Unpopular opinion, heh heh heh.
Buffing armor don't save anything. I've been there. RBM, INJ2 promos, etc. After some time, all are creating MMO feel, like cutting down 400k hp dragon boss and losing it's realism.
RBM tried to solve this with "tiredness" but it looked bad, imo. INJ2 looks like relies on massively buffed piercing damage and polearms/two-handers; well time will tell..
So, punching a sponge is not realistic most will agree on that. But also punching a rock creates MMO feel, decreasing realism.
What if we shouldn't punch at all ? That.. to me is more realistic...
Only middle point, to me is, adequate usage of feint-attack/lesser usage of block for low-mid tier units
And extreme usage of feint-attack/adequate block for higher tier units and lords.
And for arrows/bolts, AI will gonna use it's damn shield in 90+% effectiveness on any range, with a walk speed/ride speed penalty. Only solution for Archer-main players is will be:
-combined arms
-defeat in detail
-multiple side shooting
But this will not be accepted because it will be annoy relax gaming.
Just as turning sponge into rock...
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Alas, no bad feel towards TW for this from me. This is a product, you earn moneh, you paying wages etc. Bigger player base is better most of the time. I would also choose this over that niche, instead i would hunt other niches. Precisely, i would hunt other niches definitely, game need those very badly.