Description
In the fighting games industry, a Guard Meter is a gameplay mechanic designed to add depth and strategy to defensive play. The Guard Meter typically depletes when a player continuously blocks or guards against attacks. Once fully depleted, the player's guard is broken, leaving them vulnerable to attacks for a short period. This mechanic encourages players to balance their offensive and defensive tactics, preventing them from relying solely on blocking to avoid damage. The Guard Meter can often regenerate over time or require certain conditions to reset, adding another layer of complexity to the game's strategy.
Examples
- In 'Street Fighter V', the Guard Meter, also known as the Guard Crush Gauge, depletes when a player blocks too many attacks. If the meter is fully drained, the player's guard is broken, making them susceptible to significant damage.
- In 'BlazBlue: Central Fiction', the Guard Meter is referred to as the Barrier Gauge. When this gauge is depleted, the player enters a 'Guard Crush' state, temporarily losing their ability to block and becoming open to enemy combos.
Additional Information
- Guard Meters are designed to make gameplay more dynamic and less predictable, encouraging a mix of offensive and defensive strategies.
- Some games may offer special moves or abilities that can quickly deplete an opponent's Guard Meter, adding another layer of tactical depth.