I doubt I will use dual weapons very often, it's cool but will probably feel unrealistic depending on how they do it. As long as I can equip a bow and a spell I'll be happy. If they don't let me I will be very upset, since there goes my character from Oblivion.

I see my Argonian dual-wielding a longsword with his right hand, and a shortsword in his left hand. INSTANT BADASS!!!

So one item in each hand... known to be used historically, and in modern combat recreations = unrealistic

Using magic = realistic

Actually, probably just a sword and shield. Dual wielding sounds awesome, and I will definitely use it, but not at first.

I want to see a shield on my back first.

This was a very low priority for me as I just don't really care for dual-wielding. If I have to give up a shield, I'd rather use one two-handed weapon instead of two one-handed weapons. That said, I'll probably use the dual (that's dual, not duel)-wielding option eventually (probably the dual daggers for a stealth-based character), but not on my first play-through. I'm more interested in the shield-bash option we've been told about. I really hope spears are in (with the ability to use them in conjunction with a shield) more than dual-wielding.

I want to know how bows work with this. Also, two-handed weapons make spellcasting impossible without putting away one's weapon, right?

My first character will be a Nord Barbarian so most likely I will stick with either a shield/sword or a two handed sword.

On my second character which will be a Breton mage, I plan to have lighting in one hand and weakness to lighting(if available) in the other. A healing spell for backup as well(left hand)

@Seti I would assume so until told otherwise.

im going spellsword style or dual spells, likefire and ice or if theres more unique spells like dark arts ones then im going totally dark side

I would think that you could let one hand go momentarily to cast the spell but IDK.

More importantly, how are we gonna block with a mouse? I assume each mouse button controls each hands attack?

Well, since it's impossible (let's say impracticable because I'm sure someone could manage it) to dual-wield bows (unless you have four arms, perhaps), that won't be in. As for spell-casting with a two-handed weapon, you just take one hand off the weapon to cast the spell quickly, and then put it back. Easy.

Now I'm wondering if this game will be playable using a touchpad with a laptop.

Now I'm wondering why you would even think of trying to play a game with a touchpad of a laptop. :tongue:

Touchpads are terrible, just buy a mouse. You can get one for like 5 bucks.

Ninja'd by the Lady of the sky :ninja: GAH!

Sword/axe? I would especially love if the axes have a chance to "grab" shields, or a similar effect.

nah, not a big axe fan

I'm hoping for this. Unless you have an arrow notched, your main hand is free. I don't see why a spell couldn't be used with a bow equipped, but I guess we will have to see what they are doing with it. The problem with this logic is that it could be extended to 2 handed weapons such as claymores or great axes, since they are not carried with both hands. Unless you are actively attacking, your offhand would be free at your side. If that were true, then what would be the point in using a 1h weapon/spell combo over a 2h weapon/spell combo? True single handed weapons would need to gain some sort of bonus in damage when used with a spell, but then that would lead to imbalance for dual wielders of melee weapons.

My brain hurts.

...having a spell in each hand is realistic to you as opposed to wielding two weapons is unrealistic?

strangely, people dual-wield in real life, and i havent seen anyone dual-wield spells...

... :slap:

Yes, this is a fantasy game. But just because it's one doesn't mean it doesn't have to feel real.
By your logic we should fly into battle on huge chickens with bunny heads, because hey magic isn't real either.

I can see myself having a little bit of fun with a lightning spell on each hand, a la http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxKvjKo6fPM

Hmm I have pulled the control scheme out of the murky depths of my imagination. Here it is:

Xbox (PS3 button equivelancy, you know the drill)
Left anolog - Move
Right anolog - Look
Left Stick - Sneak
Right Stick - Toggle 1st/3rd person
A - Interact
B - Journal
X - Sheath/Unsheath weapon
Y - Jump
RB - Block
RT - Attack (Right Hand/ 2 Hand Weapon), Bash (Right Hand Shield), Cast (Spell)
LB - Grab
LT - Attack (Left Hand 1 Hand Weapon), Bash (Left Hand Shield), Cast (Spell, Spell w/2 Hand Weapon, Bow, or Staff) De-Nock Arrow (Bow with drawstring pulled back)
Back - Wait
Start - Pause

PC
Same controls as Oblivion but Right Click functions like LT mentioned above and Alt (default keyboard block in Oblivion) is new Block button

Edit:


I believe the point was that Dual Wielding has been used as a combat style for centuries. The Katana and wakizashi from japan, Rapier and dagger from Spain, many smaller barbarian like tribes would use two small axes or a club and a throwing hatchet.

Rather than give the 1 handed weapon an advantage in damage, it would make more sense to give the 2 handed weapons(claymores, battleaxes, warhammers) a penalty to the characters mobility. Its already been stated that each weapon will have its own unique feel, and so logically it would make sense that heavier(2 handed) weapons are more cumbersome to wield and hurt your agility.


Edit: And just as a side note, I've posted this before and I'm posting it again. I want the ability to throw war axes or daggers at the enemy with one hand, impale them with it and then with my telekinesis spell on my other hand I want to be able to quickly retrieve my weapon and continue fighting.(NOT LIKELY, I KNOW, BUT ONE CAN DREAM.....)

That would be very cool. Radiating Epicness. :rock:

I'm all for dual wielding weapons and whatever you like. I personally am dreaming of a throwing knife in my left hand and dagger in my right.

Wooooow...

That's just...a terrible, terrible extrapolation of the argument.

You argue that dual-weilding is unrealistic when it isn't and is used in reality in many applications but that doesn't 'feel real' to you? I think research is something that anyone should do about this, before assuming something is unrealistic. Magic does not actually exist as far as we know, however it can be treated in a believable manner. The same applies to anything in a fantasy setting. If, say, a wiry Dunmer were able to effectively wield two massive warhammers in battle and trounce anyone in their path without breaking a sweat, that would be unbelievable (see WoW), but two daggers, a long-sword and handaxe, a staff and mace, are all believable.

However, I think we'll find that dual-wielding is not simply a damage multiplier but will reduce defensive capabilities as well, so you may be able to do more damage, but you won't be as efficient at blocking. It can be balanced. On top of that, you don't have to make use of it in your game, at all, and if you come across an NPC dual-wielding you can laugh at them as you smash their skull in with your two-handed warhammer. Dual wielding may not be incredibly common, and whether you 'feel' it is realistic or not is irrelevant to the fact that it is 'real.'

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sai_%28weapon%29
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Butterfly_sword