Skyrim: Building Better Combat

[mjmarin12]

In game development, the visual improvements, non-player character AI tweaks, and new storytelling philosophies are all for naught if the base activity the player performs the most frequently is uninteresting or unrefined. In the case of an action role-playing game like The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, those activities are swinging swords, shooting arrows, or casting spells at the myriad bloodthirsty enemies rushing toward you in foreboding dungeons of Tamriel. Aware of the combat shortcomings and exploits players used in Oblivion, the developers at Bethesda Studios went back to the drawing board to forge a new direction for Skyrim.

Bethesda’s solution is a new two-handed combat system that allows players to equip any weapon or spell to either one of their character’s free hands. This flexible platform opens up countless play styles – dual wielding, two-handed weapons, the classic sword and shield combo, ranged weapons, or even equipping two different spells. Switching between loadouts on the fly is made easier thanks to a new quick-select menu that allows you to “bookmark” all of your favorite spells, shouts, and weapons for easy access.

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[cheezMcNASTY]

this was in the original game informer article but it's still pretty thought provoking.

i wonder if you will be legitimately and tactically ambushed rather than
A) setting off booby trap by way of tripped rope, pressure plate, or presence (needle trap)
B) everyone hearing you screaming in agony

it would be extremely cool to see humanoid enemies set up tactical positions and attempt to catch you unawares. not with wildlife though... mudcrabs co-operating would just be a step too far.

 

[Dark Drakan]

Looking forward to seeing some decent AI and the ways they have revamped the combat as that wasnt a big strong point of Oblivion or Morrowind.

 

[Arseface]

it would be extremely cool to see humanoid enemies set up tactical positions and attempt to catch you unawares. not with wildlife though... mudcrabs co-operating would just be a step too far.

I heard that's going to be an expansion pack. TES V: Mudcrab Special Forces.

 

[cheezMcNASTY]

I heard that's going to be an expansion pack. TES V: Mudcrab Special Forces.

you do realize,
this means war....

Spoiler