After Skyrim: 10 Awesome Predictions for the Future of the Elder Scrolls Series

By Stuart W. Bedford /

3. Greater Depth to Combat

Don€™t get me wrong, I€™m not accusing Bethesda of shallow game design; that would be like accusing Martin Scorsese of being a hack - a ridiculous statement. However, I always wished that Skyrim brought with it a greater depth to Elder Scrolls€™ classic combat system, but alas, we were delivered a relatively similar €“ if somewhat overhauled €“ system to that which we€™d been playing for years already. If you chose One Handed as your mode of attack, you could choose from a range of varying weapons but were ultimately limited to a few standard slashes or swings (and could unlock a running attack if you desired). Magic was presented as a dual wield system that allowed for combinations of separate spells or a double strength version of a single spell (by casting with both hands at once). Presentation wise it was a vast improvement on its predecessors, but at its core it still up to its old tricks. I can€™t help but feel that the next Elder Scrolls title would benefit from some added depth. For example, a simple button-prompt counter system would add a further facet to swordplay (and possibly create a whole new skill €“ €˜Counter€™); a series of unlockable bow techniques and activatable archery styles could extend the ranged experience; maybe the ability to infuse magic into bareknuckle combat or even weapon attacks could create new levels to magic wielding (Magical Berzerker €“ sounds awesome to me). For the most part, Elder Scrolls has run on a very similar core combat system since it first went 3D with Morrowind. Maybe now is the perfect time to start looking at ways to evolve that tried and tested mechanic.