Description
In fighting games, a hitbox is an essential component that defines the area where a character's attack can hit an opponent. It is typically an invisible rectangle or polygon that surrounds a character's limbs or weapons during an attack animation. When a hitbox intersects with another character's hurtbox (the area where a character can be hit), an in-game event, such as taking damage, is triggered. Hitboxes are crucial for ensuring the fairness and precision of combat mechanics. They help to determine the effectiveness of different moves, making the gameplay balanced and competitive. Developers meticulously design hitboxes to match the visual representation of attacks, ensuring that what players see on screen matches the underlying game logic.
Examples
- In 'Street Fighter V', Ryu's Hadouken move generates a hitbox that travels across the screen. If this hitbox intersects with an opponent's hurtbox, the opponent takes damage.
- In 'Super Smash Bros. Ultimate', each character's attacks have distinct hitboxes. For instance, Link's sword swings have a hitbox that covers the arc of his blade, making it effective against opponents within that range.
Additional Information
- Hitboxes can vary in size and shape depending on the character and the specific move.
- Some fighting games also include hurtboxes, which are areas where the character can be hit, adding another layer of strategy to the gameplay.