Id like to share some insights about the Magic system.

I see that today "flashy combat and magic effects" are very much overused in MMO Games. Most of these visual effects seem like legacy playstation gimmick.

My suggestion is to use new technology, especially multi-threaded CPUs, "multi core" (4-6-8) CPUs that can handle complex physical calculations to create stunning magic and combat effects.

This should be a "toggle" option to prepare for fall-back and scale better to lower spec computers.

Examples:

• Extended particle effects that make sense, fireballs with smoke trails, lightnings with weather effects visually building up charge. Explosions that leave decals on the surroundings.

• Illusion magic, mirror image, blurriness, dimension door, low range teleportation with memorable effects.

• Armor & Defensive spells applying a layer of unobtrusive and neatly radiating magical armor on top of the currently equipped gear.

• Physical effects with gravity, pulling, pushing things in the environment, soft levitation.

• More "utility spells" would be great, buffing, healing, and direct damage projectiles get boring rather fast.

There is a lot of unused performance in computers today, Games often take little use of 2+ processor cores.

I am much in favor for unobtrusive effects, the ones want to impress by being well composed versus being big and flashy. This applies both to gear and spells.


Do you have more unconventional and fun spell mechanics on your mind that would fit the TES universe?

The only thing I'd like clarification on is whether or not you have to have a weapon in hand in order to cast spells. I've heard you'd need to have a staff or rune equipped however in the Cinematic, the High Elf is clearly casting some kind of lightning spell bare handed. So I remain hopeful that mages and wardens will be able to cast with or without weapons in hand.

@Tabbycat:

I have no information on casting requirements yet . However I also expect some level of freedom about this.