Tabula Rasa E3 Previews

A couple of new E3 previews detailing Richard Garriott's Tabula Rasa have trickled onto the 'net. The first is at Ten Ton Hammer:
Make no mistake about it, Tabula Rasa is a role-playing game. It may include ranged combat somewhat like a shooter, but this is a role-playing game through and through. The game has what I call "snap targeting", much like you might find in a console shooter. As your targeting reticle slides over an enemy it locks on so the player doesn't have to keep the enemy in his sights.

While the other is at MPOGD:
As you watch the demo, you will notice that there is a very minimalistic UI. Richard explained that they did not want players having to struggle to find different items or spells instead of enjoying the gameplay and battle. As you pass your mouse over an area with an enemy, a target reticle will stick and hold to them to enable ease of combat. Most abilities can be done with the mouse as well as shortcuts. Hotkeys will open bags and other windows. It's almost sterile compared to other games, and may take veteran players some time to adapt.