Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
that non-permanent tools should be returned to the deck directly after being used,
so if the player has applied such a tool to open a door, he cannot use it against the
monster inside. First of all, he must return the tool; then, before the battle, he can
take another tool from his inventory (if he has additional ones).
The game flexibility is supported by diversification of special conditions some tools
work with. Most of them are of course universal, but some of the tools work only with
metallic bodies or require the robot to have high intelligence. Huge hammers can be
used only with strong bodies and so on.
Permanent tools cannot be lost by a player in normal conditions, but they can be
taken by some monsters. Bonuses are rare, but can be invaluably useful. They can
reward the player with extra spares, a free battery (an extremely rare card), an addi-
tional move, and so on.
Monsters
First of all, the term "monster" in our case is rather symbolic than literal because
many of them are not traditional creatures from human nightmares, but situations
from a robot's bad dreams. Falling water, puddles of oil, gigantic magnets, trans-
formers, mills, bare wires, computer bugs, and other industrial scary things can be
found inside the containers. In a broad sense, they can be called traps:
The monster card consists of two parts: the first one is a monster description, includ-
ing the value of its power and some conditions of its functionality, while the second
part describes the aftermath, which will take place in a case the player loses.
A monster's guile should be to target specific characteristics of a robot; this creates
some variety in attacks. The diverseness is very important since players can use
various tactics; most importantly, they can take a risk sacrificing some parts of their
robots, nonetheless trying to overcome an opponent. Such mechanics force more
emotions to be involved in the gameplay. Moreover, monsters with different char-
acteristics seem more dangerous and unpredictable; you never know what you will
lose.
