Progress Report: Over Limit and Other Changes

Had a bit of a slow period, but I have begun going back through the beginning to make sure the skit system works in older maps. I also made placeholder NPC templates that I plan to lay about in maps past the playable demo, for those wanting to test the game. And of course, I've renamed the Quest option to be Events, which will list the story synopsis. It's another reason to go back through the game to make sure the synopsis updates at certain points.

Rework of Abilities

With that all said, I had thoughts about the current battle abilities for Aki and Piper and wish to rework them a bit. Since I don't have a lot in the way of resources, while also being early in the story, I feel that any unique abilities these two have should come a bit later, when it would make sense for them to have them. I already decided on a point in the story this can happen, and by then I should be able to figure out how Aki's altered artes work (or if they should be replaced with something else), and have Piper's battle forms be more flexible in battle. There's just one thing left...what to replace the introduction of Altered Artes with. That's where the Over Limit mechanic comes in.

Mechanics

Over Limit has been a recurring feature in these games since Symphonia, and presently I don't really have the skill to replicate the "press button to activate" version of it, like in those other games. Whether it's just skill or limitations of the engine, it seems that the best approach would be to follow something similar to in Symphonia. In that game, Over Limit happens after accumulating enough Tension Points (usually from getting hit or eating certain foods). I currently have something similar in place where getting hit or doing damage to the enemy will gradually raise a character's hidden gauge until it meets a threshold. Once met, they will receive benefits like reduced damage taken. I'm also considering making variations of the Over Limit that characters can get through Passive Skills to gain additional benefits but at certain costs. No matter what though, if the Special skill is equipped, Mystic Artes will be possible once I get to the point of having triggers for it.

Wrap-Up

Of course, Over Limit will become available at around the same time as when Aki and Piper properly have their unique abilities unlocked (not long after and just before another boss fight). But for the introduction bit with Gremlin (which will be done after I make an animation for it), that will be the only time it happens for the Prologue Demo. However, after I program the parts where all these are properly introduced and unlocked, I will have them fitted into the Arena Demo for use there.