Hardcore mode combat doesn't seem to change much except for the UI. Beat the shit out of Capon in both archery and sword. Archery is a bit tricky when in real combat. But target practice isn't a big deal.
OK, Can I play now Vavra? Can I?
VAVRA THE DIRECTOR: No. Go on patrol.
This shit would not be so bad if the game lets me walk at the same pace as the guard...Ok patrol done, what now, Mr. Vavra?
VAVRA THE DIRECTOR: OK HENRY IN THIS SCENE U ARE GOING TO START A FIGHT WITH A NOBLE WITHOUT PLAYER INPUT. CHOP CHOP.
Alright CUT! Next morning, we'll shoot a scene where you walk with Hans to the forest. With player's input of course.
A few minutes of holding and releasing sprint to keep up with the horse later...
'What now, Mr. Vavra.'
VAVRA THE DIRECTOR: OK, it's too late to shoot the hunting scene, so wake Hans up in the morning.
'OK, it's 7 AM, can we do something fun now?'
VAVRA THE DIRECTOR: ...Uh... go shoot rabbits with bow and arrow for 30 mins. Have fun ok.
10 slain rabbits and 100 pieces of rotting meat in the bag later...
VAVRA THE DIRECTOR: FIND HANS HENRY!
Look, this would be so much easier if you did not black out the scene as he rode away chasing that goddamn boar during the hunt.
VAVRA THE DIRECTOR: HAVE YOU FOUND CAPON YET?
30 minutes of navigating with no marker or compass later...
Yeah, man. I'm still gonna keep this up. I think this game CAN be fun, but it's really restricted at the start. Takes AGES to get to the fun part.