I'll get right to the screenshots for you impatient types out there


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I've been working on a sword dueling system for a little while now, and I've finally gotten to a point where everything works and it's pretty challenging. Basically, there's three attack types: overhead strike, thrust, and sideways lash. There is also a defense for each attack: two different blocks and a dodge for the thrust. Everything is real-time and reflex based, so if you aren't fast, you'll miss a block or dodge. If you're fast, you can keep the enemy from ever touching you (though I can't even do that and I made the game ).

There's also a stamina system, which I borrowed the idea from a great game called Savage. Basically, attacks and blocks take up your energy, and if you run out of energy, you can't attack! This keeps you from just non-stop swinging at the enemy like an idiot . If you get several blocks in a row, you will gain lots of stamina back. This way, you have to be able to attack AND block to win fights. Stamina comes back very slowly during battle.

My goal here is to get a fully functional and polished demo/tutorial together to post, so people can learn the combat system and fight the computer themselves, and give me some feedback. I'm waiting for my commercial version of 3dgs to arrive (only have extra right now), so once that comes, I'll make things look much better with shaders and dynamic shadows and such.

I'm trying really hard not to bite off more than I can chew, so even though I want to expand the game to include sailing, buying/selling cargo, and taking over enemy ships, right now I am only going to focus on this dueling system until I feel it's the best it can be.

Questions about the combat system, comments or criticisms on the screenshots would be great. Does the overall look fit? Do the panels look out of place? Let me know what you think!

Whoho! I can't wait to get my hands on your tutorial

The panels look good. Landscap (especialy the textures) could be better. But I woulden't bother about this...it's not too bad Just keep on concentrating on the ultimate duelling-code

dude that looks awsome. i haven't seen much like this... ever. the panels look nice. i do like the ideas. with stamina and stuff. i would love to read a tut on how to do this. I think you have done a nice job so far and will do a nice job on the rest of this game. I do think your going in the right direction by only working on one part at a time.

Hey Loopix. As soon as my commercial version arrives, one of my first things to do will be to implement a multi-texture terrain shader. The trees are yours (who else's? ), thanks for making them available.

Thanks for the comments bot! Glad you like the panels, I couldn't decide if they fit in or not.

Today was a really productive day!







I added in some snazzy sword trail effects. I wasn't really going for an arcade/comic-book type look, but the trails make the duels look a lot cooler.

I also added in double-damage hits for when you get 3 blocks in a row. In the last shot, you can tell there was a double damage hit because of the large floating "30!". I also added in floating text effects for the stamina boost, which also happens when you get 3 blocks in a row.

If some more people express interest, maybe I'll put together a video of a fight-in-action. Thanks for any comments!

Oh yes, a video would be great!

The screen already made me wanna see it in motion, since the look good!

Yeah, I want to see it in video, definately. To be honest I want to see a demo , but video is next best.

The project looks really cool. I like your way of thinking- get the fight right first, then work out the rest of the game to suit. This duel system should be very cool. Will you enable 3 or more people in one fight, or will they basically line up and take turns if a group wants to fight?

Don
have a great day

Same here... Video!! I'm working on something similar right now, and I'd sure like to see what you've done with it, cause it looks great!
Good job on this!!

Micha

Incredible screenshots, I need your tutorial a.s.a.p!!!!! I am excited about having a tutorial for sword dueling, and cant wait until I can use it for my projects. Good Work Zelek!

400 views and only 6 replies aside from my own . I think I'm going to pass on the tutorial because there's already a couple of great sword combat tutorials, the Kingdom Hearts one, and in the latest AUM I believe.

I'll try to bust out a video after I spice up the terrain and water with some shaders. Thanks to the few of you who left comments, it helps me to press on .

Gumby: I've thought about allowing multiple enemy fights, but I just don't think it would work out well. You can't block and attack at the same time, so with 2 opponenets, you would just end up blocking nonstop while they swing at you. I have some rough ideas on how I can avoid the "line up and duel" scenario you mentioned, though.