Abilities

Abilities are one of the more exciting differentiators between Champions. The ability system should allow a wider variety of player expression and strategy.

Types of Abilities

Our game will feature three main types of abilities:

Active Abilities:

• Description: These are skills that the Champion will use periodically.

• Cooldown: Active abilities have cooldowns. After use, they enter a cooldown period before becoming available again.

• Trigger: Active abilities sometimes require a threshold or situation to trigger. (e.g., a self heal that only casts when health is under 50% health)

Passive Abilities:

• Description: These abilities are always active and provide ongoing benefits.

• No Cooldown: Passive abilities do not typically have cooldowns; they persist throughout battles.

Active Ability Attributes

1. Distance/Range - How many units/tiles away it can target or effect

2. Cooldown - How long after use it can be activated again.

3. Damage/Healing - How much damage it deals or health it replenishes.

4. Status Effects - What (if any) status effects it applies.

5. Scaling - What (if any) stat scaling it receives.

Special Abilities:

• Description: Devastatingly powerful abilities that are tied to a resource meter.

• No Cooldown: Abilities availability is tied to a Special Skill Meter.

Special Skill Meter.

1. Starting at 0: At the beginning of each battle, every character’s Special Skill Meter is empty.

2. Meter Filling Up: As the battle progresses, the meter gradually fills up over time. The rate of filling depends on the character’s stats or other game-specific factors.

3. Unleashing the Power: Once the meter reaches its maximum capacity, the character can unleash their Special Skill—a devastating ability unique to each hero.

4. Consumption: Using the Special Skill consumes the entire meter.

Gameplay Impact

• Strategic Use: Players must decide on where to place champions to get the maximum effect from their character’s special skills.

• Powerful Effects: Special Skills are game changers. They can turn the tide of battle, deal massive damage, or provide crucial support.

• Visual Delight: When a character activates their Special Skill, the game pauses momentarily to showcase an impressive animation. This pause heightens the excitement and allows players to appreciate the skill’s impact.

Skill Animation

• Player Satisfaction: The skill animation serves as a reward for players. It’s a visual spectacle that celebrates their progress and mastery.

• Unique Animations: Each character’s Special Skill has a distinct animation. Whether it’s a fiery explosion, a healing aura, or a lightning strike, players will be captivated.

• Audio Accompaniment: Coupled with sound effects and music, the animation creates an immersive experience.

Balancing Considerations

• Meter Fill Rate: Adjust the rate at which the meter fills to balance the game. Faster fill rates make Special Skills more accessible, while slower rates increase their rarity.

• Skill Impact: Balance the power of Special Skills. They should feel impactful without being overpowered.

• Strategic Depth: Encourage players to think strategically about how to use their Special Skills and combine them with other champions.

Examples from "AFK Journey"