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Maybe an automatic mechanic could be implemented, I am thinking of boardgames that use such a mechanic, f.e. KingdomDeathMonster, or D&D4s MonsterManual1 that had suggestions which combinations of powers worked best.

Example:
Orcs are wild, reckless fighters, that will always use Chop&Chop or slash&thrust, never defending themselves.
Kobolds are sneaky, cowardly fighters and will use thrust&defend or dodge&thrust with spears or daggers&shields.

Clever players(or characters with the right use of skill/talent) could learn, which tactics are implemented by a type of enemy/monster and plan their HiddenCombo accordingly.The GM just has to choose between two given options. This could speed up Hidden Combo Combat, if it is available all the time. In KD:Monster, monsters have a deck of options, which are at the same time their hitpoints, reducing their choices over time. This could also be implemented in a D&D4 UNbloodied/bloodied tactic. As long as a monster is above 50% health it uses Combo A, when it drops below 50% health it uses Combo B...

I still think, given the information we have for now, that using HiddenCombo just for duels or special "boss"fights will work better.

Lot's of great feedback here, thanks for that. I'd like to emphasize again that the hidden combo system is still in development and that it will be optional. Still, during our internal tests we have felt that the hidden combos add intensity to melee combat that fits the game and its feel. Also, being a fantasy title, melee combat will be more in at the forefront in Forbidden Lands than in, for example, Mutant: Year Zero or Coriolis. In any case, the hidden combo system will be streamlined and of course subjected to external playtests in the weeks to come.

Hello!

First of all thank you Fria Ligan for creating great games - I am a big fan of Mutant YZ, and am very much looking forward to Forbidden Lands! 
(I have quite a few different attempted drafts of trying to modify the rule engine of MYZ to a fantasy setting  )

Anyway I just thought I would squeeze in my tiiiiiiny bit of slight consern about the hidden combos, or perhaps more specifically just repeat what others above have stated: please keep the new system truly optional, and dont't forget about the basic system. I think especially in situations with many enemies or NPC:s the hidden combos might clog things down a bit. 
I think it would be great if you would update the basic MYZ-system so that it is interesting to play in a world based on mostly close combat - still keeping it simple and awsome, but rich enough  I'm thinking simple rules or tips on how to tackle someone, hold an enemy to the ground, throw to the ground etc, so that it's not just hitpoints etc. ..And then build the optional system on top of that. 
The bonus effects in MYZ are great and can cover many things that makes a fight interesting, maybe they even are enough on their own, I don't know. I do know that I have great faith in Fria Ligan - keep up the god work! And don't listen to me, I am but a humble consumer  Lycka till! 

Anyway I just thought I would squeeze in my tiiiiiiny bit of slight consern about the hidden combos, or perhaps more specifically just repeat what others above have stated: please keep the new system truly optional, and dont't forget about the basic system. 

Tomas:

I'd like to emphasize again that the hidden combo system is still in development and that it will be optional.

Anyway I just thought I would squeeze in my tiiiiiiny bit of slight consern about the hidden combos, or perhaps more specifically just repeat what others above have stated: please keep the new system truly optional, and dont't forget about the basic system. 

Tomas:

I'd like to emphasize again that the hidden combo system is still in development and that it will be optional.

Yes, and also - I wouldn't write off the hidden combo system until you've tried it.

Yes, and also - I wouldn't write off the hidden combo system until you've tried it.

Absolutely! Looking forward to getting blown away

But even if we assume the hidden combo system is super fun, why is it restricted to melee characters? What will ranged/magic characters get to balance it out?

Just to lend my voice to the others - I also have reservations about the hidden combo system.  My concern is that it doesn't seem very realistic.  Wouldn't the better your skill as a fighter mean that you could read your opponent better?  With this card system, it seems like a skilled fighter might choose to Stab an enemy, while they're getting ready to Stab back.  Wouldn't that fighter be able to read their intent and instead Parry their blow, rather than trade a series of Stabbing?

Also a bit concerned that this appears to be very melee-oriented, and I have players in my group who never play melee characters, so would potentially miss out on this mini-game.  Another player hates any feel of meta, and while he is the group's biggest lover of MY:Z. he hates the Ark mechanics because it feels too gamey and affects his immersion.  I think this might affect him the same way.

Anyway, really happy you guys are thinking outside the box and aiming to make combat more dynamic.  I'm definitely happy to give it the benefit of the doubt and will try it with my group!