So how are polearms?

[IlluminaZero]

Search query into polearms brings me naught. At the very least my main dude always wields a handy polearm if possible.

[DiscoJer]

Spears is a weapon type. No actual polearms.

[Conan The Librarian]

Originally posted by DiscoJer:

Spears is a weapon type. No actual polearms.

Exactly, there is no separate “Polearm” category, just spears.

But, Illuminazero, is there something you’re wondering about?

[IlluminaZero]

Its a pretty open question and its nice you guys are making the English distinction between Spears and Polearms. Consider games like Mount and Blade: Warband where Polearms combine both spears and polearms. In a way I find it a bit of shame when Polearms are neglected but usually they are essentially smashed in with two-handed axes - Which is still a disservice in some cases due to understating their versatility.

1) How restrictive are weapon categories to classes? Is spear use extremely class limited? Example: Dragoon of FFT was IIRC the only class that could use spears without dedicated equipment skills. In contrast Tactics Ogre allowed all classes to use any equipment but only classes like Valkyrie had a class bonus to using spears.

2) How are spears balanced compared to other weapon types? Typically spears in these games are two-hex range with lower damage in balance attempt (despite two-handed shaft along with piercing penetration implying high damage...). While theoretically balanced what frequently happens is that two hex range becomes a bit trite due to low units (esp with ranged support units further diluting line) and lack of attack of opportunity to benefit in either getting initiative on enemies entering or exiting attack range. Secondly an inability to attack from behind friendly units or attack diagonally can further limit them.

3) Are weapon skills weapon specific and if so how good are they for spear / polearms? Something underestimated is that spears give enough leverage to break through guards - Observed most dramatically perhaps in Chinese martial art overhead spear slams but even Skallagrim has videos illustrating the guard breaking potential of quarterstaves. Polearms also would typically use the axe head to hook their opponent. Typically the back of the knee for tripping along with the back of the neck.

Spears and Polearms are pretty awesome and were THE weapon for elite armored warriors - So its a bit of shame that fantasy tends to give them second hand status.

[Conan The Librarian]

Illuminazero--

I'll address some of your points, but I would highly recommend checking out the free demo of the game as your personal experience with the items / classes etc would help clarify what things are like https://steamcommunity.com/app/699170/discussions/0/1734336452590332614/ (download link is in the FAQ post)

1. Weapon proficiencies are "somewhat restrictive" under normal circumstances, with most classes having access to 2 or 3 weapon types. Just so you know, Spears are one of the rarer weapon types in this game, with not "as many" classes which can wield them. [Note the phrase I used above of "under normal circumstances...there are ways (spoilers)]

2. To clarify, yes, spears have a range of two in this game. Yes, you can also attack "behind" things (as in, both friend or foe units won't block this range). In terms of how they compare to other weapon types, I'll admit I personally don't look too deeply into that, but, you can look in-game (with the demo) to get some idea of weapon comparisons.

3. Skills / spells etc are not weapon-specific, so there are no "bow only / spear only / sword only" (etc) skills in this game. It's pretty flexible in that regard.

Lastly, on a flavor note, I of course like polearms as well, but many things in regards to "which weapons are available in this game" come down to a combo of development time / game balancing. While it would be cool to add all sorts of weapons, given the 6 Eyes is a small studio (consisting primarily of two people) they unfortunately can't add in everyone's favorite weapons, as it takes a lot of work hours to make the art assets and balance the numbers.

Hope this helps.

[IlluminaZero]

Ah thank you for the link and answer - Didn't know there was a demo until now!

I can understand concerns from a development scope POV. Arm swinging animations are the easiest ones to do - Skyrim is a good example where they reuse animations to the extent that you can even behead someone with a mace due to animation reuse and they don't even have budget constraints. Bloody bastards

I just like having a dedicated spear or polearm warrior - I tend to always try to make at least one. Frequently the MC if there is full character customization. Spears tend to also be a good moniker for how melee might be treated in regards to variety and balance. As typically the main difference between weapon types is accuracy/damage with sword/axe/mace-hammer

In any case the game looks really polished and I appreciate the answers!