The game blends this convoluted setting with what's possibly the best first-person melee combat in gaming. It starts slowly, with a tutorial level that dissects some of the arguably composite mechanics of the game. But within minutes of the first chapter you're thrown right into action – and will understand that combat here is not a matter of mashing buttons.

Dark Messiah's combat is fast, deadly and offers a solid array of options to inflict damage and defend yourself, whilst demanding a careful approach to enemies. You can equip swords, daggers and staffs, attacking with stabs, slashes and lunges, depending on your movement – these can be enhanced by holding down the mouse button, unleashing a power attack. Shields will block attacks easily but can be destroyed, while parring is risky but allows for counter-strikes.

Thanks to the solid physics engine, you can also employ the environment to your advantage – setting objects on fire, triggering traps and destroying pillars placed next to patrolling guards. Another option is kicking enemies into spikes or over cliffs, a tactic so powerful on release it could be used to “cheese” the entire game and became the source of many jokes.

Being a game focused on action, Dark Messiah's RPG elements are simplified. Instead of gaining XP and levelling up by killing, you're given skill points for each objective met, of which there are plenty per chapter. There are three main skills trees to pursue – Combat, Magic and Miscellaneous. Even though they are small, it's wise not to spread your points too thin.

Combat skills allow you to deal more damage, disarm enemies and aim better with the bow, while Miscellaneous skills include passive bonus and a few Thief skills, such as lock-picking and backstabbing. The stealth system isn't always useful, but it's quite robust, based on light and sound like the Thief games.