Several sources have confirmed that the latest Elder Scrolls Online beta build includes hostile NPC collision detection. If this is final and implemented well, it’s a big boost to the feel of melee combat in ESO. The general consensus has been that melee combat could feel better. It has somewhat been lacking impact. If these news turn out to be true, and the changes are implemented right, it’s definitely a major feather in Zenimax’ cap.
Whilst NPC collision detection has existed in Elder Scrolls games for ages, it definitely also has its drawbacks. In my experience it’s mostly to do with friendly npcs and companions getting in your way rather than enemies, though. Having hostile npc collision detection is also very important for that Elder Scrolls feel in my eyes.
Another key point here is that the collision detection is only active for NPCs. It’s important because I’m sure there’s many of us who know what happens when player collision detection is combined with jackasses and trolls. Warhammer Online, Age of Conan… Being able to block down entire areas by just parking your character at a specific spot is not the best design in my eyes.
There are multiple reasons for you to explore the vast world of Tamriel in Elder Scrolls Online. One of them is Treasure Maps. On your adventures you might come across these maps which point to a hidden stash of treasure. The concept is similar to the different maps you can find in TES:Skyrim – the map has a drawn picture on it which depicts the location of the hidden treasure, marked with an ‘x’. In Skyrim every treasure map had a fixed location, but this is not the case in ESO.
This time the
Zenimax have finally
Imperial Edition was leaked yesterday and now it has been officially confirmed.
Lockpicking has always been a part of the Elder Scrolls games. Whether you wanted to break into someone’s house or open a treasure chest, often you’d bump into a lock which can either be opened with a key (if one exists), with alteration magic or by picking the lock with lockpicks. In Morrowind the lockpicking system is a bit uneventful and based on randomness. You equip a lockpick and click on a locked container until your lockpick runs out of uses or the lock decides it’s time to open. Lockpicking in Oblivion is much more immersive and provided the player with a mini game. The player would have to “feel” the lock by watching the visual effects and listening to the sounds of pins or tumblers being forced up and falling down. Once you know which visuals/sounds to look out for, you can master the art of lockpicking.