Is Turn Based or Real Time the Better Video Game Combat Style?

Gamers who partake in either RPG's or fighting games are often forced to choose between two distinct game combat styles. The first is "real time" combat, where you can attack when you want with no restrictions. The other is "turn based".

This involves you striking your opponent, before giving said opponent a chance to strike back. If there are more than two players, then a rotation is formed so that every player gets a chance. The turn based system pops up most frequently in RPG's, games like Final Fantasy and games of that ilk. The "real time" combat tends to fall into straight forward fighting games, like Mortal Kombat or Street Fighter.

There is the occasional overlap, but generally the styles remain in those genres.

Oddly enough, there is still a fair amount of debate in regards to which one works better. Mileage varies and everyone has an opinion, but it is worth discussing nevertheless.

I've got to be honest, I don't see the appeal of turn based combat. It just takes away all suspension of disbelief for me. Even in the most honorable of combat scenarios, you would never strike your opponent and then stand back and let them hit you. It just doesn't work that way.

Strategy is Key

Advocates of turn based combat argue, however, that it takes more strategy. When asked about his personal preference, Chris Larios, a writer for BlisteredThumbs.net, supported this argument, saying that it was the reason that he preferred turn based to real time combat.

In most cases, "real time" fighting games just devolve into button mashing, and that skill takes a back seat. It's a legitimate point, but the fact that certain people are able to win repeatedly does suggest that even a modicum of skill is involved.

Honestly, I don't even see much use of strategy in turn based combat either. Granted, I don't play many RPG's like that, but it seems like you hit them, and if your hp gets low, then you use a healing spell. The fact that healing spells tend to effect everyone makes it that much easier.

When I did watch others play these types of games, they usually weren't acting as a chess master of any kind, they tended to zip through the menus without putting much thought into it. Then again, that varies from player to player. Gamers in a forum for GamesRadar.com all suggested that they do plan out their strategies in advance when playing games like Final Fantasy.

Realistic Games are More Realistic

While I said that turn based combat wasn't realistic, the real time games also have their faults when it comes to realism. For example, I've been playing quite a bit of Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe. It's enjoyable, if frustrating at times.

While the combat itself is more realistic in that two fighters are exchanging blows, this can result in bizarre outcomes like Sonya Blade beating Darkseid. Anyone who knows thing one about these characters would know that this would never happen.

I also find that turn based combat becomes rather tedious. The fact that you spend the whole battle scrolling through menus takes you out of the experience. When playing a real time fighting game, you end up on the edge of your seat as you try and deliver combos or catch your opponent off guard.

The Exception That Proves the Rule

The one exception to the rule is tabletop gaming. That has to be turn based, there's no other way around it. If you tried to engage in "real time" combat in a game like Dungeons and Dragons, it would devolve into chaos. That being said, it would be cool if you could occasionally allow two players to simultaneously strike a foe in some coordinated attack.

Speaking of which, why don't more fighting games allow for two player co-op? There was one Street Fighter game on the PS2 that allowed it, but everything else seems to be either one player or two player versus.

Fighting against your friends is fun, but the one time I played the aforementioned game with one of my friends, we spent hours trying to take down M. Bison with the handicap set completely in his favor and it was a blast. Maybe it's just because I'm a sucker for two on one fights, but more games should allow that.

I'm getting off topic though, aren't I? In summation, I should say that turn based combat has its defenders. Many argue that it is the superior fighting system, I will agree that real time combat has its faults, but for me, it just works better and I find it to result in a more engaging experience.