Concerning a CBS based in the world

[vadersapprentice]

Hey everyone,

I've owned the RPGM 2 for years, and I am well aquainted with running scripts/events, enviroment layout, and VFX. I feel like asthetically I'm ready to make a game. However, I pretty much do not understand how the battle system works, except that I HATE the default battle system.

I'm looking to do a turn-based battle system, all taking place in the world/dungeon maps. I've read many reference this setup before and how it 'wouldn't be that hard' (compared to an ACBS or Customized DBS).

I guess I just do not know where to start, can anyone give me an example of how to attach enemy attributes to an event, or perhaps a basic outline of how this would flow in the world screen? Also if anyone has a link to a guide/outline on how to do a custom menu system, that would be awesome. I understand the basic concepts with the 'user choice' script commands mixed with custom vfx and 'button press wait' etc, i wouldn't mind looking a completed version of someone elses, instead of diving into the dark. If not, its cool-- i'll figure it out. Thanks!

[Dungeon Warden]

Re: Concerning a CBS based in the world

The DBS is already turn based and all the menus are set up for you, so I don't understand why you don't like it. It's also the only place you can use the 3d models. You can change the battle system in a lot of ways, though it is complex.

I don't know what you want in a battle system. It makes me wonder if you know, considering your lack of knowing how to begin.

Maybe start with simple attacks. Player attacks, enemy attacks, player attacks, enemy attacks, etc. It's your system, so you can do this anyway you want. You'll have to create enemies from scratch since the default enemies only work in the battle system. The easiest thing is to use the character database to make enemies. You can load the character info at the beginning of each battle and save HP in a temp variable. You can have the enemies "go up levels" as the game progresses as well. You can also change the character models so that different enemies can use the same stats. Optionally, you can change the color and make different versions of the same enemy.

[vadersapprentice]

Re: Concerning a CBS based in the world

I'm sorry for being vague, let me specify.

I don't like the default system because for one, its too 'wordy' (ex- virk attacks now! Virk gets hit 34! Vampire bat is dead!.....these message pop ups are really annoying and unessessary). Also I want all my enemies to be human, there are only 2 human enemy models, neither of which are dressed as I want them to be-- so it pretty much rules out the DBS.

I like the idea of keeping it simple, my plan is to make all the enemies (with a few expections) human that cast magic spells, all within a turn based enviroment. I want these battles to be able to occur pretty much within my world without any sort of transition, that is why i prefer to use an alternate system.

So let me clarify, I make the PC hp a temp variable that changes based on enemy attk damage, but how do i assign HP to an enemy event? What scripts do i use to set up a basic battle system? this is probably too broad of a question-- one i'll try to figure out myself....but any advice or help would be great! thanks!

[Nje789]

Re: Concerning a CBS based in the world

For enemy stats, just assign the stats to variables in enter map scripts by calling scripts you make for each enemy to make it's stat variables the proper amount when you enter an area.
Put the stat amounts in variables that are used in a variable placement call script that puts them in the right set of enemy stat variables.
Use the same enemy variables for every area; they're the stats for enemy A, then B, then C, ect, to organize which enemy HP stat is lowered when damaged(current HP, not HP max).

[vadersapprentice]

Re: Concerning a CBS based in the world

Okay I think I understand,

So I need to create a script for each enemy with all of its stat variables. when you say 'call these scripts', am i using a 'load' function, or am i literally switching to these scripts?

I assume I also place their AI in the same scripts along with their attacks, etc...

[Nje789]

Re: Concerning a CBS based in the world

You call another script you create for each enemy. These call scripts change the exact same set of variables into whatever the enemy's stats are. You also use another call script for assigning these variables to the right set of variables that apply to enemy A, B, C, ect. Just keep calling this script until every enemy has it's stat variables set.
The call script should sort out which enemy variables to put the stat values into.

Call scripts are functions that let you save memory, and also use the same script commands in scripts that could otherwise be difficult to set up right without the convienence of calling a function script to apply it's function wherever needed.

[Dungeon Warden]

Re: Concerning a CBS based in the world

I wouldn't worry about AI until you get a basic attack and damage worked out.

There are two different ways you can do combat. 1. Attack an enemy that's wandering around the field or 2. load a battle area where the party can fight a group of monsters. The first method is better for one on one battles while the second is better for group battles. If you're doing one on one it might be better to do an action game rather then a turn based one.

There are many ways to do this, so until you narrow down what you want to do it's hard to make suggestions.

As far as the DBS is concerned, all those messages are easily removed (I know several people have removed them from their games). There are a lot more then two humans, although I admit some of them (like the witch and dwarf) are borderline.