Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

[Drasca]

Realistically, the one between the two of you should have stepped left, the other one should have stepped forward and right. It wasn't perfect, by a long shot.
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Looks like our experiences differ here both in Oblivion and in combat preferences. While I've experienecd flanking and counterflanking in Oblivion (via conjures, melee and magic most of the time, outdoors the other), you have not. I also disagree with the pincher manuever on a small scale. While I think its good for one guy to flank, I think the other should be doing his best to press the attack to take up all your attention. Pressing forward is one thing, but the "to the right" part is only available if you let him, and you aren't likely going to give up to flanking easily. So, the best he option for him is take up your attention for his buddy to sneak by your side.

I'm surprised you weren't flanked by the Argonians in the Arena, I'm pretty sure that one's required. Or am I confusing youf or Artega and other Grand Arena Champions?

A: The amount of damage you do.

B: The range you have.

When you are using an axe in the exact same way as you fight with a mace, that variety sure feels hollow.

Yeah, I would like more weapon moves too, stuff that makes the weapons more individualized, but I also know this game isn't soul calibur. My main weapon variety comes from the enchants I put on them. Other inherent weapon qualities are:

C: Weapon speed. Two handers do play differently than daggers.

D: Physics Mass. This one's somewhat hidden, and I'm not completely sure how it works, but every mesh in this game has physics data. I've opened it up via nifskope, but we currently have no way to attach or affect havok physics data. Someday, I want to be able to manipulate this. A giant warhammer and KE should physically knock around creatures of lesser mass.

I've knocked around rats and paralyzed bodies so far, but that's it.

At level 20ish the combat seems realitic enough, and hardly predictable

I actually use a mod that increases combat AI variety and overall aggression. Check out Combat Behavior by Lyrondor
http://www.atomicmpc.com.au/article.asp?SC...&CIID=36919&p=3

Edit to add:

Oblivion has a parry system?

Yes. You parry rather than block if you don't have a shield. There's also less die-rolling involved in Oblivion than a lot of other games. If your weapons physically touch the enemy, it hits. No imaginary chance to hit BS. That's a step up in my book.

my character magically blocks any attack coming from the front

Note, you still take damage when you block, and I'm not completely sure about taking more damage, but I definitely feel more vulnerable when I've just made a block against one guy, and another attacks while I'm feeling the recoil from blocking the first.

It comes down to button-mashing, rather then well-aimed hits.

I dispute button mashing, especially against enemies that block. If you're randomly attacking a shieldblocking enemy, you're going to feel recoil when your weapon bounces off, putting you at a disadvantage for defense the enemy counter attacks with their opening. Sure, there's less aiming with weapon and blocking directions (unless the guy is flanking me left and right and I'm countercircling), but combat is dictacted by timing, openings, and distance.

You cannot escape some 'button mash' aspect in any combat simulation when you are pressing an advantage. If you're 'mashing' only when you have an advantage, and no other times, then I believe that's a realistic combat simulation.

However, I would dispute that OB is only a button mashing gamefor melee'ers. The block/recoil system punishes wild attacks.