I'm usually for a faithful adaptation of 5e, but in this, no. Here's why:
I played Solasta for the first time. I created a cleric. I adventured. First time I try to cast a spell, almost all spells are grayed out. "What the heck?" I say, and I spend forever trying to figure out why? Why are some spells grayed out and some not? Did I not prepare them?
I was super confused and disoriented. Then I realized that the game doesn't allow me to use them if I don't have a free hand.
Honestly, the mechanic isn't worth it in a video game. Materials versus somantics versus verbal... Making sure you have all the boxes checked each time you want to cast a spell... No thanks. It'll frustrate too many. And for what? So you are forced to unequip your weapon first. And for what? So you can't do an AOO... Maybe... If an enemy maybe triggers one. Yeah. It's not worth it. Just let the caster get AOO with their weapon even after casting. It's easier and less confusing.
Agree 100%.
Yes, It was another big reason I loved Hexblade in tabletop...I could use my pact weapon as a spell focus. Its a conundrum that the average gamer can be spared though.
I can remember making "the perfect build", and then "WHAT!!!???!!!, I can't cast spells?"
