Sword Master Reacts to Elden Ring Weapons

[@IrregularDave]

Thank you so much for watching! And another big thanks to David and Da'Mon for joining us on this video. Remember if you enjoy this kind of thing make sure you like the video and let us know what else you'd like our growing suite of experts to break down and react to in the comments, and we will do our best to make it happen.

[@thegreedyturtle]

How much do you charge to consult on games for people? Have you ever tried reaching out to places like From Software? Do you have a video on Kingdom Come?

[@urban713]

First we got Jonathan Ferguson, a weapons expert. ( huge fan) And now we get David Rawlings, a Sword Master. now we need a fighting master to make a holy trinity or something. ( O and would David Rawlings like to do a video about monster hunter world weapons. Because how realistic are those weapons fighting animations)

[@joaquinvelasquez6252]

Irregular Dave, is this all your doing as well the Load out series? If so or no Good Show!

[@QuintusAntonious]

I'm honestly chuffed about David and Da'Mon in this video. Jonathan's gun knowledge is amazing, and these two also seem like great additions to the team. Maybe you could also find a vehicles expert? Or branch out and do architecture or other things like that in video games too. I love this series.

[@Lunchbox224]

Some For Honor videos where Dave, Da'Mon, or other experts weigh in on the different forms and tactics could be cool.

[@GrippeeTV]

Can we just appreciate that he refuses to comment on a blade he isn’t familiar with and refers us to a more educated fighter? That’s how you can tell a true expert from an “expert” - they don’t talk about things they don’t know anything about.

[@Chamomileable]

The mark of an expert is knowing just how much you don't know yet and making use of all your sources of knowledge. I wish we could see this same level of professionalism in ALL fields. Imagine how many political issues, industrial accidents, and other things we could avoid if more people just said "I don't know, let me ask someone who specializes in this." haha.

[@joaquinvelasquez6252]

That's why I watch Shadaversity!

[@kieru8106]

@@joaquinvelasquez6252 I like how when Shadaversity wants to talk about something he isn't familiar with he talks about the theory behind it then gives examples of similar things that he is familiar with, he'll often follow up with another video where he has what he was talking about and with his thoughts after testing it for himself

[@DirtSpud]

@@Chamomileable "Ask a specialist? But I am special!" Even in systems with minimal variables there will always be one, and that is the human variable. Consistently inconsistent.

[@feathersigil2048]

Yeah, his grace and humility in that was superb. Let's have David and Da'Mon back for more videos like this!

[@beefgoat80]

I really hope someday a dev makes a weapon called "flail of improbable ball size".

[@AlkisGD]

Sounds like something you could find in a DeathSpank game 🤔

[@lyndas.8765]

Is that the weapon or the user?

[@renewalacumen1770]

@@lyndas.8765 That is correct.

[@alinvid6098]

Hahahahaah brilliant ! Or the 2 flails of improbable ball sizes

[@kylejohnson3889]

I already have a flail with improbable ball size😂

[@irishtom30]

Would also like to see some real life wizards comment on how realistically the magic is portrayed

[@InSanic13]

I mean, you could have an expert on medieval magic talk about how different fantasy magic is from how medieval people thought magic worked.

[@thetailseffect1661]

Underrated comment. 10/10

[@tentathesane8032]

And also a real life inquisitor for the Catholic Church to comment on the Confessor

[@Jason_Van_Stone]

I just want to see someone with a broken arm explain Artorias' moveset.

[@Dumbsourplum]

Irl Wizard here, a lot of wizards irl Actually Prefer spells That let them freely move around and/or Be physically active, Instead of Judt standing and casting like in Some games like these, actually a fair amount are actually fist and swordfighters, Many Of Them Prefer Magic that Buffs Speed/overall melee ability or just gives a general buff Swordmages Or Magefighters you could say, even the more ranged fighters have weapons that Believe it or not Are not actually as backseat as you may think, We don't often Wear robes and pefer armour or just regular clothes.

[@brandonstevenlesher1964]

another weapons expert who is also a gamer with a great sense of humor and is interesting to listen to? Sign me up! i'd love to see this guy again!

[@nealang9520]

Count me in✨✨✨

[@KhameCat]

Check out London Longsword Academy. David Rawlings is the lead instructor there, and an excellent resource for HEMA material.

[@Amaritudine]

He's done a few 'reaction' videos for other channels, mainly regarding good and bad historical combat in film and TV. Fun and educational, definitely worth a watch.

[@FlameForgedSoul]

@@Amaritudine yeah for GQ or Wired, perhaps both here on YT.

[@Ajehy]

He’s the first weapon expert I’ve seen talk about FromSoft who actually plays. So he knows how the gameplay considerations have to balance with actual use.

[@phantomzero2413]

Respect for knowing what they don't know, and bringing in someone who does for the Shotel.

[@Kyrious]

That separates the smart from the ignorant. Self awareness, there are so many people who aren't self aware, they think they know something because they've heard of it. However if you were to ask them to bring it up you wouldn't get a proper explanation. It's important to know and discuss what you know openly, however also to know when you're too uneducated and when to stop before you spread misinformation. Saying you don't know something, doesn't make anyone dumb. Ignorance isn't stupidity.

[@wabisabi7755]

@@Kyrious You are correct.

[@joshanonline]

Doesn't take an expert to know Armor in Elder Rings doesn't work like protective Armor either.

[@djjazzyjeff1232]

@@Kyrious That's called the Dunning Kruger effect in a nutshell. You don't know what you don't know, and for every question you get answered, you get 10 more questions, so the less you know about something, the closer you THINK you are, to having it all figured out.

[@willywonka7812]

I just learn everything from Jordy B. Peterman. He is omniscient and in no way a fascist propagandist

[@Ninjachickenfingers]

This is exactly what you would expect a master swordsman to look like

[@ryder7331]

in your head yes

[@tylercale69]

He looks like the blacksmith that always has the best weapons

[@vlad4evar]

So does Da’Mon, and what a name, too!

[@Psycorde]

They're all bald

[@meyr1992]

@@Psycorde the lack of hair is to deny the enemy an easy grip on you 😉

[@thomasvarney5758]

I loved that the guy actually has played Elden Ring, so he gets it and isn’t trying to strictly evaluate the weapons on a realism basis.

[@spinal_capped]

Same thing that makes the vids with Jonathan Ferguson so great! An expert in their field, but also somebody that really enjoys games and understands concessions that often must be made to make gameplay better! So absolutely sign me up to watch more experts that game lol

[@vanVoltaire]

Yup, that's why we loved Jonathan so much, because he wasn't going on like other facebook video "experts" who were like ".50 cal should obliterate this brick wall, totally unrealistic, 0/10" or "this shot should have killed that guy on spot, horrible game"

[@benjaminjohnson6936]

Absolutely. Swordfighting experts often (but not always) fall into two big fallacies when evaluating them in video games. Either they're a historian or archaeologist who knows a lot about the weapons themselves, but really has no idea how people actually fought with them, so they think the big, telegraphed and slow movements are realistic. Or they're into HEMA and don't play games, so they rag on the big, telegraphed and slow movements as being unrealistic, which, while true, misses the point of this being a video game where you don't have the ability to react in the same ways as you do with a sword in hand. Same can be said of swordfighting in movies sometimes. If a game or movie depicted swordfighting as close to realistic as possible, you probably wouldn't have very much fun playing (or watching it), because you wouldn't understand what was going on most of the time (and how you were dying). All that to say that I agree that it's great to get in experts that also understand the medium they're evaluating. And Dave is right, dual ultra greatswords are loads of fun.

[@NoobPTFO]

@@benjaminjohnson6936 The latter is how I feel with a certain few well known channels

[@Ezekiel_Allium]

When he said get ahold of Da'mon Stith, the last thing I expected was him to actually pop up. That's really cool actually, I love his videos, he does an excellent job of highlighting weapons from a variety of culture and how their use differs from European and east Asian weapons.

[@benjaminjohnson6936]

Da'Mon is super great. I love the work that he's doing to highlight fighting traditions from Africa and the diaspora.

[@RickMyBalls]

He used a summon.

[@Tobascodagama]

Yeah, that was wonderful.

[@bradoliver9324]

And Da'mon had some good stuff to say there. I'm sure if you haven't played you wouldn't know that the Shotel does high damage against blocked strikes, but as he said, that's not what's being communicated on screen and it'd be tricky to.

[@Ezekiel_Allium]

@@bradoliver9324 Yeah, it's a very fromsoft way to represent that aspect of the weapon, only other thing they could have done was give it a unique animation set, which considering how off the beaten path the weapon is, I wish they'd actually done that now that I think about it.

[@dahliahb.7111]

I'll cast my vote and say this should DEFINITELY be a new series, this guy is right up there with johnasen furgasen in terms of his humor, familiarity with the source material, and presenting the information in a fun and engaging way keep it up!

[@nealang9520]

So if Jonathan reacts to guns, and this guy to swords... Huh,what's next? Devil May Cry?😅

[@tabnk2]

Also he knows what he doesn't know

[@stormhawkdude]

@@nealang9520 with full sincerity; Engines of War(if that technically isn't Jonathan's area with the *Artillery* part of Firearms and Artillery). From Leonardo's Tank in AC2 to the Leman Russ to whatever in God's name Borderlands's games have for vehicles.

[@ErwinPommel]

Sounds like a job for The Chieftan, except since he already works for a games company, I'm not sure he'd be comfortable critiquing other games' tanks.

[@alinvid6098]

I agree ! He is awesome and charisrmatic. He could analayze all melee armaments in Games and movies

[@Advyn.]

"...and frankly, I spend most of my time being a wizard, because it's easier." David Rawlings, Master Swordsman. 2022. NGL, magic makes the game more manageable. Pure Melee is hard if you're underleveled.

[@PurpleAppleDrink]

The satisfaction of smashing two heavy weapons onto a person's head from the back is pure ecstatic

[@ghostreporting3769]

Yeah I was sad he didnt use a great sword but if its not like irl it might be grating to use in game too.

[@meowmeow862]

Not really,if you are underleveled melee is actualy more easy to take down bosses like dragons than using magic and had your fp extinguished

[@frakyo667]

This is when the fun begins !!!!

[@jgkitarel]

Pure melee is hard period, but Souls Veterans tend to go for it simply because it is the easiest to get familiar with. Elden Ring mixes it up a bit, given that I started rolling Str/Dex, and am now raising Int and Faith beyond the minimum to play around simply because magic is an excellent opener for a _lot_ of fights. Still favor ranged (arrows) for pulling and then beating the enemy with a stick or sword, but I am having _fun_ playing aorund with magic options now. Also, Sword of Night and Flame. Nothing like setting the enemy on fire or hitting him with a kamehameha and then charging in to stab. Actually making me consider doing a magic build.

[@yari4046]

8:50 the shotel getting around shields is reflected in the game by giving them a lot more chip damage when attacking into an enemy block

[@SquinkyThreepwood]

Would still be cool as heck to have a specific weapon art for pulling away a shield. Maybe for a later title.

[@remnantryku7112]

​@@SquinkyThreepwood Agreed. Either a unique ability for those kinds of weapons, or at least the shield break ability like the straight swords have.

[@Bobio]

12:46 "I have some very, very large swords, and I can use them all like a long sword because I practice with them." It's great how this guy's lore aligns with his 'build.'

[@danghostman2814]

Style & mechanics match. Devs did a great job. 10/10 IGN.

[@revan7383]

The Shotel actually does a bonus amount of damage to enemies hiding behind shields but its prob a balance thing that it cant just hit right througu them

[@Voingous]

@@BloopTube In the Dark Souls trilogy that was how it worked, heavy attacks would still deal like 40% or 60% damage to a blocking target. It was really bad for a multitude of reasons, but still. Looking it up, it appears the same in Elden Ring.

[@VodkaHellstorm]

@@BloopTube More or less. You can see it in the video that it's doing chip damage through the greatshield.

[@gilliganinja]

And maintaining the combo, most one handed r1's would bounce off of a shield like that

[@RageBearer]

I only wish its weapon art would do the unblockable attack that the fist weapon has i think that would make it perfect for how it was described

[@olu550]

@@Voingous I've only really played the first, but the problem I find with the shotel is how niche it is. Sure you can damage through the shield, but then the enemies can usually just eat your damage and then give it back thanks to poise. Backstabs, ripostes, and range are typically safer and more effective ways to handle shields. A possible buff would be having its ash of war stagger blocking enemies, to somewhat symbolize you hooking and disrupting their guard. Don't know if it would fix everything, but it seems simple enough to implement mechanically and would make the weapon more viable imo

[@matthewblackwood9653]

A note about rapiers in FromSoft games. Typically the backstep attack involves a slashing attack. So there is a nod to the idea that rapiers aren't just thrusting weapons. In the video shown the player did not do a backstep attack with the weapon, so this was not shown.

[@travispeayarlal1485]

Aha, yes i knew there was a slashing attack with rapiers! just forgot it was after a back step

[@artikelservice796]

they didnt even use the best representation of rapier in this game which is estoc that have both slashing and thrusting moveset

[@evanbell7347]

@@artikelservice796 The issue with the estoc in the Souls series is that it is the one thrusting sword in the game which actually shouldn't have slashing attacks. Estocs were explicitly edgeless swords, usually with a diamond or even square cross section, which were only meant to be used for thrusting. They have no sharp edge to slash with. You could beat someone with it like a club if you wanted to though, I guess.

[@ghoulbuster1]

From made rapiers do mostly thrusting attacks for the sake of variety, since a lot of swords have thrusting attacks.

[@tao70]

Oh yeah, they could've shown Great Epée too. Any of the heavy thrusting swords have several slash attacks. Not to mention the stance shifting your character does between attacks with the Knight's Greatsword as a counter-example to how we handle colossal swords clumsily.

[@oAPXo]

This guy won me over as soon as he mentioned the stealth aspect being 100% real, major respect! Also like how he only goes on weapons he is familiar with.

[@Brother_O4TS]

I thought he was being sarcastic

[@subject8776]

@@Brother_O4TS He was.

[@Brokenlance]

That stealth aspect was 100% sarcasm.

[@darthkarthus2095]

He also said he wasnt a fan of using a gigantic sword in one hand, but if you put another gigantic sword in your otherhand they should just balance out. Lol.

[@AleksiJoensuu]

@@Brokenlance Yeah probably, but then again I've worn enough heavy helmets while walking in heavy armour that I'm not sure I could hear and elephant in full plate sneak up to me in those :D

[@NicholasKratzer]

I love that David knows his stuff, and doesn't take it too seriously. It's a great balance for discussing video game realism

[@maelwys5432]

I really like that they brought in Da'mon Stith to talk about the Shotel. Martial arts outside of Japan/China/England/France/Germany receive very little attention.

[@rickimaru915]

I’d love to see what David thinks of the combat in Mortal Shell. Particularly because it includes moves that are unusual to a modern audience but are actually historically accurate, such as holding a large sword by the hilt and the blade simultaneously and holding a sword upside down by the blade and attacking with the hilt

[@md_vandenberg]

You mean "half-swording" and "mordhau"?

[@artifex2.080]

I wouldn't say Unusual, just not overused in mainstream media. I mean there's an entire game called Mordhau

[@foxmind2490]

I love the respect that David shows for all these weapons and their cultural origins! When he knows he speaks, when he doesn't he gives an excellent reference. The fact he's a gamer and has actually played Elden Ring is the icing on the cake. Love this!

[@MrWilson812]

The humility Rawlins has to just say "I don't know about this" and recommend someone more qualified is amazing. Such a breath of fresh air from someone like Shadiversity

[@slkjvlkfsvnlsdfhgdght5447]

oh god yes. i love shad, but sometimes he just needs to realize that he isn't an expert in certain fields

[@Pit_Wizard]

A long time ago, my friends and I made a hammer out of hardwood that was about the size of the Elden Ring battle hammer. It was like 70 pounds (31.75 kg). I can't imagine how heavy a steel hammer of that size would be.

[@KatyaAbc575]

Well, most steel alloys have a density of around 7-8g/cm^3, while woods are under 1g/cm^3 (lighter than water, hence it swims). So about 10 times the mass, give or take.

[@villelepoaho4105]

Just wait until you look up the "Smelter Hammer" from Dark Souls 2. That thing would weight over a ton in real life. But of course, you can just swing it one-handed :)

[@Caryll_byrgenwerth-scholar]

@@villelepoaho4105 If you have 70 strength

[@FFKonoko]

yeah, dark souls is perfectly realistic, it's just that real life humans cap out at 18 strength

[@Markus-8Muireg]

I've heard that Smoughs Hammer from Dark Souls 1 would weigh about 5 tons when the player wields it, and over 40 for the version the boss has.

[@rangerghost2474]

This is Jonathan Fer- wait a second….

[@artyomgunard4491]

Wait ... He's bald now?

[@HandofAnguish]

😂

[@SishirC]

@@artyomgunard4491 and grew a mean moustache

[@OGTalon]

An excellent addition to the expert series! And mad props to David for recognising his knowledge gap and recommending Da'Mon to display his expertise, genuine class.

[@CannikinX]

With regards to rapiers being used for more than just thrusting, it's worth taking a look at the moveset of the Godskin Noble, who does plenty of swipes and even bashing with the hilt of his giant rapier in addition to his fencing inspired thrusts.

[@fletchersaur4918]

Would be more interested in seeing his thoughts on Hellish Quart or Kingdom Come: Deliverance. Elden Ring is obviously very fantasy and stylised.

[@seraphuziel]

I absolutely love that he admits to not knowing a sword and refers another expert. Thats an SME in pure form.

[@getoffmyplane]

I don’t seek out info about swords often but when I do I insist that it comes from a man with a glorious moustache

[@darkphoenix2]

Could've touched on a few more weapons. Spears, the giant thrusting swords, axes, the Urumi which is apparently a real sword-whip...

[@ImGlassy]

The fact that not only did he refer to another expert but that you actually got that expert for the video is amazing, 10/10

[@VerluxUA]

I adore this video, particularly how enthusiastic David is about the game and how he's humble enough to defer to another more knowledgeable person when he's not as versed in a weapon! It's lovely to see

[@DuckAllMighty]

This is a lot like listening to Jonathan Ferguson, who is a firearms expert, like David, he understands exactly how it's deployed and used in real life, but plays video games themselves, so also understands why the developers choose to make the weapon act the way it does. And even though it might be totally unrealistic at times, can still find tons of enjoyment in it. This is the kind of expert I like.

[@strangekittyca]

Can confirm the London Longsword crew are a lovely and amazing bunch. A stellar group of swordies! Big love from your friends at Valkyrie :)

[@djllewellyn6277]

Very cool how the expert recommended and brought in another expert for the shotel part of the video. These are fun videos.

[@opsedopsers9874]

8:55 in-game the shotel and similarly shaped weapons get bonus damage against shields instead of having all damage blocked you can still chip them down through it :)

[@KingOfDoma]

Ooh, I've been waiting for the Jonathan Ferguson of Swords video to drop? Also, that allegory is full of nothing but respect, because Jonathan is great and you're just as amusing and passionate about your field of study. Can't wait for more!

[@BulletWilliam]

This was very interesting. Would like to see some explanations of Duel wielding and the practicality or impracticalities of doing so.

[@metallisika2745]

There is historical precedence for dual (make sure you write it with an a, a duel is a bout between two individuals) wielding, but usually you would go with a long weapon and a shorter one you could use to manoeuvre around binds. Two long weapons would get tangled too often and be a detriment to your success.

[@InSanic13]

@@metallisika2745 To add to this, you dual-wielding is more something you might do in a duel or other civilian context. It generally wasn't done on the battlefield (at least, not until people starting wielding pistols and swords at the same time). Main reason is that a shield is more essential if you don't have a lot of armor, and otherwise a polearm is more useful on the battlefield.

[@dbKneecapped]

Check his channel. He has a dedicated video on the subject that came about as a critique for the awful way it was done on the Tower of Joy fight of GoT.

[@SympatheticStrawmanVA]

I wonder how David would feel about the rapier-like weapon in Bloodborne, the Reiterpallasch. It also uses primarily thrusting attacks but mixes a couple of sweeping cuts into the moveset as well, and the transformed moveset is all cuts. I think he'd appreciate the attention in that game to how rapiers would be used.

[@pancookieplays]

I love that we still have people called Sword Masters in this day and age, keeping our histories and techniques alive

[@Floaydi]

4:47 I can't help it every time I walk it makes an enormous sound.

[@aidanflores388]

I have respect for both of these swordsman. They’ve obviously taken their time to not only play the game (the main swordsman speaking anyway) and their feedback is so detailed and really gives me an idea of real life swordsmanship and the things that go into every little ounce of metal and/or wood on a weapon. I’ve seen plenty KZbinrs that are blacksmiths that teach you about how they make their blades and for what reason but hearing from someone who welds that sword to use it, is a whole different story. I would love to learn more about swords honestly after what they’ve taught us all

[@MannyXVIII]

Not sure what I enjoy more. Listening to this master going on and on about a subject he cares deeply about or listening to him about his own gameplay experience. Amazing either way.

[@MaxTheThrash]

I’d love to see him look at the melee combat of Warhammer Vermintide II, as it is what it is known for.

[@StuartEaston23]

Vermintide has a really great variety of weapons in it. Would be cool to see them go through those games too.

[@Critical_Hit]

Also get Johnathan to react to the firearms

[@doogallas]

Love that he gets angry at whoever made the footage 13:25 "hold down the y button for god's sake".

[@lordliam9840]

Man I’d really like to see him react to swords and fighting mechanics from other games. Really enjoyed this

[@mcbonkytron8411]

I’d love to see more if these based on the other weapon sub-classes such as the heavy thrusting swords and the Halberds.

[@irishtom30]

Great video, the only thing it's missing is a part 2. Spears (especially the shield raised poke), daggers, maces, and so on would be really interesting

[@StarBoundFables]

That was loads of fun to watch I'm a HEMA practitioner & I always appreciate listening to David's perspective on fencing in games + film

[@joaquinvelasquez6252]

This man's humor, humors me... Great work and hope to see more of this.!

[@FlushGorgon]

Thank you for inviting me, I really enjoyed participating in this video alongside Mr. Rawlings, or rather behind him, in the background. I've been a stealth expert for 70+ years, and anyone is welcome to learn how to hide and sneak at my school. If you can find it.

[@grogueQ]

One thing he missed was the fact that those slashing swords DON'T work well against armor in the game, it says that right in the description. You don't get a lot of damage slicing someone that's wearing armor.

[@zaganim3813]

lol tell that to my scimitar bleed build.apparently anything bleeds

[@mogbog2]

I wouldn't be surprised if David pulled out a turtle shield actually used in medieval times.

[@SwitchFeathers]

The trend of "here's an expert on weapons who has actually played this game giving his professional opinion on said game" is fantastic and I'd love to see more of it!

[@SuperDragonBlader]

9:09 That's why they added the AOW Quickstep. 😁

[@LuciaLaVA]

Wish I could have heard his opinion on the Great Epée, since that is a sword that does utilize cuts and thrusts equally and is a pretty interesting case of a weapon with how hyperbolic its size is in comparison with its historical counterpart

[@mr.battles3784]

Really wish they used the regular flail instead cause it looks pretty accurate but the “Big balled flail” was good to see too

[@cdbtheclaw]

The cheeky zoom in at 5:09 really got me laughing hard :D

[@TheMtVernonKid]

Nice to see Mr.Rawlings getting around

[@blizzardgaming7070]

04:28 it does make some difference using weapons that deal slash damage like that katana against heavily armoured enemies. It deals less damage.

[@danghostman2814]

I think the note he's making is that while the game (and players) say; "This does 30-60% less damage against full armour foes, that's ineffecient, don't use it." The reality is, "Your slashing sword will just bounce off, chipping and damaging the edge, 98% of the time. This is a suicidally ill choice."

[@ent86]

Love seeing David and hearing his expertise all over youtube.

[@MissAlice_646]

Let’s goooo! This guy also reacts to movies, he’s been featured several times by Insider!

[@kip_c]

David looks like every single character I have ever created in Mount & Blade

[@rawkhawk414]

The Rapier section was disappointing to me only because they didn't show the weapon just called "Rapier" or the "Estoc". Rogier's Rapier is leaning into the domain of fantasy: ornately designed, used by a spellsword, with a moveset that implies an epic level of dexterity. The Estoc is classified as a thrusting sword in game, but is described as being good for thrusting and slashing. But I understood your point on this classification of rapiers as thrusting swords uniquely in Fromsoft games as not really correct or whole. I've heard people call Epees thrusting swords and it seems to echo the same kind of classification. I am no expert, but I am bilingual and to me Epee is just french for sword, or could refer to a sword made in medieval France. Interesting video, was cool to hear your expertise.

[@artikelservice796]

this, they use rogier rapier and not the best representation of rapier which is estoc as it offers both slashing and thrusting moveset

[@Demonstormlord]

Generally when someone says "épée", they mean the type of sword used in olympic fencing, in the discipline of the same name. Those swords are absolutely just thrusting weapons, because that's how the ruleset of olympic fencing has influenced techniques and strategies.

[@AlphaI250]

@@Demonstormlord "épée" straight up means sword though

[@Demonstormlord]

@@AlphaI250 I know that. Context does still matter.

[@TheAsj97]

@@AlphaI250 And katana straight up means sword, but everyone knows that's not the meaning you're talking about when you say that word, language works through context.

[@pierrealexander8183]

What I loved about Jonathan was that unlike the vast majority of similar "game-reality" comparisons, they seemed to fully understand the compromises of gameplay/fantasy versus recreation of reality. Glad to see that David seems the same way! Hope there are more down the line!

[@dreamingdragon6913]

I would of liked to hear his thoughts on the Epee, this giant thrusting sword I never knew about before Elden Ring.

[@michaelclarkson3346]

Respect to both David for saying Da'Mon is the expert to talk to about the shotel and to Gamespot for going to Da'Mon to ask him about it.

[@VerdeMorte]

Would love to see his horrified reaction to the Dead Rising series DIY combo weapons, at least the practical ones that don't defy the laws of physics...

[@perchipy7900]

This video is absolutely top quality! Thank you the production team and please consider making more!

[@brez642]

I need him to take a look at some of the real wacky stuff like Ghiza's Wheel. As soon as I came across it, that's what my build centered around. Pizza Cutter Supremacy

[@The_Moons_Heart]

Glad this didn't end up like some other ones where they say the attacks and weapons don't make sense, conveniently ignoring the characters physical abilities being far above that of a base human. Good vid

[@PersonWMA]

I assume Hellish Quart is a shoe-in for videos. For Honor, Mordhau, etc, etc. You've got a good man for the job. The best expert react videos use a game as a jumping point to illustrate what a real life example is like, rather than just dumping on the game for not meeting the same standards. I hope you continue this in future videos.

[@MisterHavoc]

I feel like suddenly bringing Da'mon into this was a case of David saying he had his contact info and passing it over... Then partway through the rest of the filming Da'mon came online and David said "hey, have you got a few minutes? I'm doing a thing and there's a Shotel and I need your expertise on it!" and Da'mon going "... Add me to this call!" lol

[@BedriddenRiddims]

I’d be surprised if any of Elden rings fighting is particularly realistic, massive over exaggerated attacks with ridiculous weapons and effortlessly and invincibly rolling around

[@BeOtterMyFriend]

Well, rolling around shouldn't be much more effort than regular fighting. The invincibility aspect is true, though. And of course the telegraphing and ending basically every strike in the ground. 😅

[@Double512]

A few of the greatswords use a more "proper" (in quotes because i have no idea if it's an actual fighting style) form involving controlled swings when used in both hands, rather than wild side to side strikes or slamming the sword into the dirt like a club. Specifically, the Inseparable Sword, Banished Knight Greatsword, and Knight Greatsword.

[@richedricky]

@@Double512 I like long swords, but the Banished knight greatsword is the only greatsword i will use cuz they dont throw this sword to the ground like it weight 20lbs(and it looks really good)

[@austynh1]

@@Double512 even then though, I think all their heavies are slams rather than pokes. Weird lack of variety among the category tbh

[@ghoulbuster1]

Well it makes sense really, the Ultra Greatswords would weight between 10 to 20 kilos and Colossal weapons weights up to 40 kg. It's not easy swinging around a massive steel lamp post.

[@andrewm1857]

Love this video. have played 500 odd hours of Elden Ring and its fascinating hearing a sword master talking about some of the weapons i've used. keep up these great videos guys

[@Lopez1988chile]

This was an awsome addition to the series, great job GameSpot

[@joshuapatrick682]

As someone who fenced for a few years I have to say the techniques used seem genuine even if they aren’t completely realistic there’s a consistency within the world that works. Now I’ll watch the video and see what the expert thinks

[@kellananderson6700]

Whoever captured gameplay did a poor job. Particularly the zweihander part. The sword is literally called "twohanded" in german. Show off the twohanded set so the expert doesnt just rave about the fact that its not being twohanded.

[@erricro3198]

You know what i would love? A Gun-blade episode, with a crossover of Gun Master, and Sword Master, giving their historical input and a practical imput on how the application of such crazy weapon might not even be the stupidest idea.

[@halietmucus851]

I think the video demonstration should include double weapon, because the power stance also change move-set especially the rapier one.

[@holy_braille]

What a treat! Master David is obviously knowledgeable and experienced. Great lecture.

[@SaberVS7]

Finally some good analysis unlike Shadiversity's meltdowns over this game.

[@KorporalNoobs]

They have basically the same take on every shared weapon analysed with Shad going the extra mile to demonstrate a fixed moveset with the given design in mind, so I find this a very unfair take. Don't let the presentation fool you, if thats your problem.

[@wabisabi7755]

Shadiversity would have a meltdown over anything these days.

[@jackrabbitslim8536]

Fantastic! This is a great evolution of the Loadout/Firearm expert (Johnathan) reacts videos. More of this please. Also Dave, PLEASE more loadout. Pretty please.

[@jmilla321]

4:50 tell me about it :/

[@jonathansandusky7446]

There's more than inertia loss to a flail, a flail is 100% force while a rigidly held item is still under impulse (the cut through, mentioned earlier). This is what makes the massive difference between a motorcycle crash and a car crash. In a car I'm under impulse the entire time and will swiftly contact a suddenly now static point, in a motorcycle crash I separate from the bike and I'm now under force. Velocity and force sheds quickly once you've separated from the bike.

[@sweracoon7931]

This man looks like he should be leading a regiment of Empire Greatswords into battle. But I am all for more experts, who also happen to be gamers, examining the stuff we see in games! About time Jonathan got some company.

[@NSeaBear]

Not many would claim ignorance to a subject they are close to. To say, "Hey, get in contact with person B to get more info" is quite honest and in the interest of giving the best info. 👏👏👏

[@mediumvillain]

"That metal that you're wearing doesnt seem to have any substantial qualities." Tell me about it. But of course in the video they dont just use the regular flail or the regular rapier or the regular sized hammers or default two-handing the zweihander that would actually make sense to show an expert on real world weapons.

[@bajes328]

Da'mon literally appearing out of nowhere was one of those "I wish it would happen, but it's not going to- OH MY GOD" moments

[@hayatojp1249]

let him actually play Elden Ring I will watch it

[@InSanic13]

Didn't he mention in the video that he does play it?

[@KanuckStreams]

I absolutely LOVE how Mr. Rawlings is professional enough to say "I don't know enough about this, I won't comment on it, other than you should contact Da'mon Stith, who is an expert on these weapons."

[@SO-CAL909]

Dual wielding 2 rapiers causes a slashing animation that is pretty awesome when you hit L1

[@jameshughdalton]

Lets get a video with him and Jonathan talking about rifle bayonets and their effectiveness.

[@zerozerosud]

Love David! He manages to show his great passion while at the same time being informative and entertaining without ending up being pedantic or cheesy. Just 👌❤️

[@cynthius6567]

One thing to point out about the hilt lengths is that all weapons in FromSoft games have their hilts extended to accommodate two-handing, even daggers, hence why the rapier and broadsword are modeled like that. As for weapons and movesets to look into for another episode, I'm gonna suggest something a bit less obvious and say Breath of the Wild. It'd be a good choice for a more cartoony game to look at and the best option out of the Zelda series specifically, because of it's variety of armaments and attacks compared to the more "traditional" entries.

[@Autonate_42]

Can you imagine if David and Johnathan did a collaboration? I think that would be one interesting video.

[@r.lum.r]

with all the swords literally on a stand in view behind him i feel like i'm listening to a Skyrim Weapons Merchant or something? lol Also.. HUGE love for him deferring to another expert when he was unsure, both out of respect for the martial art, AND for his fellow instructor's expertise. This guy rules...? lol

[@alluke24]

I have spent at least 246 hours on Eldon ring and the most of those hours were used for exploring on horseback and free tiny little nook and cranny I was just exploring and having fun riding. But when I got to the place where the Scarlet rot is basically was gone as fast as I can kind of yelling at the horse go like faster faster they’re going to squish us it was so much fun.

[@kegluneq6306]

Fantastic stuff! It's always great to hear expert feedback from people who are also fans of the game, and willing to excuse quirks like sneaking in plate with a sword the size of a person. The odd design choices of Souls weapons are a series staple and much discussed, but this critique still added plenty imo.

[@maymayman0]

I was hooked as soon as I saw that mustache and he started using words like heresy

[@panagiotispotamitis9872]

Recovery from ball dislocation is, indeed, a problem

[@mayonnaise2396]

Hmmmm…