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A Classic's Combat: Outdated or Endearing?

The Veteran's Perspective: Bruce Nesmith's Take on Morrowind's Combat

Bruce Nesmith, a distinguished designer and writer with a rich history contributing to iconic Bethesda titles such as Daggerfall, Oblivion, Skyrim, and Fallout, recently expressed his view that Morrowind's combat system has not aged well. He suggested that playing the 20-year-old game today would likely elicit a sense of discomfort due to its dated mechanics, despite the nostalgic reverence many hold for it. This perspective sparked considerable discussion among the gaming community, challenging long-held affections for the title.

Larian Studios Enters the Fray: Michael Douse's Vision for a Modern Morrowind

In response to Nesmith's comments, Michael Douse, the publishing chief at Larian Studios, offered a contrasting opinion. Douse firmly believes that a technically adept developer could successfully remake Morrowind, incorporating a modern combat system that would undoubtedly resonate with a wide audience and achieve significant commercial success. He even playfully suggested a search for "Bethesda's Bloober," referencing Bloober Team's critically acclaimed remake of Silent Hill 2 as an example of successful modernization.

Unpacking Morrowind's Unique Combat System

Morrowind's original combat system has often been described as unconventional, relying heavily on statistical calculations and random number generation (RNG) to determine hit success and damage output. This design choice, while deeply rooted in traditional RPG mechanics, frequently led to a disconnect between a player's on-screen actions and the game's internal calculations. Douse argued that such an RNG-heavy approach is incompatible with modern first-person combat expectations, suggesting that a system akin to Fallout 3's VATS might offer a viable solution for integrating virtual dice rolls into a more engaging FPS-style experience.

Community Reactions and the Enduring Appeal of Morrowind

While some in the community agree with the need for combat modernization, many passionate fans of Morrowind staunchly defend its original mechanics, often citing forums like the Morrowind subreddit as evidence of its enduring appeal. However, Douse emphasizes that regardless of personal preference, the game's combat might not meet contemporary standards. He pointed out that modern players would likely react negatively if their attacks, despite appearing to connect, failed to register damage due to hidden statistical checks.

Beyond Combat: The True Essence of Morrowind's Legacy

Despite the contentious debate surrounding its combat, the author posits that Morrowind's true greatness lies not in its fighting mechanics, but in its unparalleled world-building, compelling characters, rich mythology, and distinctively bold approach to game design. Over the years, while the Elder Scrolls series has evolved to be more polished and accessible, some argue it has also become more cautious, perhaps losing some of the audacious spirit that defined Morrowind. This evolution reflects Bethesda's strategy to broaden its audience, a move that, while commercially successful (as seen with Skyrim's continued popularity), may have come at the cost of some of the series' original daring.

A Call to Action: Imagining Morrowind's Future

The author concludes by advocating for a respectful discussion about the future of Morrowind, rather than heated arguments. With Bruce Nesmith having left Bethesda, the focus shifts to figures like Michael Douse. The article playfully suggests that fans might consider politely urging Douse to assemble a team at Larian to undertake a modern reimagining of Morrowind, hinting at the potential for such a project to reignite the magic of the classic for a new generation while preserving its unique identity.