Movement and Combat

[misttar]

A topic I would like to hear you philosophy on addressing is movement and how it relates to combat.

In the only graphical mmporpg that I have played, during there earliest stages (Beta and early after release), they had alot of issues with players abile to fight without risk by staying out a oponents range while they themselves attacked. And alos being able to EASILY flee from combat when things went bad.

To address these issues varies thing where introduced. Caps on movement speed, really fast monsters in tougher areas, slowing the character down when they are hurt.

Ok, the question:

How are you going to address the fact that in a 3d game, as aposede to a text game, a player can position himself so that he can attack without himself being attacked?

[Slitherrr]

As far as the positioning is realistic, I don't see how there'd be much problem, because if it's handled right other people can get into that same position anyways and go smack him down. In other words, I'd say careful game design, but for crying out loud, no more beetles and snakes running as fast as elves! Please! And maybe make the monsters slightly smart, so if they start getting kited around, they won't follow like toy soldiers, they'll hang back, maybe get some buddies to help out (intelligence in mind here, though, a bug would probably keep going if it knew where the hurt was coming). Just keep with the realism, and no more artifical quick-fixes, please...

[Lordosis]

Misttar, I think the reason the other games you are referring to had such problems is because of bugs in their code, or holes in their design. In Arcanity, you won't be able to stand on a building and hit someone with your sword while they can't get to you. You could do it with a bow and arrow perhaps, but that's realistic.

We'll try to make the speeds realistic, and beta will be the time for us to really tweak that. Keep in mind that if you get in trouble ther is nowhere to ZONE to that the monsters can't follow you (since we have no zones). So if you can't outrun someone that is attacking you, you better start praying. So obviously it is critical that the speeds be realistic so that players (and NPCs, too!) can take that into account before entering into battle.

Yes, monsters battle strategies will depend on their intelligence. You might be able to kite a beetle, but not a city guard. I got most of my levels in EQ by kiting so I'm very familiar with it :)