By Ghaleor:
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About that one-handed skill and the with-shield skill, I wonder why so many people are angry by it.


By fable:
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I think it's because one-handed skill automatically implies one-handed-with-shield in all CRPGs up to this time--literally. I can't think of a previous game that has separated them out, and I've been playing CRPGs since the early 1980s.


I can't say that I'm 'angry' about the added 'with-shield' skill but probably more perplexed. And it's for the very reason fable mentioned. Up until now in every CRPG I've played, one-handed fighting implied 'with a shield'. I guess the question is: why the change? Is it because it can be done? Or for another reason?

I have noticed a trend among the newer CRPGs where characters can become more specialized in their chosen field. I.e., Morrowind goes to almost an extreme with their alchemist. The alchemist can use a pestal and mortar, a retort, an alembic or calcinator and there are loads of ingredients from which you can choose to mix potions. I.e., herbs, minerals, plants, animal by-products, etc. And I found that I could get lost in the many choices I had if I wanted to become a Secret-master alchemist. Not that alchemy has anything to do with warrior skills, but this does go to show that developers seem to be aiming for more versatility and diversity in character creation.

Some players may find it fun, others might find it confusing and some may just not care. Personally, the more choices I have, the better I like the game.

I've been playing BD using my hero as a Wizard and the DK as a survivor which has made for an interesting game thus far. Next time around I would like to try playing one a warrior and the other a survivor or mage.

This time around I decided not to spend any skillpoints on the 'with shield' skill and from Ghaleor's post, I think I made a wise choice. I don't think I would have made it through the first Act since I'm not much of a 'hack 'n slasher' (I'm gettin' old and the eye-hand coordination ain't what it used to be. LOL) Maybe next time around I'll have one character specialize in one-handed/with shield.

Interesting discussion.


Faralas <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mage.gif" alt="" />