RE: Vector programming

> 1) Make high-score ranking based on somthing other than score, like number
> of enemies destroyed, instead. Or, at least have two separate high-score
> tables, one based on score and the other based on numbers of enemies
> killed.
>
Ah, that's a kinda cool idea. I always like the "accuracy" bit too like
Galaga does in the challenge stages. (Actually, the PSX game Einhander is
pretty neat-- it draws kind-of a polar coordinate graph showing accuracy,
score, and something else. Kinda unique.)

> 2) Make it valuable to stay alive. Time detracts from your points but
> killing enemies increases your points. This way, played poorly but
> completed
> a player can still gain points, or at least break even. But if an expert
> player clears all emenies very quickly he will get a maximum score much
> higher that that of the level-starting bonus.
>
This was actually part of the original intent.

> The difference is that instead of having a separate bonus counter
> on-screen,
> the "bonus" is applied immediately to the score and your concept of
> detracting from score earned on previous levels would still apply.
>
Right, the twist is that the big bonus you got three rounds ago is still in
jeopardy if you do poorly later in the game! :-)

> You would have to present all enemies immediately thereby giving the
> experienced player the opportunity to clear them all quickly. They could
> appear in a dormant state and awaken over time. Or perhaps they are off in
> the distance and much harder to hit. With accurate aim, as developed by an
> experienced player, it would be possible to shoot them early while they
> are
> still not a threat. As they came closer they would be easier to hit but
> pose
> a greater threat (and be worth fewer points?).
>
Those are cool ideas. I was thinking a good approach is something like a
definate goal on each level (escape the maze, blow up all the Glarptrons,
whatever) but to allow for distractions and/or different point
opportunities. ("Should I leave now and keep the point I have, or risk
blowing that jump to the right in order to kill that Fooznik for 500
points")

> Perhaps the threat is that their wepons have limited range. When in range
> it
> would still be possible to avoid their attack by maneuvering quickly
> (perhaps their attacks are directional). As the skill level increases the
> attacks could come from a greater distance and/or with more advanced
> wepons.
>
Hey, that's an interesting idea too...

-Clay
Received on Fri Oct 15 13:26:45 1999