4 replies to this topic

[MoscowModder]

Right now, most of the items in Sword of Destiny are spells. There are five elements, each with three spells to unlock. You can use these spells by equipping them like regular items.

My new idea is instead to equip the elements themselves, and charge them up to use the actual spells. Just press the equipment button once to cast the tier-1 spell, hold the button for a set time to charge up and cast the tier-2 spell, and charge it longer to use the tier-3 spell.

Advantages:

• Fewer items to equip; more functions from one equipped item
• Forces the player to use 1 element at a time (if selecting A and B equipment is disabled)
• Forces the player to think about what magic to use instead of 'spamming' one spell
• Makes the most powerful spells harder to use (think Din's fire)
• Seems more realistic (at least according to my story)

Disadvantages:

• Might be a little bit confusing to some players
• Harder to use

Please explain why you like the method you do, but if you really don't feel like taking the time to put your decision into words just go ahead and vote without posting.

[)-( Marchland Malady )-(]

Your idea sounds just fine, as I can't see charging up to be difficult to understand. Using magic points with that would be a good idea (with more powerful spells costing more magic.)

[MoscowModder]

Naturally, every spell uses magic, with higher-tier spells using more. Now the only problem is scripting it. The scripted spells can be converted from item scripts to simple function calls, accessed by one of three meta-item scripts (assigned to the elements themselves). I guess the hard part is making all 15 spells scripted instead of using built-in items.

Well, I'm off to script! Wish me luck.

Edit: Awesome, it works! If anyone wants to use this idea, I can share the script with you. It takes a lot of setup, so I probably won't put it in the DB.

Edited by MoscowModder, 28 April 2012 - 04:30 PM.

[Lightwulf]

Your idea is great!
It reminds me of Megaman X (and it's sequels). In one of the sequels (Megaman X3, I believe), it lets you play as Zero; when you're Zero, you can charge your weapon up to Mach 4 (that's what I'm calling it, anyway) to unleash all the powerful blasts capable, but if you don't charge completely, you can only do the blast level that you charged to.

Hope this works out for you!
Edit: Oh, if you do this, just make sure that when the spell is learned that you have some text appear that clearly states how to use the spell (i.e. by charging it for x number of seconds or until the bar flashes a different color or however you have it indicated).

Edited by Lightwulf, 30 April 2012 - 11:56 AM.

[MoscowModder]

I've already implemented the new spellcasting system. I guess I've never thought of MMX (I've played the series), and it is sorta similar... one small difference is that the charging button isn't the same as the casting button. And of course, each spell will be described when you unlock it. The first time you unlock a tier 2 or 3 spell, it will explain how to charge your energy.

Also, the meter is a colored circle (matching the element's color) that forms around you as you charge - a second circle starts to appear as you charge for tier-3 spells.