The Game's Dodge Roll Deserves to Be Celebrated

For those who have experienced this acclaimed title, or nearly any 3D action game, you're probably familiar with the wonderful technique referred to as the “dodge roll.” This avoidance maneuver allows your character to carry out a front, lateral, or rearward somersault to avoid any enemy attacks and move away from foes. Appears practical, wouldn't you say?

This rolling move, nevertheless, has received plenty of criticism, and not only as a result of the somersault; it's been called foolish, a easy way out, and an unrealistic move — and in some cases, I concur. You should see me tumbling about local Doppler gangs in another popular RPG — untouchable! But the title's dodge roll represents the evasion to surpass every other evasion moves, and here's the reason.

For this particular game, the designers identified a clever approach to counter all sentiments suggesting the technique is overly simple: just grant all foes overwhelming force, multiply it, and each player character who ventures close them will be eternally grateful thanks to their rolling skill, I'm no exception. With so much on the line, successfully rolling to victory feels like an achievement, not a cheat.

No other evasion method in this RPG approaches this level of gratification and dependability, because swift moves don't cover much ground and defensive postures are readily overcome by powerful foes. A person once suggested jumping as a go-to game evasion method, but aside from not providing perfect repositioning, I couldn't understand how getting my skull smashed in would improve my chances of defeating bosses (lack of skill, maybe).

Learning the Move

While the rolling dodge grants reprieve in a famously difficult title, it isn't without skill. First of all, this title's dodge roll only triggers a period of immunity after you release the dodge button, which prevents a rapid, fearful withdrawal from perilous circumstances. Furthermore, while it might transport you away from opponents, it's far more effective to employ it as a chance to get closer, ideally to their rear, and land some hits. In conclusion, you still need comprehend and predict opponent moves, as dodging at the start of a prolonged preparation may end your invincibility ahead of the attack striking… which will seriously hurt.

A Harmonious System

While dodge-rolling in quick succession might seem rather absurd (credit to Geralt once more), this isn't really an option in the game. Certainly, that still doesn't make it a plausible combat move — the very cause why it would be pure horror to experience it in a product like Kingdom Come: Deliverance — yet we're discussing a dazzling imaginative experience under discussion, therefore, it doesn't matter?

Comparable to any well-executed rolling dodge, the game's dodge motion is spruced up with a small acrobatic jump at the start, giving it an energetic feel instead of placing the avatar onto the ground. Depending on your gear, the technique may seem incredibly quick or somewhat sluggish, yet it's always quicker and smoother than the evasion moves found in Dark Souls. Admittedly, you will stick your large weapon in the dirt if you're carrying one, but that's on you for avoiding ranged weapons (In jest — steer clear of Elden Ring using ranged options).

Ideal Equilibrium

The game's evasion system establishes an ideal equilibrium between challenge and opportunity, providing prospects of success while risking the loss of that hope at the tiniest misstep. Perfect this move, and you'll be rewarded with not only success, but satisfaction.