A really common debate in game design is "why do we always default to violent combat as our base mechanic" and one common answer is it's just such a convenient theme that nicely layered mechanics naturally fall out of (in part b/c it's so well trodden)

But let's reimagine...

What are some themes OTHER than combat that allow you to build something "like" a combat system, that's equally deep, satisfying, and visually interesting?

Combat ideas to find alternate themes for:
- Hit points -- reduce a meter/number to zero to win. But you could also fill something UP for largely the same mechanic.
- Status effects -- these are flexible enough to be ported to just about anything I think

You could make almost anything out of a numerically abstract system but you need some kind of stakes and relevant theme or else it’s just an abstract puzzle game (which are fine, mind you)

And being a father to three young kids, boy is it clear “this creature is in opposition to me, I shall punch it” seems pretty innate. But we can try other things.