Mount & Blade - Preview @ IGN

IGN has a brief GC preview of Mount&Blade (so brief, they forgot to finish one sentence):

The game's hook is its swordplay, letting you control from which direction you attack and defend. So if, during battle, an enemy does an overhead slash, you'll need to align your sword appropriately to deflect the attack. If you've got it positioned as to stop a swing coming in from the left or right side, it's not going to work. Fighting takes place either from horseback or on foot, and you'll have to make a few decisions as to what you bring to battle. A shield will obviously provide better protection, but it can break. A two-handed weapon offers superior offensive power, but it's not as good for defense. Momentum also needs to be taken into a