Hack and slash

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]

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]

Distinct from hack and slash role-playing games, the term "hack and slash" also began being used to refer to weapon-based action games and a subgenre of beat 'em ups, 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 Sengoku BASARA,[9] Devil May Cry, Dynasty Warriors, Ninja Gaiden, God of War, Genji, No More Heroes, Bayonetta, Darksiders and Dante's Inferno.[10][11] Action games that utilize hack-and-slash combat may be controlled mostly by frequently pressing a button or two, or with gestures from motion controllers, like the Wii Remote and Nunchuk, or the PlayStation Move controllers, which can simulate the swing of a sword or other melee weapon.