Yes we do need an Arena type mode to better test combat. This whole game for me will boil down to whether or not the combat experience is enjoyable or not. The sole reason I quit games like Oblivion or Skyrim is the combat -just doesnt feel as if Im in control such as Warband. Warband may not be totally realistic ie…twitchy attack spam, but, it does feel like your having full control of your attacks and timing -as well as very well done sound effects.
Im still undecided on this one, there is some definite promise but at its current speed, feels a bit too stiff, robotic and choreographed. Now perhaps it is the skill level of me and/or my opponents as im just randomly attacking people with weapons to try and get a really good feel -but this is a poor testing ground and if Warhorse values veteran gamers feedback on combat (especially old ones with jobs and kids), we simply need a faster way to test.
Just had a quick go and attacked some guy camped on a cliffside with an axe and shield while I had short sword/shield -it was a decent back and forth but i seemed to overwhelm him a little too easily although I was a squire. We started sliding down the rockface and now here could have been a REALLY interesting combat situation but sadly, he was caught behind a really small rock that he should have been able to easily step upon as I finally did and attack him. The force and frenzy of the attacks seemed too subtle. Louder umphs and more visceral weapon sounds as well as slahier cut sounds are needed -much more than him continually cursing with me. Im hoping for different styles of attacks that seem less like fencing and more unbridled wild type swings for variety.
Now deeper into the fighting mechanic -there is nothing more satisfying than the so called “chamber” from Warband which requires exact timing and positioning and reinforces with a really satisfying sound. The manual block and chamber are the “real hook” of that game that keeps me coming back over and over with it never feeling old. Im hoping this game develops a similar high learning curve that keeps me coming back for more and wanting to hone over and over.
Best of luck!
PS: The forest is still unmatched in this game.
PPS: Just reread my post and dont feel I fully conveyed what Im looking for: feeling the physics of the battle and those physics boiling down into millisecond advantages. For instance -in WB, you can crowd the blade, meaning moving into the angle where the weapon can not rally chamber enough to develop power. Also there are little stuns which drop opponents defense for a millisecond -an eternity to a veteran dueler. So in this game, while people are asking for ‘finishing moves’ -i see them as utterly useless. Give us combat moves in its stead. Ducks for to counter lateral swings. Alternate Sword swinging to feint and and fool the enemy into which side hes coming and spinning attacks - with realistic speeds of course. Basically a wilder more visceral and more unpredictable combat experience.
