Warband is an indy title which focuses on middle ages combat without spells, elves, faires, etc.
It includes multi-player and single player modes with an active modding community.
It is a bit weak in the quest area but the combat is the strong point. It is a sandbox approach so you can go wherever you want in the game and take what course you wish. You fight with various weapons and with or without a horse. You can choose which direction the sword will swing when you strike so the combat is pretty dynamic. You also have to watch for the direction the blow is coming from if you use manual blocking. And the engine accounts for body or horse momentum, either forward or backward as well, adjusting damage with this speed bonus.
As a result a good shot to the head can knock you out in an instant if you are charging in on your horse. Or you can backpedal when they swing and the damage from their weapon is reduced.
The engine accounts for encumbrance, weapon speed, length, etc. You also command a small (or sometimes large) army of men and can make your own kingdom or serve a kingdom as a vassal.
Overall it is pretty fun game, and for a bit over 10 bucks it is worth checking out.
