Human Head Studios' Chris Rhinehart sent along an email to follow-up on the bit posted earlier (story) referring to puzzles in RUNE, their upcoming Unreal-engine Viking game. In spite of my having fun with the puzzle concept in calling it "Slash, Slash, Find a Key, Slash," Chris points out that there will actually be no keys at all in RUNE:

Just wanted to e-mail to mention that we have no puzzles in RUNE that I consider lame. That's one of the big philosophies behind Human Head... everything about the game should be geared towards the gamer. Meaning, any puzzles that are "lame" or frustrating or just plain stupid shouldn't make it into the game. Making game isn't about how devious the level designer can be (and how many different ways that the designer can instantly smash, pulverize or totally confuse the player)... it's about making a challenging and rewarding experience that's fun as hell.

And, there are NO KEYS in RUNE. In fact, we have one scenario where Ragnar finds a locked door and says to himself "Hmmm, I must have to find a key..." Then says "Awww...forget it" and kicks the door off of its hinges. :)

There is, however, plenty of that slash slash slashin'...