Review Drakensang: 'old school RPGers will go nuts'

[Crichton]

I don't think you can cast spells with heavier than light armor.

As long as it's not metal, it can be as heavy as you like. Once the PC gets his super golden armor, he can cast in that, but in the meantime, he might end up looking like my pointy-eared friend here.

I suppose it doesn't really matter if he buys armor usage II and doesn't need it for the end game, I bought a whole bunch of useless crap in my first playthrough and it didn't seem to matter much in the end.

 

[Claw]

Re: Ra: Drakensang: 'old school RPGers are nuts'

TBH, I don't like casting/re-casting buffs every battle. I prefer buffs that cost upkeep but last forever. Buffing for 10 seconds before every fight when the difficulty doesn't even require it isn't for me.

I guess I just don't mind. I also use the Light spell as my standard light, and that has a short duration (150s at my skill level) as well. Besides, I wouldn't use buffs for every encounter.
The sad part is, the devs greatly diverted from the P&P rules here, removing "maintained" spells and shortening durations.

The short term (de)buffs don't seem worth it. I restarted yesterday with a battlemage and the incineration spell seems to be much more worthwhile than any (de)buff, especially since it can also lower enemy AC. And I only get one spell off before meleers swarm me...

Well, I like to use buffs alot, especially on my mage to improve his spell reliability and results. There've also been some skillchecks (like lockpicking) where a buff really helps.
I'm honestly not sure how useful debuffs are, but actually I feel they are useful enough for their lower cost and casting time. If I only cast the powerful offensive spells, I run out of astral energy in no time. Besides, when a fighter is swarmed and takes several wounds, I like being able to quickly weaken his attackers.
The way you say it, it sounds like you only consider casting spells when enemies are not in melee range!? Imo a mage should only use melee attacks while waiting for his mana to recharge.