Prince of Persia, Divinity II, Soul Caliber's Yun-seong, D&D games like Baulders Gate. These are all instances of games which allow for the effective use of one-hand style combat.
There is a reason this style exists: in real combat it is one of the most effective and versatile styles. It may lack the glamour of dual-wielding or the functionality of Sword/Shield, but it more than compensates for this in it's own ways.
The single sword style allows for greater mobility, high agility and speed. The fighter can strike quickly and grapple with his free hand; he can roll or dash with ease while still holding on to his weapon; he can hold the one-handed weapon with two hands for a strong final blow.
Single sword style in Diablo 3:
I doubt this style has been implemented, but I have never heard the question raised. I'll assume that hasn't and take the approach as an idea for an expansion.
The perfect character for this style would be the Monk. Exploding palm: how would this realistically be done dual wielding? The skill was practically MADE for the single-handed style. Conceptually it fits with the class very nicely but, the question is, how might it be implemented?
One could equip a single sword now, I'm sure, and be done with it. The problem is that there are no benefits to be seen (only less DPS and stats). I propose that this style augments mobility. Further dash distance; increased run speed; higher dodge rates. What about a trait that increases damage when using one single handed weapon? It can all be balanced.
This style would deal less damage than dual wielding or two-Handed weapons, but possibly more than sword/shield (with traits, for instance). The benefit, as stated, would be increased mobility.
Changing stats is one thing, but what I'm dreaming of is a bit larger in scope. I would like this style to have it's own animations like the bo vs. dual wield. Right now I assume this would animate like duel wielding but with no offhand equipped. This, obviously, would be lame. With it's own animations the fluidity of the moments would be almost like a dance; jumps, spins, slides, ect.
I understand this is a bit of a tall order for something that may not be very popular. The question is, then, will the idea catch on when more people think about how cool it really is? What do you think?
And greetings, btw, I'm a long time lurker (since Diablo 3's announcement) finally decided to join in order to vote in the latest poll
if you have superhuman potential in melee combat one small sword would limit your skills and quality item finding time wouldnt it? btw the wizard can use 1h swords with an orb, does that count as still having the versatility of having a weight and focal advantage? I see your point though.
as far as i see it, people like to use the weapon that adds the best versatility to their abilities.
dual wield in d2 was only effective in builds where you would only use it with dual wield or you would do increased damage because of the potential in items available. d3 has them as an aesthetic and playstyle option with somewhat balanced pros n cons.
2h weapons were left obsolete when it came to the most effective single target damaging abilities, which was where it was most useful because the effects of a shield were more impacting in hell. They balanced this problem by increasing the usefulness of 2h in d3.
1h weapons would accompany offhand items with stat boosts, in use for spell casting characters.
I dont think adding a buff to 1h weapons makes more sense than adding a debuff to a character dual wielding. As far as im concerned, the use of all your limbs when fighting at a superhuman level should maximize your potential. legs = placement support
Or for a similar result: Make a perhaps Legendary (Unique) 2 handed sword that focuses less on slow attack speed high damage but rather less damage but insane attack speed (to compensate for the less damage, would give similar DPS). For increased mobility and agility effect it could also give movement speed, faster hit recovery, faster cast speed, evasion %, cold attack to slow enemies etc.
The animations of the sword could also be altered to make it seem like the Character is only holding the sword with one hand.
Edit: In combination with what was said earlier; the offhand of the 1h animation could hold a sheath and this sword could have a % chance to stun enemies that hit you (with a sheath blow animation).
if that's in reference to my idea, the sheaths would be non-functional stat sticks. Kind of what quivers look like ATM in some of those screenshots.
I really like this! Just as the dual crossbows are one item, the single sword is item + sheath. In this way it integrates with Leftfoot's idea below: This "2-handed sword" is of a small variant with high speed and mobility modifiers. I remember in a Q&A the devs were thinking about the monk with no weapons but realized it wouldn't work. With this system, however, he could sheath his weapon for an instant for the same effect.
I'm going to post this on the official forums and, with the permission of you guys, add these ideas.
Or for a similar result: Make a perhaps Legendary (Unique) 2 handed sword that focuses less on slow attack speed high damage but rather less damage but insane attack speed (to compensate for the less damage, would give similar DPS). For increased mobility and agility effect it could also give movement speed, faster hit recovery, faster cast speed, evasion %, cold attack to slow enemies etc.
The animations of the sword could also be altered to make it seem like the Character is only holding the sword with one hand.
Edit: In combination with what was said earlier; the offhand of the 1h animation could hold a sheath and this sword could have a % chance to stun enemies that hit you (with a sheath blow animation).
I wouldnt be so surprised if we did in fact find some items with the stats that you are looking for. As far as just leaving the other hand blank and empty? I dont think so. Diablo is a game of stats and stacking as many modifiers onto your char as possible. Maybe, however, in the example of your monk char they may have some kind of off hand item for him as well. This is all just speculation, but the core mechanics of the diablo franchise has always been about stacking ur char with more and more stats.
I have an idea. What if there was an offhand that gives stats much greater then most offhands, but doesn't attack. It could be a glove or something, and it could be a Monk Specific item, allowing for the use of the 1h sword.
Or possibly, similar to in WoW, there could be a skill that disallows the use of the offhand, but increases your strength by, say, 10%, your other stats by 5%, and increases your sword damage by, say, 10%. This would effectively make those worried about stats no longer worried that they would loose out on the stats of an offhand and still enjoy the 1h solo sword style. In addition, the skill could increase dodge by 5% to make up for the lack of a shield.
The single sword wielding Barbarian was in the option for what kind of Barb you're building for in Diablo 2. The 2nd picture is a Defensive Barbarian's build in detail. And I know there's a footage somewhere where I've seen a female Barb wielding a single sword held by both hand. Though will there be viable builds for the feature, that we can still not say for certain.
I for one, would still like to see ancient giant swords, swords that will have to be held in both hands, heavily crested, magically finished, scattered in the land of D3. Grace to make heavy blows with the sword, trying to slice open dark gods' stomach in Diablo 3.
I am totally on board, from a... lore? realisticness?... perspective. There are many ways to maneuver a weapon that are not possible with another weapon in your second hand; plus a free hand can be used to grab, or palm-explode... whichever.
For the record, I'd mention the Star Wars KotOR franchise, where 1-saber wielding granted bonus to attack and defense, meaning you had a higher dexterity when working with only 1 weapon. Personally, I loved it, I had a nice character with slightly less damage than the dual-wielders but a lot more solid.
By the way, this is different from equipping a 2-handed Sword/Axe in the sense that the weapon you equip is actually supposed to be handled with only 1 hand, instead of needing 2.
Would be really cool, specially with the "Sheath" items.
For the record, I'd mention the Star Wars KotOR franchise, where 1-saber wielding granted bonus to attack and defense, meaning you had a higher dexterity when working with only 1 weapon. Personally, I loved it, I had a nice character with slightly less damage than the dual-wielders but a lot more solid.
Yeah, KotoR was the only game I could think of that did anything like that, and I enjoyed it too.
No off hand means both hands are holding on to the one single sword, the definition of supporting, or agreeing to this thread would have to mean you agreeing to the idea of there should be a place for one single sword, no off-hand's character, recognizing that there should be builds for it.
Therefore it shouldn't be leaving you with any spare hand to do exploding-palm or Megaman beaming-missile launcher attach to your right arm.
The character will have to depend on that giant sword, and the effects it comes with. Making the most use out of it for its stats will have to cover the stats of the gearing of two weaponry: Shield + Sword, or dual weapon-wielding.
Yeah, KotoR was the only game I could think of that did anything like that, and I enjoyed it too.
Ragnarok Online also supports/benefits players using 1h weapons without shield.
I'm not really sure how much off-topic us talking about other games is.
Or are you saying that all 3 of us are off-topic?
We're just pointing out that the idea suggested in the OP (on topic?) has been done by other games, and it worked great as an actual gameplay alternative. And could also work pretty well in Diablo 3.
It's totally related to the thread's original thought
No off hand means both hands are holding on to the one single sword, the definition of supporting, or agreeing to this thread would have to mean you agreeing to the idea of there should be a place for one single sword, no off-hand's character, recognizing that there should be builds for it.
Therefore it shouldn't be leaving you with any spare hand to do exploding-palm or Megaman beaming-missile launcher attach to your right arm.
The character will have to depend on that giant sword, and the effects it comes with. Making the most use out of it for its stats will have to cover the stats of the gearing of two weaponry: Shield + Sword, or dual weapon-wielding.
You may possibly be misunderstanding. We are not talking about a 2 handed sword. We are actually talking about a 1 handed sword with no off hand, as has been performed by some of the more militaristic Eastern Monk sects.
The "Giant Sword" style is already in the game, just as the dual wielding and the sword and board are all in the game. We are talking about another way to play the game though.
From a purely gameplay perspective can you state what you're hoping that weilding solely a one-handed sword would do as far as stats, gameplay, etc? Obviously unless there's a completely separate "sole one-hander" category of swords it won't have the stats, DPS or attributes that a two-hander would have, so what do you suggest? if you wield a one-handed sword you get 50% more stats from it? You attack 25% faster? What would you think would be balanced and work within the Diablo world and maybe they would consider it, but the problem comes to balancing items and I think this could make that almost impossible.
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There is a reason this style exists: in real combat it is one of the most effective and versatile styles. It may lack the glamour of dual-wielding or the functionality of Sword/Shield, but it more than compensates for this in it's own ways.
The single sword style allows for greater mobility, high agility and speed. The fighter can strike quickly and grapple with his free hand; he can roll or dash with ease while still holding on to his weapon; he can hold the one-handed weapon with two hands for a strong final blow.
Single sword style in Diablo 3:
I doubt this style has been implemented, but I have never heard the question raised. I'll assume that hasn't and take the approach as an idea for an expansion.
The perfect character for this style would be the Monk. Exploding palm: how would this realistically be done dual wielding? The skill was practically MADE for the single-handed style. Conceptually it fits with the class very nicely but, the question is, how might it be implemented?
One could equip a single sword now, I'm sure, and be done with it. The problem is that there are no benefits to be seen (only less DPS and stats). I propose that this style augments mobility. Further dash distance; increased run speed; higher dodge rates. What about a trait that increases damage when using one single handed weapon? It can all be balanced.
This style would deal less damage than dual wielding or two-Handed weapons, but possibly more than sword/shield (with traits, for instance). The benefit, as stated, would be increased mobility.
Changing stats is one thing, but what I'm dreaming of is a bit larger in scope. I would like this style to have it's own animations like the bo vs. dual wield. Right now I assume this would animate like duel wielding but with no offhand equipped. This, obviously, would be lame. With it's own animations the fluidity of the moments would be almost like a dance; jumps, spins, slides, ect.
I understand this is a bit of a tall order for something that may not be very popular. The question is, then, will the idea catch on when more people think about how cool it really is? What do you think?
And greetings, btw, I'm a long time lurker (since Diablo 3's announcement) finally decided to join in order to vote in the latest poll
as far as i see it, people like to use the weapon that adds the best versatility to their abilities.
dual wield in d2 was only effective in builds where you would only use it with dual wield or you would do increased damage because of the potential in items available. d3 has them as an aesthetic and playstyle option with somewhat balanced pros n cons.
2h weapons were left obsolete when it came to the most effective single target damaging abilities, which was where it was most useful because the effects of a shield were more impacting in hell. They balanced this problem by increasing the usefulness of 2h in d3.
1h weapons would accompany offhand items with stat boosts, in use for spell casting characters.
I dont think adding a buff to 1h weapons makes more sense than adding a debuff to a character dual wielding. As far as im concerned, the use of all your limbs when fighting at a superhuman level should maximize your potential. legs = placement support
I also wish that single-handed-single-blade-no-sword fighting were an option in more (any?) games. Hopefully they allows this for an expansion.
huh?
if that's in reference to my idea, the sheaths would be non-functional stat sticks. Kind of what quivers look like ATM in some of those screenshots.
if that's a joke, DAMN YOU NON-TONAL INTERNETZ!!!!11~~!!!!
The animations of the sword could also be altered to make it seem like the Character is only holding the sword with one hand.
Edit: In combination with what was said earlier; the offhand of the 1h animation could hold a sheath and this sword could have a % chance to stun enemies that hit you (with a sheath blow animation).
I really like this! Just as the dual crossbows are one item, the single sword is item + sheath. In this way it integrates with Leftfoot's idea below: This "2-handed sword" is of a small variant with high speed and mobility modifiers. I remember in a Q&A the devs were thinking about the monk with no weapons but realized it wouldn't work. With this system, however, he could sheath his weapon for an instant for the same effect.
I'm going to post this on the official forums and, with the permission of you guys, add these ideas.
http://www.soundcloud.com/salerno
Or possibly, similar to in WoW, there could be a skill that disallows the use of the offhand, but increases your strength by, say, 10%, your other stats by 5%, and increases your sword damage by, say, 10%. This would effectively make those worried about stats no longer worried that they would loose out on the stats of an offhand and still enjoy the 1h solo sword style. In addition, the skill could increase dodge by 5% to make up for the lack of a shield.
Just an idea. I do like it though.
The single sword wielding Barbarian was in the option for what kind of Barb you're building for in Diablo 2. The 2nd picture is a Defensive Barbarian's build in detail. And I know there's a footage somewhere where I've seen a female Barb wielding a single sword held by both hand. Though will there be viable builds for the feature, that we can still not say for certain.
I for one, would still like to see ancient giant swords, swords that will have to be held in both hands, heavily crested, magically finished, scattered in the land of D3. Grace to make heavy blows with the sword, trying to slice open dark gods' stomach in Diablo 3.
By the way, this is different from equipping a 2-handed Sword/Axe in the sense that the weapon you equip is actually supposed to be handled with only 1 hand, instead of needing 2.
Would be really cool, specially with the "Sheath" items.
Yeah, KotoR was the only game I could think of that did anything like that, and I enjoyed it too.
Therefore it shouldn't be leaving you with any spare hand to do exploding-palm or Megaman beaming-missile launcher attach to your right arm.
The character will have to depend on that giant sword, and the effects it comes with. Making the most use out of it for its stats will have to cover the stats of the gearing of two weaponry: Shield + Sword, or dual weapon-wielding.
Or are you saying that all 3 of us are off-topic?
We're just pointing out that the idea suggested in the OP (on topic?) has been done by other games, and it worked great as an actual gameplay alternative. And could also work pretty well in Diablo 3.
It's totally related to the thread's original thought
You may possibly be misunderstanding. We are not talking about a 2 handed sword. We are actually talking about a 1 handed sword with no off hand, as has been performed by some of the more militaristic Eastern Monk sects.
The "Giant Sword" style is already in the game, just as the dual wielding and the sword and board are all in the game. We are talking about another way to play the game though.
Hope that helped to clarify for you.