(AfroGamers.com) I’ll just start off with this: the Nemesis system from Shadow of Mordor and Shadow of War is the best gaming mechanic of all time for open-world games. I’d say that in 2023, it’s a necessary feature got big, breathing worlds where combat is a constant reality.
Now, some games don’t really allow for it but some changes to how combat is done would really help. Here are five game franchises that could use the Nemesis system.
Infamous
Honestly, Infamous could’ve done with some base-building as well. Just build up strongholds for allies who are taking it to D.U P. However, reoccurring enemies would also have to be introduced. Instead, Infamous typically had one-off baddies and a main villain throughout a game. Introducing some reoccurring threats would eliminate some of the repetition.
I really don’t know to kill the repetition in Infamous games. You know what the formula is, you get caught in the formula, and eventually it’s like “It could’ve been more, really.” This is a common complaint from me after playing Infamous.
In enjoyed the ride, the side characters, the missions—that’s all fun. But what happens afterwards when I finished the game? Why can’t a foe interrupt my character while they’re going another mission? These are villains, they would take the opportunity, normally.
Marvel Spider-Man
The same could be said about Spider-Man, well fleshed-out game world with great characters but reoccurring, named villains—even some native to the games—would be great. Again, this is another game where you can weaken a force’s power in an area—just like the Shadow… games. Have some Spidey villains who never stay locked up cause trouble here and there.
Let them return for revenge after a loss. Those would be fun ongoing stories unique to everyone’s game.
Ghost of Tsushima
Once you get the combat down pat, Ghost of Tsushima really rocks. Unfortunately, there comes a point where taking over Mongol territory becomes repetitious. Nemesis system to the rescue! Sure the Mongols were fearless but like the Orcs, there were definitely a few who valued their life and might come back in an ambush.
You’ll never know when a Mongol or a raiding party might roll up. This was my favorite part of dealing with stuff in Ghost of Tsushima and Assassin’s Creed Origins. Finding that combat might not be that escapable and having to throw down—GoS would be perfect for returning duels.
Then again, combat in Ghost of Tsushima is pretty definite. There’s few dramatic battles here, folks.
Elder Scrolls
I’m sure there’s a reason the Nemesis system just wouldn’t work. There would need to be a setting for either killable or hard-to-kill rivals. Every character is fairly easy to kill with the right gear and strategy. This is the case with Fallout as well. NPCs prove to be particularly easy to kill and that would kill the need of having the feature in the franchise.
That doesn’t mean I don’t see it be very good for the franchise. Hell, they could tweak combat so that potential rivals can be spared, suited, or killed. Have a bit of a rivalry with this character. I’d say that’’s worthy tweaking combat a bit or having features to allow game AI to act accordingly.
Of course, Bethesda games tend to drop with a bit of willy-nilly in them.
Staff Writer; M. Swift
This talented writer is also a podcast host, and comic book fan who loves all things old school. One may also find him on Twitter at; metalswift.