Did anyone download the mediafire file? Was it spoilerific?
Yes, I did. Yes, I'd say it is, but not overly so. The file is exactly the same as the YouTube video (shakeycam filmed in Quakecon and has the same sound problems from c. 25 min onwards). I didn't feel it spoiled much at all, it contained only the most generic plot details and the rest is about the new engine, the interface, the basics of combat and spells, and so on. Interesting stuff that I wouldn't consider too spoilerish, you're bound to have heard/seen the plot-related spoilers already. That said, if you want to be 100% unspoiled, then don't watch it.
Speaking of the Quakecom video, I must say it was pretty good (not counting the audience which started to annoy me after about 5 minutes) and informative. I was really sceptic about the interface when I first heard about it, with its star-gazing and whatnot, but must confess I kinda liked it. Have to try it out on the PC before I can say if I actually like it, of course, but it doesn't look half as bad as I feared.
The inventory's item manipulation looks sweet, loved the opening notes and books. Really like the detail they have put on items, now that they can all be rotated and examined closely (bonus points for the plants/herbs with their roots and all). Also, nice to see you can go Gothic/Arx with the foods and cook them for better effects for eating them. The simulationist in me is really happy. Now all I need is a mod like the Necessities in Morrowind or a Hardcore mode like in FO:NV.
NPCs seem better, but sadly there wasn't that much NPC interaction in the video (not surprising with an audience screaming, "kill him!" for every NPC around). Fortunately the persuasion wheel/minigame is gone and good riddance! It was horrible. DOn't know how they've implemented persuasion now, if they have it in at all. Thankfully the extreme close up view of NPCs when talking to them is gone. Also, it seems the game world doesn't stop (i.e. time stops around you) when in conversation, which is good. The village looked much better (organic, lived in) than the ones in Oblivion and thank heavens the NPCs don't look as awful as in Oblivion. Beth promised they've used more voice actors this time, let's hope that's true.
Combat looks to be somewhat improved. Hard to say without trying it myself. At least there's more weight behind the strikes now and the animations look better. No more dancing on ice, it seems.
Oh well, I try not to get hyped, but I'm very eagerly awaiting 11.11.11.
