Level Up.pdf

Not Just Shooting 273
Wherever there are explosions, there
is fi re. Sometimes there ’ s fire even
without the explosions — things just
need to be burned. Fire creates
great- looking visuals and lingering
damage to enemies and
environments. But fire takes no sides:
players should get hurt by fire if they
stray into it. The fire should eventually
burn out so the player doesn ’ t paint
themselves into a napalm - colored
corner.
Fire also means flamethrowers. The
closer you are to your enemy, the
more damage a flamethrower should do. Flamethrowers are the weapon of
choice for players who don ’ t like to aim. Allow them to “ fire and forget ” or
“ hose down ” enemies with flame.
Don ’ t forget to use fire - based weapons as a gameplay mechanic too.
Flaming swords and other weapons don ’ t just do extra damage to ice ­
themed enemies, they can ignite braziers, detonate explosives, burn through
rope, illuminate dark areas, cauterize wounds; the gameplay possibilities are
vast.
Another lingering indirect attack is poison.
Make sure you have an associated visual for
poisoned items. A green gassy effect, a
dripping blade, a hovering “ death ’ s head ”
effect are all traditional video game indicators
of poison. Players should be able to tell when
they are wielding a poisoned item or have
poisoned an enemy — make the visual unique
and distinct. As a poisoned character loses
health, make sure each increment that the
poison takes has a clear sound effect and
visual effect associated with it. You are creating
a timer in which the focus of the player will shift
from regular gameplay to “ find and administer
the antidote. ” If the antidote is an inventory
based item, don ’ t make it too hard for the
player to retrieve it. Even if poison is uncommon, make the antidote more
common. There is no worse feeling in a video game than making the player
feel like death is inevitable. Always give them a fighting chance.