The absence of these in TES games literally just hit me now. Would you like it if a refined selection of these types of abilities were added into the series somewhere down the line? When I say activated abilities, think things like heroic strike in WoW. It would certainly add more depth to the combat but it might make the game feel less unique. Thoughts?

I think some of the perks should be activated abilities, but not very many. Like the shield bash that they have confirmed, you should have perks where if you hold the attacking button, it does a lunge or another type of attack. Another thing that comes to mind is if you strike with two weapons at the same time (dual-wield), then it does something additional, such as a unique swipe with both weapons. I don't want lots of active abilities like in WoW, but instead maybe 3 unique attacks each for melee, marksman, and magic.

There are limitations to what kind of attacks you can bind to ONE button you know. WOW works because it has 40+ buttons to choose from. And there are the power attacks.

BLAAAAAADESTOOOOOOORM

*ahem* Personally, i'd love abilities in Oblivion, but I have played WoW for over 2 years soooo...

It doesn't need if the melee and archer combat system is improved to have a bit more complexity, as in the last games it was simple too hack/block|dodge/hack/power strike, repeat.

This is what made oblivion combat system the weak aspect of the game (that and story but we won't go there), as long we have more movement attacks and dodge seems more fluid than merely dancing around, then there is no need for a charge or stun abilities like in wow.

And about archery, I just hope there is something like hitting leg, slowing status on enemy, arm disarm, chest damage with damage over time.

Sounds very interesting.
Seeing skills like Multi Arrow from Fable and such.
Also, I recommended bladestorm-like perk for throwing weapons where you take bunch of knives and make Swiss cheese out of your enemies. :ninja:
Anyway, I think that something like that could be done and is worth looking into.

Id like to see some special attacks for melee that are done through button combos. For example using a PC: LMB LMB RMB= some basic special attack that depends on what your using ( two hander, Sword and Board, Dual 1handers)

What? You mean PERKS?

I swear I just can't decide. I can't decide to vote for it or against it, because I'm not sure if Bethesda could put in activated combat moves in a good way. If you like activate it, Is it gonna be like skills that just does an animation and the same effect all the time? If so, then I totally disagree. But maybe Bethesda would do it in a alternative way. Maybe they would make you only able to use the activated skill after the opponent is staggered or after 3 slashes the skill is able to activate for 40 split seconds and if you miss that 40 splits you have to slash him/her/it 3 times again for another activation moment. Or if the bow activation attacks could be like buffing your next arrow or the one your drawing at the moment. In my opinion melee combat would be nice with adrenaline / combat multiplier / Momentum / Build up bar
Then when this bar or whatever is full or filled enough for a skill to activate then you could activate and fill it again by fighting. Though the Oblivion fighting with more realistic blocking, shield bashing, Dual-wielding, Finishing moves and new built in combat possibilities that would be even better with the bash/special key included sounds great. As long as I don't end up holding the block key down the whole time waiting for the enemy to strike. I want to get thrills and Chills up my spine when I'm fighting. I just want action! Spartacus style ...