I hear various sounds from the game used all over the place on TV, and yes the combat mechanics are wonderfully implemented. They could stand to be tightened up a little but even then, nothing comes close to deposing this game's combat as reigning champ. Aside from the knight and the dwarf, each class has a very distinct feel. Each fighting style has its strengths and weaknesses. Defense, offense, speed, weapon size, weapon selection, agility, and strength are all carefully balanced to offer a great deal of replay-ability across classes. Graphically, I think the game is still a contender. Even though character models do have a dated look they are far from ugly. The environments are still beautiful, lighting and shadows are amazingly atmospheric, reflections on water look great, and in game architecture and level design are well thought out. The games combat AI is superb, most games call head on attack followed by full retreat AI; not here. Each enemy class has its own approach to ass kickery. Whether it’s bashful knights, fearless skellies, or lumbering Minotaurs each combat situation requires strategy, skill, and speed from the player. If another game ever comes even close to this game’s combat it will be an instant success in my book.
On a different note; I love playing as the knight but when given enough space to jump around in I think that the Amazon is the strongest character when its comes to giving and not taking damage. She is nearly impossible to hit, has the best HTH range, and a good amount of damage. She's a real pain in the ass to play as when trying to get through a climbing puzzle though. With that in mind my biggest complaint has to be jumping puzzles. I can smash 100 trolls in a row without a problem, one jumping puzzle over lava though and it's game over. Finally, I have to tip my hat to the gore. Nothing is more satisfying that a blood spurting headless troll staggering around in front of me after a quick and brutal fight. I love the way the PC can quickly stow their weapons and slowly walk away while staring down their recently defeated enemy, very badass.