Level Up.pdf

Bring on the Bad Guys 303
Leech: the enemy drains the player ’ s
“ charged up ” resources. This can be
super meter power, mana, shield
power, fuel. Usually the player doesn ’ t
have an opportunity to regain the
resource from the enemy that
attacked it. Once it ’ s gone, it ’ s gone.
Players will soon pick up that leeching
enemies should be dispatched as
soon as possible.
Unexpected behaviors: if the player
is expecting a movement pattern or attack,
having another up their sleeve adds a nice
bit of variety to the encounter. The variety
adds to the illusion that your enemy is
learning to react and defend against the
player. The player will have to adjust their
battle plan as they go rather than falling into
the same old routine.
Vulnerabilities or resistances? Make sure
they ’ re clear to the player and follow logic.
Of course, that murderous snow angel is
going to be vulnerable to fire, just like that
flaming pyre corpse is just going to laugh in
your face when you wave that burning torch
in front of him. Let the player make logical connections — don ’ t ever let them
wonder why something doesn ’ t work. Enemy taunts are great for conveying
that information. The smugger or more cutting the enemy ’ s taunt, the better.
Just don ’ t overdo it; even the funniest or best- delivered line gets boring after
the third time.