I must say having fought in the arena and beaten it on the expert mode a couple of times with various weapons in this new patch, the combat in general feels easier. It took a while to get into the new system of movement and I have mixed feelings about it. Pros are definitely that the diagonal movement is possible to pull off especially when using the 1h axe. Not to boast but I managed to kill the sword shield lady on expert with one well-timed 1h axe swing to her head as she dashed to strike me. Was very nice to see that this was possible! Also for the reach of the 1h axe; it hasn't changed I know but the ability to do a diagonal movement has made it significantly easier to connect your swings. ^^ With this in mind, also the possibility of very close combat to do massive damage with every swing. After some practice the movement feels fluid if you dont constantly press your movement keys. Timing is key!
It feels easier to time your swing with the new dash. Often times I also feel that with this movement it has made it easier to strike the opponent above or below shield- or even around. My nemesis is the shield-wielding swords-women! So this made me feel better
Cons. Well, I feel that sometimes when I thought that I just simply tapped a movement key I end up dodging. This can make it quite frustrating and more unintuitive as I feel like I have less control over my character. Also with the new dashes I simply tested to dash and swing, since I feel as if I have gotten more power to the swings, my character wobbles back and forth and side to side even though I have released from the swing. This makes the shield particularly hard to control and maneuver to block against an incoming blow - again going back to the lack of control feeling.
One more thing which I am wondering is about the react-ability of the dashes, since it's a hold in to dash, I am worried that I will get hit because I no longer can control, my so called, instant dash. Before it felt more instant that I chose to dash now because of double tap. I am worried those few milliseconds could cost me my life. I am not sure of this. Again that does go under the category of lack of control, but mainly a feeling I have been getting from the combat experience. My question being is the time of the double tap just as fast as the hold-in to dodge type of system just as equally fast or faster/slower?
Also an unrelated question being, when striking I have often found that even when their weapon hits my shield spot on I seem to take non-leathal damage. I have tested this countless times (because I know it is difficult and want to master it), it sometimes feels as if it is no longer possible to do? With the old system however I was getting quite good at it. ^^
small summary for people who can't be bothered with a ginormous text:
PROS:
- Diagonal movement! YAY!
- Close combat (1h weapons), more devastating hits! YAY!
- Hitting around shields, above/below! YAY!
And there was much rejoicing... yaaay...
CONS:
- The feeling of lack of control, tapping keys ending up in dodges.
- Character wobbling after a dash swing.
- More difficulty to block because of the wobbling.
QUESTION:
- Is the time of the double tap just as fast as the hold-in to dodge type of system just as equally fast or faster/slower?
- When positioning shield to get struck as you strike, even spot on, I take non-lethal damage. Is it possible to still do this without the damage of course?
I have played quite a few hours but would like the possibility to switch between them so that I may actively test both. ^^ It's hard to make a comparison even though I have played considerable amounts of hours with the old system than the new. ^^ These aren't meant as complaints or such, just observations. And really just wanted to share my feelings with the Developers and the community! ^^
Sorry for the long post but I really felt like sharing! Thanks for reading ^^