where you're fighting someone else opposed to an AI, making the fact that you have to adapt your game style to some unpredictable moves heading your way. This means if you're used to running in head first, you might have to hold back and play the patience card instead.

Overall, For Honor is definitely a game worth trying as it is more than just a button mashing in the sense where you do have to block as well as ensure the side you're striking is open. Additionally, keeping an eye on stamina makes it all more fun by adding another dimension to it. The multiplayer side is where the game shines and tests each player's skills. That being said, there are some annoying elements such as being able to be knocked off the side of a cliff or a bridge, which renders that particular fight over. Additionally, there are other elements within the game stage where if touched, your character instantaneously perishes. However, minus those little annoyances, and getting used to the screen, controls and indicators, For Honor is probably one of the better fighting games available at the moment.

Thanks to Ubisoft Australia for supplying the game for review.