In defense of Roach
I've read a few comments from players and critics that I feel don't give Roach the credit she deserves.
I've never seen a game that handles an 'instant' spawn of a summoned...anything...as well as with Roach. I sometimes play a game by whistling and try to catch where she pops in and I'm always delightfully surprised to see her saunter out behind some trees or shaded outcropping, ears twitching and ready. In other games the mount magically pops in, sometimes even making all your companions suddenly disappear for no reason (yeah I'm looking at you Dragon Age: Inquisition).
But this isn't always the case (and therefore sparks some of the criticism). When she's in a village or at least near enough to any water or feed source upon dismounting she'll eventually find her way over to graze and drink after a long day of travels. After I've had my fill of Gwent and ale, visited a merchant or two and am ready to move on I whistle for her. And wait...and listen. And wait. After a few moments I walk through the village and find her still drinking out of a small puddle...as stubborn as I to leave a good watering hole. I coax her with some kind words and we are off.
I hope this is never changed for the sake of 'quality of life'. This is yet another example of what makes the world feel real.
It's these little touches, the fact that she doesn't come when called if she is drinking, grazing, or scared that get criticized as being 'flaws' or annoyances. I find them incredibly absorbing and endearing, giving character and personality even to our trusty steed. She becomes not just our mount but our companion. As I've said I've never seen a game handle this so well, right down to the complex yet absolutely natural and realistic idle animations. I find myself talking to her, even waiting for her to finish grazing before getting in the saddle again.
I acknowledge that there are camera issues (mainly having my view being auto 'corrected' while I'm riding looking off to my side at a sunset. That becomes a bit jarring I'll admit. But overall I think she's the most well developed (hate to call her a mount)...ride-able companion I've seen in any game, and she deserves the love and respect that was put into her creation.
I've read a few comments from players and critics that I feel don't give Roach the credit she deserves.
I've never seen a game that handles an 'instant' spawn of a summoned...anything...as well as with Roach. I sometimes play a game by whistling and try to catch where she pops in and I'm always delightfully surprised to see her saunter out behind some trees or shaded outcropping, ears twitching and ready. In other games the mount magically pops in, sometimes even making all your companions suddenly disappear for no reason (yeah I'm looking at you Dragon Age: Inquisition).
But this isn't always the case (and therefore sparks some of the criticism). When she's in a village or at least near enough to any water or feed source upon dismounting she'll eventually find her way over to graze and drink after a long day of travels. After I've had my fill of Gwent and ale, visited a merchant or two and am ready to move on I whistle for her. And wait...and listen. And wait. After a few moments I walk through the village and find her still drinking out of a small puddle...as stubborn as I to leave a good watering hole. I coax her with some kind words and we are off.
I hope this is never changed for the sake of 'quality of life'. This is yet another example of what makes the world feel real.
It's these little touches, the fact that she doesn't come when called if she is drinking, grazing, or scared that get criticized as being 'flaws' or annoyances. I find them incredibly absorbing and endearing, giving character and personality even to our trusty steed. She becomes not just our mount but our companion. As I've said I've never seen a game handle this so well, right down to the complex yet absolutely natural and realistic idle animations. I find myself talking to her, even waiting for her to finish grazing before getting in the saddle again.
I acknowledge that there are camera issues (mainly having my view being auto 'corrected' while I'm riding looking off to my side at a sunset. That becomes a bit jarring I'll admit. But overall I think she's the most well developed (hate to call her a mount)...ride-able companion I've seen in any game, and she deserves the love and respect that was put into her creation.