Hiya peeps!
One of the things we wanted to add to the game for a long time were quest-like encounters that span multiple zones. Lately, we finally implemented all the pieces to make this work, and we have a couple of questlines added to the game.
The main reason we wanted these in the game is to create an opportunity cost to get some cool things. Some of the questlines will be fairly basic, like getting a bunch of supplies and taking them to a castle in the next zone. Some will potentially span three zones, and grant you a really cool relic. We want to reward players that pursue longer questlines with something important, like relics that cannot be obtained in any other way. We also want the longer questlines to actually be rewarding, because of the way theyre positioned in the world.
(note that we added the current party portraits to the world map!)
Our world generation is fairly simple and straightforward. There are several manually created layouts of the node network you see on the map. We opted out of generating these positions because of landscape restrictions like preventing nodes from spawning on mountains or on the sea. It is also relatively difficult to generate connections between nodes that create interesting choices. Doing them manually is also not too much work, and gives us nice control over how the nodes are positioned and connected.
First, we pick a random layout out of several we have per zone, then we do a content generation pass over all nodes. Nodes are grouped into lanes, and each lane has its own set of controls for allowing nodes to become special, how many of them may do so, how far apart they must be, etc. The questlines are part of that pass as well, which means if you manage to start a quest (which is random right now), you will have a guaranteed node in a future zone be a quest continuation node. It will likely be positioned in such a way that youll have to choose what you want to pursue in that zone. You might want to ignore the questline because you want to hunt for an Arcane node or a City node, its your choice. For example, you might want to not finish the questline that grants you 15 supplies to take to a zone 2 location. Maybe you're greedy and want to keep all those supplies! It's one thing less you have to worry about, but you lose any reward you might get by completing the quest. It's all about tradeoffs!
(screenshot is with Alt pressed down which shows info for all nodes, not just hovered ones)
If you enter a zone that has a quest encounter spawned, there will be a special indicator on that node telling you about it. You might want to scour and look over the map before you decide which way through the zone you want to go down. Sometimes they might be a ways off. :)
Thanks for reading! If you want to ask us stuff or suggest stuff, you can do so on our Discord server, were all there!
MarkoP
https://store.steampowered.com/app/600610/The_Hand_of_Merlin/
[ 2021-02-10 12:00:04 CET ] [ Original post ]
- GameBin_Linux [91.57 M]
- Common_Linux [23.65 M]
The Hand of Merlin is a turn-based rogue-lite RPG in which Arthurian legend clashes with cosmic horror. Recruit a company of up to three mortal heroes and guide them in spirit on a desperate journey from Albion to Jerusalem. Explore a richly-imagined medieval setting on the brink of apocalypse. Trade with merchants, improve your heroes and unearth ancient relics. Search for the lost fragments of your soul, scattered across the multiverse - and save as many worlds as you can.
Enjoy a compelling story inspired by Arthurian legend, the Matter of France, and the history of Al-Andalus - with an unusual twist. Make choices in interactive encounters that change every time you play. Written by Jonas Kyratzes (The Talos Principle, Serious Sam 4) and Verena Kyratzes (The Lands of Dream, Serious Sam 4).
Master the tactics of squad-based and turn-based combat to conquer both human and demonic foes. Your enemies will be tough and ruthless; make use of cover, set up ambushes and coordinated attacks, harness synergies between different Hero classes and skills.
Carve a path across the lands of Albion, Marca Hispanica and Al-Andalus. Will you take a dangerous route, risking life and limb in pursuit of a legendary relic? Or will you choose a safer path? Plan and prepare. Negotiate, barter, fight. Tackle challenges. Suffer losses. Recruit new Heroes. Earn Gold, Supplies and Renown. Be careful: your choices are permanent, as is death. But don't tarry - evil never rests.
Use Renown to level up your Heroes, and choose between a randomized set of new skills or improved attributes. But choose wisely! Select skills with great synergy and balance your party for the road ahead.
As you jump from one parallel dimension to the next, history is reshaped. Different kings rule the land, changing the encounters, characters, and events. No two worlds are ever quite the same, and each journey will be unique. And should your heroes fall, remember: defeat is not the end, only a new beginning.
Seek out towns to improve your arms and armor, or stumble upon hermit artisans in the wild. With every day that passes, the world plunges deeper into darkness, and you will need all the equipment gold can buy.
From a peasant's humble luck charm to the legendary sword wielded by Arthur himself, items imbued with magical power are scattered about the world. Some you will be able to purchase from merchants and collectors, but others will have to be earned through acts of heroism - or displays of wit.
Rain thunder and brimstone upon your foes! Seek out and gather Soulstones to restore your power and unlock new Spells. Even if defeated, your spirit will retain all of your collected arcane knowledge as you jump into the next dimension.
There are as many worlds as there are stars in the sky. In each stands Camelot; in each there is a Grail. But there is only one Merlin, and his eternal burden is to stand against the horror from beyond. Each world that is saved is saved forever; each world that is lost is lost for good.
https://store.steampowered.com/app/600610/The_Hand_of_Merlin/
- OS: Linux SteamOS 3.0 or Ubuntu 18.04 LTS
- OS: Linux SteamOS 3.0 or Ubuntu 18.04 LTS