Combat

Combat in  is described as being similar to that of Punch Out.

Combat flow
Enemies have predictable patterns in response to Sam's actions. A primary goal is to exploit this to manipulate enemies into opening windows of opportunity where they can be hit.

Against a single foe, the following actions are available: strike high, strike low, block, dodge high, and dodge low. The block button will automatically block most standard attacks. Crouching will dodge high attacks, while jumping dodges low and mid attacks. Against more than one foe, Sam can dodge and strike behind her as well.

Scoring hits
Most attacks will be blocked or dodged. Creating and exploiting windows of opportunity is the way to guarantee hits, which can be done by:
 * Dodging an enemy's strike, which prevents them from blocking or dodging for a brief moment afterward.
 * Striking a enemy right before their strike.
 * Blocking an enemy attack with perfect timing, which triggers an automatic counter strike.

Enemies can also harm each other with friendly fire, so it can be useful to bait enemies into loosing arrows, throwing bombs, or executing other attacks when they might hit one of their friends.

Combat movement
Sam cannot move through enemies when their weapon is drawn. Enemies will move forward when she backs away to maintain distance unless Sam outright runs away. Sam and her enemies are forced back sixteen pixels when receiving a successful strike and eight pixels upon blocking a strike. Dodging leaves both fighters in the same spot.

Aerial combat
When airborne, Sam can strike in all four directions. She can propel off targets below using down attacks, while up and side attacks can be used to knock aerial enemies down to the ground. Weapon wielding opponents are not vulnerable to aerial attacks unless they are in the air.

Stamina
Stamina is a critical combat resource. When their stamina is depleted, fighters are limiting to walking and dodging. Stamina is depleted more quickly by making more frequent strikes.

Combat outcomes
While critters and robot enemies can be killed, higher-intelligence enemies are merely knocked out when they lose in combat. These enemies will reawaken over time.

Alternatives to combat
Combat is not the only way Sam can deal with hostiles. There are a myriad of other options, including:
 * Intimidation, distraction and dialogue, including witty banter.
 * Using a bucket of water.
 * Stealthy walking.
 * Disguise.
 * Using fishing gear.
 * Using the Boomerang.
 * Dancing.