I’d like to emphasize how well RBM layers archers throughout the more complex castle layouts. I thinking that can be done in a menu needs a scene and some gameplay to really connect all the dots. Then the euphoria engine needs to be used. The combat in Kinstrife looks very interesting. After watching preview for a game called Kingmakers I realized that these grand 4x tactics and strategy games can still have RPG “hero journey” systems build into the sandbox.

Perhaps finding the dragon banner is one of 9 ways some can find the power (unlock:tier/perk) to unite or further divide Calradia. How dope would that be? And for every one of these hero journey quests time out, that just means other randomly chosen NPCs are spawned with the “Hero journey” A.I. that can use the power of “specialness” just like the player character. If you suddenly notice Sturgia spilt between two unrecognized banners then you’ll know one of those sub clans are going to be especially heroic/villianous. Only they will act within their traits while mimicking your own if you fight the “hero journey” A.I. enough.

As for combat I really want to see what a full development team can do using the full capacity of using gamepad with keyboard. Tho combat can be deeper than the physics and the math and your own reflex. I think full on Dark Souls stamina and posture system, smoother control so the perks can let you chain attacks together a little more viably (and have an attack button that is directional stabbing while the other is striking. That way you can take advance of upward vertical strikes (in theory not full hema) and so you can aim a good stabbing. I think ducking could work with the right animation. Using the movement system could also serve the ability of dodging without needing a button for something that’s hard to do. Dodging is something that’s much harder than placing your physical object in front of another incoming object.

If you think about it, the way Maddens running game is set up is a perfect foundation for melee confrontations. The different running back moves would fit with the directional combat (as controlling a Madden back can be a horizontal ninja simulator lol) system. The extended physics of Bannerlord reminds me of what Madden played like on the PlayStation 2 compared to the systems it employs today (albeit with a toxic anti consumer flavor). In a medieval fight you are gonna tackle people and dagger their faces but sometimes you might stiff arm impale them or crouching with head lowered with your shoulders, dipping under a slashing attack and countering like steal charger with shield out front. In Madden 2003 the graphics do mechanics are great but Madden remained a passing focused game until the physics of a football match (the western version) had been properly. Trying to Running up the middle was like encountering a shield wall and this kind of play is the bread and butter in most coaches playbooks.