Preparation
The Burden of Preparation is High
Reinforcement
I had a huge crush on a girl who reminded me of Samus. |
The Secrets and Stories of Game Design
by Xelnath
I had a huge crush on a girl who reminded me of Samus. |
by Xelnath
We had been working long nights creating abilities for Zangarmarsh and I was still quite sleep lagged.
“Obviously whatever the other jerk just did to beat me that I don’t have and am clearly underpowered without,” I sniped back.
This is not a rogue kicking. |
Mike snorted, “Okay, lets narrows this a bit. What’s the most basic mechanic to counter a spell?”
I thought for a bit. Weeks of Mike’s deceptively simple sounding questions had taught me to resist the instinct to give the first answer that came to mind. “At first, I would think of the rogue ability Kick, but in truth, I think it’s actually something even more basic.”
Mike’s eyebrows raised slightly, “That was actually the answer I was thinking of, but go on.”
“I think the most basic counter in our game to anything is movement. The universally available tool to avoid a spell is to move out of range of it. Unfortunately, we’ve done a lot that reduces the impact of movement on avoiding spells.”
“How so?”
“You can’t move to avoid most spells once you’re in close, ducking around a corner only works in buildings. Hiding behind a hill flat out doesn’t work. The fact that most spells are targeted takes a lot of the counter fun out of the game.”
I have no idea what game this is. |
“That’s true.”
“Why?”
“Part of it is that our movement validation isn’t very accurate. Other parts are because WoW was built on EQ and targeting is a legacy feature from EQ. In the end though, I could see a game working either way.”
“I feel like movement is the one thing all classes share. It’s a shame we don’t put it to good use.”
“Maybe someday you will.”
Obligatory Neo reference – check! |
by Xelnath
All seems lost until you spy a glowing, red spot on its chest. You swing your blade at its glowing heart and the beast reels from the blow, lurching backwards. The dance continues, but now you know how this game is played and victory feels close at hand.