Design Doc

This document is a snapshot of a living game concept and may not always match-up with the current version. Contact Alex (Xelnath) if you need clarification.

Summary

Atomech: Phalanx is a co-operative, real-time, side-scrolling adventure game. Players take control of one of three distinct, asymmetrical heros and utilize their unique abilities to overcome enemies and the environment. Players utilize attacks, special powers and evasive abilities to survive the brutal and punishing creatures which live within the Atomech universe. As they defeat bosses together, players can acquire powerful upgrades from end-of-level bosses using a bidding system. Through collaboration, the players will reveal the truth behind the tragic events which lead to the extinction of humanity.

Themes

• Futuristic Technology - the Atomech universe takes place in a civilization where technology has greatly advanced, replacing the need for magic.
• Dark Souls pacing - the game's combat is slower than Megaman X or Super Metroid and monsters have significant and clear indicators when they are about to attack.
• Coop survival - players will rely on each other to do their job to survive. Game mechanics highly reinforce teamwork and slain allies can be revived in-combat by living ones.

Values

• Clarity - Atomech games should be crystal clear at a glance. If this means simplified art or gameplay, so be it.
• Care - Atomech game mechanics should be relevant to the player or removed/improved.
• Response - Atomech games are meant to evoke emotional, tactical and strategic responses from the player.
• Satisfaction - Atomech games should feel rewarding and punishing in equal measure. We celebrate player success and clearly point-out their areas of improvement.
• Cohesion - Game mechanic, strategy and emotional response should blend together to create a connected experience, satisfying the fantasies we set out to create.

Gameplay

The objective of any level in Atomech: Phalanx is to arrive at the end, unlock the boss battle and defeat them using strategy and powers. Between levels, players can take a break and resume their quests together later.

Phalanx

The youngest of the three, Phalanx serves as the tank/fighter of the team. Enduring hits and helping setup her allies for success. Her major tools are Block and Push. Allowing her to position enemies and survive longer than her allies in direct combat.

Coil

The eldest of the three, Coil serves as the marksman of the team. Staying away from enemies and launching attacks from afar, he burns enemies down. His major tools are ??? and Pull . Allowing him to bring distant enemies into range.

Echelon

A wholly-digital entity, Echelon serves as the support/mage of the team. Unique in that he has no body of his own, Echelon can possess the robotic armor suits of his allies as well as the corpses of his enemies. His major tools are Power Drain and Create Trap, allowing him to disable enemies and deal extended aoe damage to opponents.

Basics

As a side-scrolling combat game, players move left or right on the screen and can jump to move upward on the screen. Each character has a resource which limits their offensive capabilities and creates a burst -> evade -> recover combat cycle that rewards careful attention to the enemy.

Control

PS4/XBox:

• Left Stick - Movement
• Right Stick - Camera Push

• X - Attack
• Y - Switch (Weapon/Trap/Ammo)
• A - Jump
• B - Special Ability

• LT/RT - Dash in a direction
• LB/RB - Ally command buttons

• Plus Pad - Weapon/Spell/Ammo shortcuts.

Keyboard:

• WASD - Movement
• Q/E - Dash
• T - Switch
• Shift/Tab - Ally command buttons

• Left Mouse - Attack
• Right Mouse - Special

• 1-4 - Weapon/Spell/Ammo Shortcuts

Phalanx

• Dash: Weapon specific evade
  • Dual Wield
    • Forward - Tumble
    • Reverse - Tumble
  • Greatsword
    • Forward - Offensive dash
    • Reverse - Evasive hop
  • Sword and Shield
    • Forward - Shield Bash dash
    • Reverse - Evasive hop
  • Spear
    • Forward - Shield Bash dash
    • Reverse - Evasive hop

• Special attacks:
  • DW - Counter Block
  • GS - Enrage
  • Sword and Shield - Dome Shield
  • Spear - Vertical Wall

Echelon

• Attack - Power-draining self-attack
• Dash - Cycle between allies
• Jump - Detach from ally and gain temporary free movement
• Special - Creates a trap in the current location

Coil

• Attack - Ranged shot. Can be angled up or down
• Dash - Grappling hook - attaches to ceiling to quickly move diagonally
• Special - ??? (Repair/Scavenge)