1. Core Movement & Traversal

To create a fast-paced and fluid feel, player mobility is paramount.

• 8-Way Movement: Players can move freely in all eight directions on the 2D plane.
• Walk/Run: A light tilt on the analog stick results in a walk, while a full tilt results in a run.
• Dodge Roll (B): A quick, evasive roll that grants a brief period of invincibility. This is the universal defensive tool for all characters.
• Dash/Air Dash: By double-tapping left or right, players can perform a quick dash. This can also be performed in the air once per jump, allowing for rapid repositioning, combo extension, or evasion of ground-based attacks.
• Recovery: When knocked down, pressing the jump button (A) just as you hit the ground will execute a "tech" or "ukemi," allowing for a quick recovery to your feet, reducing vulnerability.

2. The Expanded Combat System

The combat system is built on a foundation of basic attacks that can be canceled, chained, and modified in various ways.

Light Attack (X)

• Jab Combo: Pressing X repeatedly results in a basic multi-hit combo string, unique to each knight. This is the primary way to set up enemies for stronger attacks.
• Rising Attack: Holding "Up" while pressing X will perform an upward strike, launching lighter enemies into the air for juggles.

Heavy Attack (Y)

• Combo Finisher: Using Y at the end of a Light Attack combo will execute a powerful finisher, knocking enemies away.
• Dash Attack: Pressing Y while running/dashing executes a forward-momentum attack to close distances.
• Smash Attack: Holding "Down" while pressing Y will perform a ground slam, hitting enemies in a small area and potentially causing a ground bounce for combo extension.

Jump (A)

• Jump Attack: Pressing X or Y in the air performs an aerial attack. Aerial X is typically a quick slash, while aerial Y is a downward strike that can spike airborne enemies.
• Double Jump: Most characters (especially swift ones like Lancelot) will have a double jump for enhanced verticality. Powerhouse characters like Gawain may have a single, lower jump.

Grappling and Throws

• Pummel: Press X while grappling to deal a small amount of damage.
• Forward/Backward Throw: Pressing Y will throw the enemy, damaging them and any other enemies they hit. This is crucial for crowd control.
• Character-Specific Throws: Brawler characters like Sir Percival will have a much more extensive set of grappling moves.

3. Advanced Defensive Mechanics

Defense is designed to be active and skill-based, rewarding timing and situational awareness.

Block (LT)

• Available to melee characters with shields (e.g., Galahad). It negates all damage from the front but is subject to the "Shield Break" mechanic, where blocking too many hits in rapid succession will cause a brief stun.

Parry (Timed Light Attack / Dedicated Button)

• Functionality: Successfully parrying an attack negates all damage, stuns the attacker, and builds a significant amount of Valor.
• Perfect Parry: A parry timed at the last possible frame will trigger a "Perfect Parry," which can reflect projectiles and trigger a unique, powerful counter-attack animation.

Magic Defense

• Mages and support characters have unique abilities instead of a standard block.
• Example: Sir Palamedes might have a "Sand Phase" that allows him to briefly become intangible.
• Example: Sir Tristan might have a "Disengage" backflip that creates distance and allows for a quick bow shot.

4. The Valor & Ultimate System

The Valor Meter is the resource for unleashing a knight's true power.

• Gaining Valor: Valor is gained through skillful play: landing hits, performing varied combos, successful parries, and perfect dodges.
• Special Move (RT): Consumes one stock of the Valor meter for a unique character move. This is the core special ability.
  • Example: Sir Gawain's might be a single, wide-arcing cleave with his greatsword.
  • Example: Sir Bedivere's could be a long-range spear thrust that pierces multiple enemies.
• Ultimate Ability (RT + Y): Consumes a full Valor meter (e.g., 3 stocks). This is the screen-clearing or massive single-target damage move unlocked via the skill tree system. It grants invincibility during its animation.

5. Cooperative Multiplayer Mechanics

Teamwork is a cornerstone of the experience, directly integrated into the gameplay loop.

• Revive: When a player's health is depleted, they enter a "downed" state. Any other player can stand near them and hold a button for a few seconds to revive them with a small amount of health.
• Team Attacks: If two players activate their Special Move (RT) while standing next to each other, they will perform a unique, combined attack with enhanced properties.
• Taunt/Cheer: A non-combat animation that can be performed at any time. If a player taunts after clearing a wave of enemies, they gain a small sliver of health. If two players taunt together, they both get a small Valor boost.