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For those who have experienced this acclaimed title, or nearly any action-adventure title, you're likely acquainted with the fantastic technique called the “evasion roll.” This evasion technique lets your avatar to execute a forward, sideways, or backward somersault to evade all incoming damage and move away from opponents. Sounds handy, doesn't it?

The dodge roll, nevertheless, has attracted plenty of criticism, and not only due to the tumbling; it's been called dumb, a cheap tactic, and an unbelievable technique — and sometimes, I see the point. You should see me tumbling about nearby enemy groups in The Witcher 3 — they can't hit me! But this game's rolling dodge represents the evasion to outdo all previous evasion moves, and I'll tell you why.

For this particular game, the creators discovered an excellent method to respond to all views suggesting the technique is not challenging enough: simply give all foes overwhelming force, triple that, and all heroes who dares come near them will appreciate deeply for their dodge-roll ability, I'm no exception. With so much on the line, successfully rolling to victory feels like an achievement, instead of an unfair advantage.

No different defensive move in the game matches this sense of satisfaction and consistency, as quick dashes provide minimal movement and blocking attempts are easily broken by strong enemies. Someone once recommended hopping as the main game evasion method, but besides failing to offer optimal placement, It wasn't clear to me taking a crushing hit would improve my chances of overcoming challenges (lack of skill, maybe).

Learning the Move

Although this evasion move grants reprieve in an otherwise brutal game, it demands ability. To begin with, this title's dodge roll only triggers a window of invulnerability once you stop pressing the evasion key, which hinders a rapid, fearful withdrawal from dangerous scenarios. Furthermore, while it might carry you off from opponents, it's far more effective to employ it as a chance to get closer, preferably behind the opponent, and deliver attacks. Lastly, you still need understand and anticipate opponent moves, because rolling prematurely of a prolonged preparation might terminate your protection before the blow lands… which will seriously hurt.

A Balanced Mechanic

While dodge-rolling in quick succession might seem rather absurd (credit to Geralt once more), this isn't truly feasible in the game. Certainly, that doesn't render it a believable combat move — which is precisely why it would be terrifying to experience it in a product like a historical simulation — however, this is a spectacular magical game under discussion, thus why worry?

Similar to any respectable evasion move, the game's dodge motion is spruced up with a brief tumbling leap at the start, offering a lively impression as opposed to dropping the character onto the ground. Depending on your gear, the technique may seem extremely nimble or somewhat sluggish, yet it's always quicker and smoother than the dodge rolls found in the earlier games. True, you could plant your big blade in the dirt when wielding such equipment, but that's your responsibility for not just playing a crossbow (I'm joking — avoid using the game with projectile weapons).

The Perfect Balance

This title's dodging mechanic forms an optimal harmony between obstacle and possibility, providing prospects of success while endangering that very prospect at the slightest mistake. Master this technique, and you'll gain not just victory, but fulfillment.