My enemy movement system

[thetruecoolness]

He guys, just wanted to show off the enemy movement system I've got. All of the events run off of one script, thanks to the locking mechanism I devised they can all use the same variables for calculations (though not at the same time, they wait in line for them). The lag later comes from the VFX I used for the range depiction. I'm going to be changing that to something simpler.

Once I fix the battle system you will get into a battle after they catch you instead of just them stopping. Still trying to come up with a way to make them bypass the last people in your party as they are still considered there I believe. But it's still fairly hard to run from them once they notice you.

So enjoy, and as always comments or criticism are welcome.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qmeo3yR8huQ

Sorry about the beginning darkness but it is night.

Eventually there will be enemies with set patterns, and more limited ranges (like only in front).

[Bigfoot]

so when you get into range will it go into a turn based battle system or what? or is your battle system action oriented?

[thetruecoolness]

Yes guess I should have clarified, it is turn based as it is using the DBS (though really only for the enemy models, and their actions, as I like them better). This being because I'm a bigger fan of the turn based, as action usually just turns into a hack and slash, or just more menu navigation with hack and slash (looking at you .hack).

[Neo Samurai]

This being because I'm a bigger fan of the turn based, as action usually just turns into a hack and slash, or just more menu navigation with hack and slash (looking at you .hack).

True, but if you aren't careful, the Turned-Base could turn into an endlessing mashing of the X button as well. Not that I think that you'll do that.

I can't really comment on this video. When the enemies touch you, do you get into battle? Or is it when you get close enough to them in range? It certainly looks interesting, though.

[NASH7777]

Ok hey, so do they only start chasing when you in their range? Then do they stop when they're out?

I've been tempted to do a FF12 battle system in which something similiar would be the case but the actual battle would take place on the world map(dungeon too).

[thetruecoolness]

Well they don't stop but they could, right now it just sets the event flag once you get in their range, and they chase you until they catch you (this is mainly to let the running happen faster, and right now once they see you, you can run for a bit, but basically you're getting in a battle). Of course right now I also have them bypass objects when chasing you, since they get hung up on the invisible party members. I think I will be removing all members but one for the map, then add them in before battle and before going to the menu, and in towns. I guess it is a bit hard to see what's going on without the battles happening, but basically when they stop moving is when a battle will occur, I'll be messing around with it some more this weekend and try to fix up the battle system enough to show. Of course I still need to account for how multiple battles will work (probably at least giving you the option to use the menu between them), and what to do once you get in a vehicle (like the jet or a car or boat).

And I am going to try to make my battle system a little more interesting than attacking, but I do know what you mean. Though a lot of it is hard to break as peoples expectations seem to be that attack is always your best option, as many don't like "wasting" turns on status effects and such. But my game will feature an AP system, having primary and secondary attacks in addition to magic, items and some special attacks if you fill up the AP meter. Plus a few other features, though I still have some thinking to do on balance and other issues like that. My goal will be to have fewer battles, but more interesting ones.

So now that I have 15 replies on topics about my game I'm going to request my own forum.

[Bigfoot]

Sweet, I detect a strong Xenosaga influence. Underapreciated game.

Which reminds me! III comes out this wensday!

[thetruecoolness]

And yes I will admit I am borrowing quite a bit from that game for the battle stuff. The story however will be quite different.

The movement, however, is also similar to an older game called Earthbound. So really I think that is the game that inspired the Epic/RPG combination for battles (Epics being typically action based with the battles and having the enemies on screne ala Secret of Mana et al, and RPGs being typically turn based for the battles, but having random encounters).

[Bigfoot]

Yes of course, everything I have seen on your game doesn't scream sci fi. I was only talking about some of the gameplay elemants. But yeah dude, now I can't wait to here about what you have cooking up for story. This game looks to be quite good! ;D