That could also be a strong strike which does more damage than a fast strike which would do less damage but have more finesse .
Pretty sure that was just a Heavy attack. So the player demonstrating just chose to end the battle that way.
I believe it is a strong attack held down for that finisher.(It uses vigor/stamina) It can be used anytime in combat from what I've seen so far, it also appears to be used for destroying objects & obstacles i.e. Tree Spirit's branches. ( I think you can use light attacks as well, sorry. Just went back and watched it again. Although that power strike does more damage of course and probably get the job done sooner. I really like the animation @ 31:39 - 31:44 during that particular scene when Geralt jumps back followed by a spin strike to his left.Nice foot work ) Additionally, I remember reading that depending on the sword type - Steel or Silver, that the animations would vary between the two.
As
@Kinley said, and I've posted in the past - They are not going to show every single animation before release and I do not expect them to either. Another thing to keep in mind ( If more animations open up via the swordsmanship tree ) Geralt was only level 7. I'm hoping there will be unlockable/upgradable moves as we progress like dodges and attacks. A welcome addition I'd love to see further along in the swordsmanship tree would be group finishers, now in real time rather than a cut-scene as it was in TW2 sounds awesome.
I'm cautiously optimistic that we haven't seen everything combat has to offer in the final game. I will agree that I'd like to see more variety in the types of attacks - More variety in the initiating attack, a few thrust/lunge animations or at the very least have the thrust/lunge attack(s) that is in the game happen more often compared to always spin attacks. Like to see a few regular attacks as well (no spinning involved)
I honestly do not mind the spinning sword swings, it would just be great to have more variation in between these types of attacks. Geralt's speed in TW3 expresses his mutation and being a witcher well and I love it. This will also open up the opportunity for fast enemy types that were absent in previous titles. (hopefully) I recommend anyone on the fence or against some of these animations & attack types to slow down the video and then analyze the footage, you might come away with a different outlook. I'm thinking Geralt's speed is definitely playing a role why some people dislike a few animations
However, I'll take what I can get and even if there were only a handful of animations left to see, I would still be content and love TW3 just as much. there is also something to do with the weapons that we have yet to hear about. I noticed a numerical system i.e. 98.2, 97.6 etc. as examples on the swords, that I will assume means degradation (possibly something to do with dismemberment?)
From what little that I have seen, I am already liking the combat and consider it a natural evolution and welcome upgrade from TW2.
Why not? That would be awesome! That way I can pick between cutting off body parts and just killing them normally.
Agreed. That would give the best of both worlds imo. If you want to dismember an opponent use a strong strike, if not, use a light attack. Opens up more options and gives control to the player.