Stickman Kombat 2D

A compact move set

The single-player controls do a lot with very few keys. J is the basic attack and K the special move, and a direction changes what each one does: Back with K brings out a second special, while S with J turns the attack into an uppercut. S on its own, held down, is your block, so the same key both defends and launches an uppercut depending on what you press with it.

Combos and aerial strikes

A combo continues only when each press of the attack key is timed right, so the rhythm of your presses matters, not just their number. The other trick is about position: jump so that you come down behind the enemy, then hit, and the fight switches to aerial strikes. Both reward watching your opponent closely rather than attacking blindly.

Stamina, blocks and breakers

The game’s own tactical advice comes in three parts. Keep an eye on your stamina, get your blocks up in time, and when you are caught in a combo anyway, use a breaker to get out of it. Fights are about defending as well as landing hits.

Two players, one keyboard

The versus mode puts both fighters on the same computer. Player one keeps WASD but switches to F for attacks and G for special moves; player two moves with IJKL, attacks with the colon key and uses the quote key for specials. The two sets sit on opposite halves of the keyboard, so each player has a side of their own.

Coins and new fighters

Winning is also how you progress. Every victory earns coins, and those coins unlock new fighters to add to your options.