September 18th Update (Patreon)

This week I worked on implementing a few ideas I had for the games main combat system.   There aren't going to be any pictures, as there isn't really a lot to show.

The big thing I wanted to do was have a combat system that would give the player access to lots of spells and the ability to use them in fun ways.  Despite the game having a stealth element, I still wanted to convey that Meridiana IS a sorceress, and not to be trifled with!

I also wanted the combat to have a tactical element to it.   I like being able to plan intricate spell combination, or try to be efficient as possible.

The system I had in place worked well enough for aiming, but given the pace I felt like it would be difficult to use more then a few spells without getting overwhelmed by enemies.   It also didn't feel particularly exciting to me, and it really just felt kinda standard 3rd person shooter.

There are two major changes that I'm currently testing.

The first is a Superhot like slow motion system.  While aiming, time will slow down to allow you to assess everything, and pick your target carefully.  Time does not speed up until you cast a spell, get hit, or knocked around.  Once you complete a spell, time will slow down again for you to make your next action.    It has a different flow, as everything is slow fast slow fast, but it allows the player to plan things out.  It also highlights a lot of close calls with last second dodges or kills. 

Currently there is not limit on how much time you spend in slow motion, but that's something I may change in the future.

The other change I've made is the way spells are cast.  Instead of selecting a spell, to cast, you now must do the right combination of button presses to cast a spell. 
These presses aren't super complicated, but its something a little different, that will allow the player access to as many different spells, without menus, or the entire range of numbers across the top of a keyboard.

I still need to make more spells, and add more variety to the spells, but I think its starting to come together to something at least a little interesting.

I know this post is long, so thank you for your patience!  As always I'd love to hear any comments/concerns or questions you might have!