If there is a new engine then there has to be a new combat system. It should incorporate a more fluid system that has a penetrating factor with weapons and a collision system (i.e. parts of your armor or clothing getting torn up and/or removed). The factor of being able to have that collision system will help to make repairing armor realistic. Think of being able to do attacks that have your blade go through the abdomen of your foe and seeing it coming out of their backside or bludgeoning the face with a mace or cutting the neck with an axe. These kinds of animations would make the game more realistic and place a lot of interest in it. Sorry for being so graphic, just trying to emphasize on elements of game play.

Dismemberment and limb damage would add more depth to the combat system, and perhaps blunt weapons should be better at breaking armour.

I hope it's somewhat similar to the combat system in Demon's Souls. Based more around recognizing enemy attack patterns and attacking when they leave themselves open ...and less on wailing on each other until one you falls.

I'm just hoping combat is a bit more smooth.
http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1148619-any-one-else-hoping-for-an-improvement-in-the-combat-system-not-magic-system/

I fully agree with a more interactive and realistic combat system. Oblivion was a huge leap from the repetitive baseball swing hit from Morrowind. But, Oblivion in my opinion, is merely at the precipice of what is truly possible for a truly immersive and exciting combat experience. When I'm going head to head with an orc in the arena that has mean intentions for me, I want the battle to be brutal. If I get hit, I want my wooden shield to shatter by the attack. I want to see my sword impale the orc calling him to go into a rage and a frenzy. I want to see my helmet fly off as the orc throws me to the ground with his giant mace. When I pick up a claymore and try to block with it, I want to see the sword shatter from the orc's attack because my claymore has no more durability, etc. I think there is a lot Bethesda could do to truly push the combat system forward.

[quote name='Indalus' timestamp='1292219637' post='16793949']
Dismemberment and limb damage would add more depth to the combat system, and perhaps blunt weapons should be better at breaking armour.
yeah and it could also have an effect of actually breaking weapons (literally) with certain attacks

Aye, let's use the already established topic. http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1148619-any-one-else-hoping-for-an-improvement-in-the-combat-system-not-magic-system/