When reviewing the combat, it received more positive commentary from multiple reviewers. "Eurogamer", "IGN", and "GamePro" praised the combat for being physics-based and aim-based, as opposed to many other RPGs. "Gamespot" stated that it was "the one place where "Mount & Blade" truly shines," and "GamePro" called it "far and above the best rendition of medieval warfare yet put onto computer screens." "PC Zone", however, criticized the melee combat and claimed that it felt random in its effectiveness on both foot and horseback. But the complexity and thoroughness of the character skill system was well received.