January 15th Weekly Update (Patreon)

This week continued what I did the previous week, focusing more on prepping the combat system stuff that I want to include.

Related to the combat system,  I reworked some stuff to allow spells to cancel out of one another, and be cancelled into a teleport(which is also Meridiana's dodge).  The idea for combat is though Meridiana knows powerful magic, the strongest spells take time to cast, and can easily be interrupted.   The player will have some leeway to cancel out of a spell, or dodge if it appears that she isn't going to get the cast off in time.

I also felt I hit on something that was workable with the first iteration, but simply didn't present it right, nor did I set up the controls for it correctly.  I'm making so changes to that effect, and before I let it loose, plan for a little tutorial.  

I started by making a formula circle, and instead of cardinal directions, I'll be using elements (earth, fire, water, air)  to make it easier to parse.   

This went throught two iterations, the first being a five pointed circle, but that was a little odd trying to map controls to, so I changed it to a four pointed circle that lines up more with WASD or directions on a joystick.

It still needs some graphics to help with identifying the elements.

rejected circle

While this doesn't mean I plan for all spells to be elemental in nature(I actually want to avoid that), there are a few I did want to have.   

So this week I also put together a fire breathing spell.   This spell right now sprays in front of Meridiana, but it looks like based on feedback I'll have it sweep in front of her.  Anything hit will be set on fire, and delt damage as long as it stays in the fire.  While the spell won't have a long range, it will be a quick way to distract enemies in front of Meridiana from attacking her.

Finally I did want to keep my at least one prop a week goal, and this one was another outdoor type prop, just a simple sack.   Although its not super exciting, I did also make a variation that had a small skeleton so that it could deform if lifted or moved.  Watching it sag as it lifts off the ground for the throw spell gives it some weight.

That's pretty much it,  as always I'd love to hear any questions, concerns or feedback you might have!