April 19, 2017 5:13 AM EDT
Zonnonn said:
I've heard great things about the magic in Dragons Dogma, and as magic is always the thing I look for most in RPGs I really want to play it.
But out of the games I've played, I'm actually going to say the Witcher 3. Magic is just a one skill in the r+epetoire of Geralt, but I think the beauty is in it's simplicity. All bases are covered with the small selection you have, and each one is versatile enough to be used in a variety of situations while not feeling forced - in fact, it's completely viable to never touch spells in a whole playthrough.
The thing about that sort of system is that it's presented in a "variation" format as opposed to an upgrade format.
Basically, the system that's utilized in the witcher 3 game force an "either/or" scenario where you need to make a selection for the kind of specialization for your build.
As mentioned rightly, it's pro's include it's simplicity in design and management, but it lacks variety or multiplicity of the same spell, as it befits a spellsword class like a witcher. You'd probably expect variety and multiplicity around a class like a soreceror or mage (ie: Triss or Yennifer)For example, you cannot have 2 types of the same flame spell or 2 type of the same run laid on ground (ie: Either spread fire damage over time or deal burst damage)Skyrim's magic system on the other hand allows for the configuration of multiple loadouts.So, in the same spell based scenario for a spellsword, represnting the school of the wolf, you can have a specialized build that uses damage over time, in addition to bust damage from spells and sword (ie: Ignite + Firebolt /Ice Spike/Lightning Bolt + Any Destruction Rune spell + Regular and/or power attacks)
Or to reperesnt the school of the gryphon, which is more sign intensive (in witcher terminology), you can simulate the use of a variety of different spells, before switching to sword.(Ie: Flames/Frostbite/Sparks + Fireball / Ice Storm / Lightning Bolt --upgrade to-->Incinerate/Icy Spear/ Lightning)
With enchants, it's possible to replicate the rune system for enhancing weapons & armors.Mods help increase the type of enchants available (ie: World's dawn, Summermyst)With mods, it's even possible to replicate the dodge, block/parry combat mechanics of the witcher combat systemOverall, it's very much possible to replicate and even improve the witcher combat/magic/loot system in skyrim.However, it's strength it's it's weakness in this case... too many options but contrained by build and hotkeys i suppose.