Yes, there are new things like you mentioned that are included now due to technical advances, but there's really no connection between those things and the stuff they removed. They could have added those things without reducing the variety of skills, weapons, and spells. Without removing the spell crafting system. Those aren't just numbers and text on the screen.
I'm confused. What's that point about technical advancement? Are you saying it's relevant somehow?
I'm talking about how modern Bethsoft games have a ton of GAMEPLAY features that weren't in Morrowind - so they didn't just remove stuff to streamline their games.
I say that because I felt your original statement was a little one-sided:
It's a shame spears were removed, along with so many other things, in Bethesda's constant effort to further streamline their games.
I mean, I hope you're aware that I could make the same silly counter-argument - and say that they didn't actually have to add those features, just because they could. I mean, if they only cared about streamlining - why add anything except prettier graphics, right?
So, that point makes no sense to me.
But you're right - they could have retained every single feature of past games. Some might have worked for their vision, and I definitely think spellcrafting was something they shouldn't have left out. That said, it was probably better for the balance.
Honestly, though, I think focusing the experience and making it less PnP-ish in terms of stats and skill categories paved the way for the kind of game they're really trying to make. The kind of game that's NOT just about dumbing down and appealing wide - but about the ultimate freeform immersive FP CRPG.
Something they have yet to achieve. But I think they're getting closer all the time.
So it's not really about "Well yeah, but they added this!", it's about concessions that they didn't have to make.
It's also about a lot of gameplay expansion they didn't have to make.
To me, we're having an exchange about Morrowind versus future games - and how I think future games are better overall.
You seem to agree with me.
But I agree that streamling is a universal thing in today's industry. I've never claimed otherwise.
No, but you certainly take extra care to mention it in this case and not another very obvious case that I will refrain from mentioning.
What I really don't understand is why you're always so down on Bethsoft when you seem to enjoy their modern games - and you actually agree with me that they're getting better.
I mean, you're obviously not obligated to actually say nice things about their games - I just think it's odd that you never really do.
But whatever.
Since we more or less agree, I see no reason to harp on the finer points.