Since I started this thread I thought I'd post my impressions. Here goes.
So, I beat it. It was very fun. Lots of tactical variety even with the somewhat simple build I made. I wasn't sure how well I'd do since I haven't really played any challenging tactical combat games, or if I'd end up hating it because it was too much for me; but that definitely wasn't the case. I had a blast. The opponents were definitely varied and showed off the combat well. I also like how everyone has the same general amount of hitpoints. Makes everyone seem mortal. Challenging opponenets are instead challenging beacuse of their armor and their block/dodge skill, as well as their ability to circumvent your own. Other developers should take notes.
As for my build, I put all my points into spear and dodge. Here he is after killing the final guy:
Since I decided on dodge I got a two-handed spear and did light armor. One thing that happened was that I ended up accumlating a lot of gold (about 6000) with really nothing to spend it on. After I had bought the best spear (trident) and best armor for my playstyle (which was cheap considering it was light) there wasn't really anything to buy until the merchant got better stuff. I understand that in the final game there will be other things to spend money on besides weapons and armor, but still.
Anyway, after beating the demo I thought I'd go back and try to fight that battle in the inn. After several tries I actually beat it. And here in my proof!
Makes me wonder just how good the combat will be in the final game when it takes place in the actual gameworld instead of an open arena. I'm still planning on playing a grifter for my first play-through, but playing this demo almost makes me want to reconsider. Subsequent play-thoughs for sure.
As for the other things apart from combat, they were all good if not for some glitches. Animations were very good for an indie. But of course, we'd already seen the video. Music I can't comment on since I didn't get to hear most of it (explained below). The writing was good, though I didn't get to see much from the PC, until the very end. I liked those options, especially the "body count" one. All in all, everything was good and looked very professional.
I encountered some glitches. I'm going to post this in the official thread at ITS, but I thought I'd detail them here as well. Basically, the first time I started the demo everything worked fine and was smooth. Then, after starting it up a second time, there were problems. Music tracks would start and only continue for a maximum of ten seconds before cutting off. The other noises seemed to work fine. What was more annoying involved the...well, I'm not sure what you'd call it. Things got very choppy. I could see my character sort of "jump" across the ground as he was walking. This also effected combat animations and things like the banners fluttering in the wind. But the worst part was that it also affected the camera as I panned or rotated it, making it almost impoosible to get it at the angle and view that I wanted. Definitely a bug/glitch of some sort. Not sure if it's related to the music or not.
Also, a few minor suggestions:
-a quick save would be nice
-some of the weapons in the merchant window blend in a little bit with the background. That should be addressed somehow.
-an ability to see your equiped items when trading would be nice as well, as well as the chance to sell them and equip new purchases on the spot
-a way to simply click on someone to initiate dialogue as opposed to having to walk up to them first
And a few questions as well:
-You tweaked a few things for the demo. How many combat situations are new/different as opposed to the actual game?
-Do you get the same experience for those kills or is it less?
-Are the arena master's offers at the end for joining either of those houses what really happens in the game? What if you already had prior assocaition with either of those houses? Likewise, are the guards coming to your inn room something that will happen, and if so, is it possible to avoid them?
-Is it possible to "cheat" or otherwise interact with some of the arena opponents in the final game, or are they basically non-existent in the "world" until you fight them?
-Is the PC dialogue with the arena master the same as in the original game, or has it been modified/cut-out?
That does it for now. Great job, I really enjoyed the demo and will probably try some more builds. Cant wait to play the game.
Also, I didn't see any message at the end asking for donations for the marketing campaign. :wink:
. Almost had him, but my last fast attack missed. Fucker. 
