Balance

Clint Bellanger's picture

I'm doing the first major balance pass for Flare's first game.

Here is a build for Windows users; others can use svn: http://code.google.com/p/flare-engine/downloads/detail?name=flare_win_r2...

I suggest starting a new game (exit the game, erase or rename save1.txt, restart the game).

Expect many iterations of balance changes.

Right now I'm focusing on the core gameplay for typical builds, more focused on early levels (1-5).  Look for these changes:

  • Physical characters have a lot more health and should feel tougher
  • Shock now costs mana, but mages have more mana to spend.  They do deal with being OOM after large battles.
  • Archers with pure-offense are still powerful, but are at risk of being two-shot in the caves.
  • Physical + Defense characters with proper gear can handle large crowds of enemies.  Haste is added and Block is more powerful.

My main concern with the latest changes is that mages still suffer if they run out of mana.  Ways I might solve this:

  • A low level potion or mana drink, cheaper than a mana potion (e.g. restores 25 mana over 5 seconds, interruptable by damage, for 25 gold)
  • Drop the power Lore and place a weak, zero-mana spell (e.g. like Wanding in WoW)

Please share other balance concerns, and feel free to share suggestions.