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
Distance/Range - How many units/tiles away it can target or effect
Cooldown - How long after use it can be activated again.
Damage/Healing - How much damage it deals or health it replenishes.
Status Effects - What (if any) status effects it applies.
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.
Starting at 0: At the beginning of each battle, every character’s Special Skill Meter is empty.
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.
Unleashing the Power: Once the meter reaches its maximum capacity, the character can unleash their Special Skill—a devastating ability unique to each hero.
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"
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