GS: How has combat been improved since the original?

NG: The combat system has changed dramatically from its predecessor. Rather than dropping your whole army onto one spot and hoping for the best, each creature now needs its own space and will be temporarily stunned once dropped - the larger the mass the longer the stun. This makes every combat situation less cluttered. Also, with the aid of protectors and group leaders, creatures will pick on singular targets or [go for specific creatures] if they have a species hatred.

Each creature also has its own combat styles, ranging from flankers, blockers, blitzers, support, and nonfighters:

Flankers will have a tendency to try and get behind the target so they can do maximum damage.

Blockers will always try and hold their ground. This means that you can use these creatures to stand and defend parts of your dungeon without them running in to attack the enemy.

Blitzers are like blockers and flankers mixed into one; they will try to punch a hole through the enemy so they can get through to attack the enemy support creatures.

Support creatures are those with ranged attacks, and these creatures are probably weakest and must have maximum protection.

We have implemented a new fear/threat system. This system allows creatures in trouble to run away and survive. So if an enemy creature or object's threat is greater than the fear your creature can handle, it will run away or avoid the situation. For example, [if] a low-level goblin comes face-to-face with a large and experienced giant, the goblin retreats as he's [very] scared. Now if he returns with ten of his buddies, their combined fear level will match the giant, and thus they will have a chance to defeat him.

Next: Monsters