LF2 - Arcade Empire (beta)

[JCostal]

INTRODUCTION
I met Little Figther II 15 years ago. The classic arcade style with action combat makes me enjoying until today. Last year I restart my programming study and in parallel restart my own LF version.


CONCEPT
1) The most important topic that motivates me to create this version is to make it well accepted and fun by the players in the LFE community. I want to know everyone's opinion.
2) Graphical improvement. Increasing quantity and quality of sprites. Develop beautiful visual effects without excessive visual pollution (gameplay > graphics).
3) Redefine some points in the combat mechanics: clarity and competitiveness.

My Idea:
Mixing LF2 Beat em Up style with strategy elements, without losing the action genre.
Initially i was focused on Battle-Mode, with strategy and gradual complexity (inspired by Fighting Hero) and VS Mode, by extending the duration of each match (more precisely granting reserve x3). I already change a lot, undone and reissued again.
The current status of the project is described below.

DATES: Achieved Goals
LAST UPDATE: 07/17/2020 - AI
Untill this very moment i already made 75% of the total AI.
Once done, it will be implemented for all char (heroes and troops) in the same day.
Also i'm making this code aiming to be easy manipuled for all members of the community.

Spoiler (Click to View)

05/12/2019 - DLL TESTS
Testing lf-empire dll. Frindy-fire and itr / kind 8xx

05/28/2019 - DLL TESTS
Frindy-fire working only with efefct 21/22. Itr/kind 85 working. Created a magic-stick system (named super.dat). Super important date. The concept of the mod becomes possible.

10/08/2019 - BACKGROUNDS
Testing new look for backgrounds.

08/20/2019 - SPRITES
Making combat start animation sprites.

02/05/2020 - BACKGROUNDS
Creating new design for old backgrounds.

02/15/2020 - FIREN/FREEZE
New sprites and skills for Firen and Freeze.

04/11/2020 - SPRITES
MASSIVE new sprites to skills and effects to allmost every char.
Also testing some new hero skills too.

04/15/2020 - LV SYSTEM
Testing beta level system, using total attack as score. Affects total mp and mp regen.

04/16/2020 - GAME MECHANIC
Modified hex code to stick itr/kind 85 with invincible char.

04/19/2020 - LV SYSTEM
Level system tested and working but not fully implemented in all heroes.

04/22/2020 - LV SYSTEM/CONCEPT
Refined level system. Gradual bonus per level. Each character gains 2 attribute bonuses: Attack, Defense/Hp, Magic, Mp regen.

04/24/2020 - GAME MECHANIC
State 20 ceoncede armor lv2 (rigth now only Freeze have).

04/23/2020 - GAME MECHANIC
Implemented hex code for "respond" tag. The char changes the frame hen hitting a successful blow.

04/26/2020 - FALL SYSTEM
Fall system changed: fall less than 20 does not frame-change if opponent is in frame number above 270 (skills).

04/29/2020 - LV SYSTEM
Level system with improved visuals. Using itr/kind 83.

05/02/2020 - GAME MECHANIC
Itr/kind 85 only active and stick on the owner character.

05/05/2020 - LOUIS
Louis sprites and skills remade.

05/10/2020 - GAME MECHANIC
Altered frame_change of type 3 objects: magic projectiles. Object gos to the frame indicated in the "mp" tag (only if it is not 0).

05/11/2020 - CONCEPT
One week focused on reformulating level system. Skills are unlocked by level up until level 4. Each character starts with 2 mechanics that consume mana. Level 5+ concedes double bonuses (so leveling up remains impactful in gameplay).
Also created itr/kind 83 and 84 and refined itr/kind 85.

05/15/21020 - TESTING CONCEPT
Hiatus of 5 days: i had a crisis of ideals. Made only little makeover in Davis. Swapped D^J: Air DualBlast, to D>J: Super-Sonic Speed. Add a passive effect that grows each level: successful hits recover % of maximum mana.

05/18/2020 - BALL MECHANICAL
Altered frame_change of type 3 objects: projectiles. Object go to the frame indicated in the "hit_d" tag when hits enemy attacks or enemy defence (if "hit_d: 0" go to frame 20). A successful hit will change the frame indicated in the "hit_ja" tag (if "hit_ja: 0" go to frame 10).

06/01/2020 - TESTING CONCEPT
One full month seeking to finalize the concept of each character. Bery difficult to adapting them in the new Lv system (increasing skills or mechanics).
In the meantime Dennis gain the same Sonic-Rush as Davis.
Deep is receiving a complete visual remake.

06/06/2020 - ATTRIBUTES
Davis new sprites to: Standing, Walking and Defending.
Defined new formula for combat elements.
Sub-attributes:

• Attack -> amplifies(+%) injury and bdefend of every blows.
  
• Defense -> decreases(-%) injury received and amplifies(+%) defend power.
  
• Magic -> amplifies(+%) injury and bdefend (only to skills).
  
• Focus -> grants(+) mp per hit (maybe will increases fall-resistence).
  
• Lethality -> amplifies(+%) injury in red-hp and fall-resistence (maybe will grants mp-damage).
  

Attributes:

• Strength = Attack + Defense
  
• Will = Magic + Focus
  
• Dexterity = Attack + Lethality
  

To Magic attribute work properly it's necessary to set "mp" tag (in the frame) above 0.

06/11/2020 - ATTRIBUTES
Applied the necessary modifications to the Attribute system work.
Firen now attacks from a distance and his AI has been adjusted (need to improve).

06/16/2020 - TOWER
Tower sprite created (by using the Tower sprite in LF2: Fighting Hero as template).

06/20/2020 - TOWER
Suffering to add the towers right at the beginning of the Battle mode.
Currently, it will require the presence of Jan.
Towers do not grant "total attack" or "kill" to their opponents (and will remain so).

07/01/2020 - FALL SYSTEM
Modified my old hex code: fall system.
Previously: frames above 270 ignore frame_change of attacks with fall 20 or less.
Now: the "mp" tag in the frames is the main reference of how much the character can absorb the damage without going to the injury frames:
___CHAR GET HIT____FRAME RESULT______FALL RESULT______MP RESISTENCE______RESISTENCE RESULT
___FALL >= 100_____FALLING____________FALL = 80_________MP >= 9000_________FALL = 0_________
___FALL >= 80______FALLING____________FALL = 80_________MP >= 400__________FALL -= 15_______
___FALL >= 60______DANCE OF PAIN______FALL = 60_________MP >= 300__________FALL -= 15_______
___FALL >= 40______INJURED2___________FALL = 60_________MP >= 200__________FALL -= 10_______
___FALL >= 20______INJURED1___________FALL = 40_________MP >= 100__________FALL -= 5________
___FALL >= 1_______INJURED1___________FALL += 5_________MP >= 100__________FALL -= 1________

Every char now needs more "fall" value to be in Dance-of-Pain/Falling.
It can also mean that everyone is passive to take more damage if they don't use some skill-movement to change positions.

07/04/2020 - AI
Making and testing new artificial intelligence. Using YinYin's Chrusher v1.0 as a template.
Currently in development for: new skills, recognizing weapons and drinks, recognizing towers range.

07/17/2020 - AI
Untill this very moment i already made 75% of the total AI.
Once done, it will be implemented for all char (heroes and troops) in the same day.
Also i'm making this code aiming to be easy manipuled for all members of the community.

SYSTEM: News
05/09/2020 - 1° Post: Basic info, mod concept and initial goals.
Some information has already been changed in the current version. Read the notes in DATES.

Spoiler (Click to View)

Changes in the Original

Spoiler (Click to View)

MP Regeneration: no longer follows the traditional regeneration. Fixed value por second.
-Why?
It makes the whole strategic concept more present in the game.

Physical vs Magical: magic projectiles (obj t3) cannot be rebounce. Only magic can cancel/override magic.
-Why?
Imagine that: at a critical moment, you decide to spend the rest of your MP by casting a magic ball that ends up being accidentally rebounded by your own ally…!
And even if it was rebounded by an enemy, a simple punch having more priority than an action that consumes MP it’s not right.
This separation between physical and magical also increases the variety between characters.

Fire State: does not damage the allies of the character who inflicted the blow. The victim in this state also have the same properties as the "falling" state.
-Why?
Last caos.

Flip: does not grants immunity and the animation ends quickly (to enable counter-attack).
-Why?
Free immunity by just hitting JUMP its OP.

Lying: reduced waiting time and remain exposed to low strikes or area attacks.
-Why?
Casting MP one of the main the main decision in the game. It's not fun have your attack ignored when you actually hit the enemy in a vulnerable moment.

Rolling: it's not grants full immunity. Low vertical strikes or area attacks can hit you.
-Why?
Maintain consistency in combat physics.

Fall System: changed some values. Dance of Pain varies. Is related to Defense attribute of each character. It Also, it's possible to hit falling enemies with Fall ending with "9". Exp = Fall: 19.
-Why?
More variety of attacks and effects.

Skills and Animations: have been redesigned and slightly modified, focused on competitiveness and clarity. This includes damages and MP costs. Added more frames in sprites. Some characters have gained new skills.
-Why?
Obvious reasons.

Autograb: removed.
-Why?
You could accidentally grab an enemy in the middle of the battlefield. Not good.
Also, veteran players abuse too much of this mechanic.

Grab sistem: the target can no longer be hit by allies.
-Why?
Its actually fun... only when it's not with you.

Added to the System

Spoiler (Click to View)

Level System: characters increase attributes and unlock abilities when advancing from Level. It goes from lv1 to lv7.
Total Attack is used in the calculation to level up (the game uses a formula that accepts overkill, I know how to change it but I haven't adjusted it yet).

Combat Attributes: a need some help formuling ideas. The main concept is to make characters gain more efficiency at leveling up. It is currently divided between Offensive and Utility. Each one is divided into more components:
OFFENSIVE
*Attack = Damage per hit (in all interactions).
*Magic = Percentage damage multiplier, only to projectiles (obj t3).
*Lethality = Increses Bdefend and targets loses more Red-HP.
UTILITY
*Defense = Damage reduction multiplier, additional BDefend and HP regeneration.
*Speed = undefined. In an old version it gave better Rolling, Recovery and Flip. (I accept suggestions).
*Resilience = MP bonus, Item-Drop resistance (in "falling" frames) and tolerance against hit-frame (avoiding Injuri frames and delaying Dance-of-Pain). Not implemented yeat.

Start Animation: cool animations when starting a match.

Itr/Kind 8++: created new objects interactins. Its  can stick on: owner only, enemies only or allies only (based on the community dll framework). Can be free-animated ou frame-by-frame depending on the target.
This enable me to create a new design-style: when a char performs a magical skill, even if frozen by a hit-lag, its possible to see a constant animation (like SNK fighting games).

Action on hit: enables an char to do additional moves/actions only if hits against an enemy.

CHARS: Davis
About:

Spoiler (Click to View)

The most completed character so far.
Attempting to keep as close as possible to the original concept, Davis is focused on versatility and quick responses. His damage comes from combos, but when applied in a short time, the result is weak values. Focused to dominate in a 1x1 combat.

New mechanics:
Combo-punch = input: +A (in a successful punch)
Evade-punch = input: +J (in a successful punch)
Backward Dash-Attack = +A (in a dash backward)

Attributes: Attack and Resilience.
Passive: Successful hits grants Davis MP bonus based on Resilience.
Level 1: Super-Sonic Speed (100 mp) / combo punch
Level 2: Energy Balls (double cast / 50 mp)
Level 3: Strafe (200 mp) / Knock-Down (100 mp)
Level 4: Dragon Punch (200 mp)
Level 5: +Attributes
Level 6: +Attributes
Level 7: +Attributes

Beta Sprite: davis_3.bmp

Spoiler (Click to View)

Spoiler (Click to View)

VIDEOS: beta test
05/09/2020 - 1° Post: 2 Battle-Mode gameplay with Davis. Has Level System and some new effects.
Some things may be different from the current version. Read the notes in DATES.

Spoiler (Click to View)

Spoiler (Click to View)

------------------------------------------------------

I'm open to suggestions.

[STM1993]

I saw this in the morning, but was not able to comment until later.

My impressions thus far:
1. A mod with lots of EXE edits? Nice!
Will there be any plans for AI changes?

2. So you're going for a focus on Army vs Army fights like in Battle mode, with some core mechanic changes.
I personally don't agree with some of the reasons for the change, for example:

• What if I used a physical attack that costs MP(eg: Davis DvA or D^A)? I would argue that its even less fair, because physical attacks require you to get close and commit, whereas projectiles can be used safely from afar.
  
• Flipping is actually not that overpowered. In fact, a bad flip in original LF2 is often far worse than not flipping, since it leads to the enemy being able to perform a 2nd full combo on you.
  
• Being vulnerable during a flip, combined with the focus on big army fights & being vulnerable while lying, means that it is much more likely that the big army can keep hitting a player down indefinitely. You would have to add some kind of way for players to escape from this kind of situaton(perhaps at cost of MP). That being said, the video makes it seem like you can get up instantly so getting hit while lying isn't really a thing?
  
• Rolling being invulnerable is at least an internally consistent mechanic within LF2, even if not consistent with the hitboxes on other parts.
  

That being said, I'm happy to see you take your interpretation further and make it interesting and balanced.

3. The style of moves and art strongly reminds me of what is employed in LF2 neuer Stern.

4. Feedback on what I feel about Davis in the video:

• It looks like pressing A once leads to 2 punches. Not a fan of doing it this way as it makes a small input takes away control from the player for much longer.
  
• That blue shadow movement punch thing seems pretty overpowered; it seems like you're completely invulnerable while doing it and the MP cost is really low(or maybe you're getting too much MP from hitting someone), so you can keep spamming it.
  
• Dash Attack (>>JA)'s itr Dvx/Dvy values don't seem to really match with the sprites. The sprites suggest a much stronger downward force than the data suggests.
  

[JCostal]

I saw this in the morning, but was not able to comment until later.

My impressions thus far:
1. A mod with lots of EXE edits? Nice!
Will there be any plans for AI changes?

2. So you're going for a focus on Army vs Army fights like in Battle mode, with some core mechanic changes.
I personally don't agree with some of the reasons for the change, for example:

• What if I used a physical attack that costs MP(eg: Davis DvA or D^A)? I would argue that its even less fair, because physical attacks require you to get close and commit, whereas projectiles can be used safely from afar.
  
• Flipping is actually not that overpowered. In fact, a bad flip in original LF2 is often far worse than not flipping, since it leads to the enemy being able to perform a 2nd full combo on you.
  
• Being vulnerable during a flip, combined with the focus on big army fights & being vulnerable while lying, means that it is much more likely that the big army can keep hitting a player down indefinitely. You would have to add some kind of way for players to escape from this kind of situaton(perhaps at cost of MP). That being said, the video makes it seem like you can get up instantly so getting hit while lying isn't really a thing?
  
• Rolling being invulnerable is at least an internally consistent mechanic within LF2, even if not consistent with the hitboxes on other parts.
  

That being said, I'm happy to see you take your interpretation further and make it interesting and balanced.

3. The style of moves and art strongly reminds me of what is employed in LF2 neuer Stern.

4. Feedback on what I feel about Davis in the video:

• It looks like pressing A once leads to 2 punches. Not a fan of doing it this way as it makes a small input takes away control from the player for much longer.
  
• That blue shadow movement punch thing seems pretty overpowered; it seems like you're completely invulnerable while doing it and the MP cost is really low(or maybe you're getting too much MP from hitting someone), so you can keep spamming it.
  
• Dash Attack (>>JA)'s itr Dvx/Dvy values don't seem to really match with the sprites. The sprites suggest a much stronger downward force than the data suggests.
  

Greetings!
Thanks A LOT for the feedback. Since the project has many details, I chose to continue posting the news while editing more accurately(I even wrote a doc with each version and some dates with the ideas, reasons and problems. But I think it would be a lot of information at once).

I'm looking for someone who can discuss good decisions for a refined gameplay.


1) Yes. Almost 6 months learning Assembly only to make an original mod to the community.
AI? Yes. I would like and know how to program, but i have a list of steps and right now I'm dying trying to finish the mechanics concepts...

2) In the past I didn't like Battle Mode. But after playing a lot of DOTA, now is my favorite game mode. I also enjoy story mode in Hong-Ba and FOF(stage 1).

2.1) Good observation. In my concept Davis D^A and DvA is actually a mix of physical and magical attack, like Woody and Deep D> J, for exemple. The damage application/modifier is physical but the character is under the "magic-cloak" and can destroy projectiles.
As example: Rudolf fits perfectly as an assassin without magic techniques, using only illusions and weapons. Waiting for a window of opportunity to quickly execute the opponent.
But I'm not sure yet. A second idea would be to create priority levels for each attack (whether for magic, weapons or physical strikes). So who can destroy/excel in a clash would be the char with highest priority.
Sound fairer?

2.2) That's true. Fliping needed to be used wisely in the original LF2.
But I would like to create/test a new rule: if a character is launched in the air, he is in danger.
Objective: the player should be concerned with positioning and decision making.
Some characters might have escape skills, others may not...

2.3) Very well observed.
Theoretically there would be towers in this tactical scenario (which unfortunately I haven't even started to program yet), that would dramatically change the battle scenario.
Even without the towers, it is not so lethal be caughtby by a troop of enemies. All characters have their damage reduced and the MP cost/regen adjusted as well (low skill spam). And Monk is the only one of the "minions" who can hit a lying opponent.
Also, in the current version only heroes have "wait: 1" in the "lying" frames (not definitive).
Objective: to encourage caster-type chars to try finish enemies when an opportunity-windows apperars.

2.4) I agree.

3) Some Davis sprites is from LF2 neuer Stern. Correct. I need to ask for permission and I haven't edited the special thanks part yet.

4.1) Davis base attack is a single punch. if you input +A (in a successful hit) leads a secound fast punch.

4.2) Yeah... it's really overpowered. The video runs a old version. After hitting an enemy its restart the hole skill again from free cost.
It's a "rolling" Rudolf-like. Doesn't it look like it?
Current version:
SUPER-SONIC SPEED: D>J, 100MP cost.
Hight speed with DVZ. At the end of the skill, Davis will be in the running frames.
SONIC-PUNCH: +A(in SUPER-SONIC SPEED), 50MP cost.
Arest, 40 damage, fall: 45. Restart SUPER-SONIC SPEED in any direction.

4.3) Thanks for the idea. It will be implemented.

[JCostal]

Update.
Add DATES, whit 28 itens inside.

I will upload some gameplay pictures very near in future.

[FerZ]

Congratulations, great job, I am happy with this great project hahaha, I have not created mods for a long time but your work made me want to return to create my mods hahaha. I am surprised, my congratulations

[JCostal]

Congratulations, great job, I am happy with this great project hahaha, I have not created mods for a long time but your work made me want to return to create my mods hahaha. I am surprised, my congratulations

Thx man. Comments like yours help me stay motivated.
A very precious fuel.

---

New video. But not so much changes so far.

Fall System remade.
Attributes remade.
New Sprites and Skills.
New Defence mechanic.

This topic https://lf-empire.de/forum/showthread.php?tid=11088 made me want play a little with Woody.
I actully dosen't have too much time to play, since now my project has a lot of things unfinished... also, all we have a life.

I think it will take longer than I imagined to publish the project.

Enjoy the gameplay.

---

New stuff: visual content.
Could someone do me a favor? I'm trying to create the final version for the Towers.
The original is too tall and covers those chars who are in the background:



I'm trying a concept where there is more empty vertical space.
Any tips?

[JCostal]

New Stuffs:

In fact I'm formulating again some ideas related to the number of skills per level each character will have. Because I fear that Lv1 was too boring.
But, to be quite honest, I'm tired of trying to create all concepts myself. I need help in this part. Opinions and suggestions.

Previously:
Lv 1: 1 skill
Lv 2: 2 skills
Lv 3: 3 skills
Lv 4: 4 skills
Lv 5: All-In (DJA, 500 mp, self-buff that grants +25% on the main attribute for 20s)
Lv 6: New passive
Lv EX: URF-mode

What I want now:
Lv 1: Main skill-set
Lv 2: 1 Super-skills
Lv 3: 2 Super-skills
Lv 4: 3 Super-skills
Lv 5: New passive
Lv 6: The next Super-skill will be permanently upgraded (only 1 out of 3)
Lv EX: URF-mode


URF mode: grants double HP and MP regeneration. For fun purposes and to end the game.

Main skill-set: is a set of inputs (Attack or Jump) where the character performs the same skill in a slightly different way.
For example:
Firen launches from 1 to 2 fireballs.
D ^ A: shoot upwards
D > A: shoot forward
D v A: diagonal downwards (jumping backwards)


Let's go to the part that matters:
Here are some new animations. Enjoy.

Davis: Standing


Davis: Main Skill-Set (D > J)


Davis: Main Skill-Set (D ^ J / D v J)


Davis: Main Skill-Set (D > J + A)


Davis: Main Skill-Set (D > J + A)


Davis Super-Skill: Enegy Strafe


Davis Super-Skill: Enegy Strafe+ (upgraded)


Davis Super-Skill: Shoting Balls+ (upgraded)

[FerZ]

New Stuffs:

In fact I'm formulating again some ideas related to the number of skills per level each character will have. Because I fear that Lv1 was too boring.
But, to be quite honest, I'm tired of trying to create all concepts myself. I need help in this part. Opinions and suggestions.

Previously:
Lv 1: 1 skill
Lv 2: 2 skills
Lv 3: 3 skills
Lv 4: 4 skills
Lv 5: All-In (DJA, 500 mp, self-buff that grants +25% on the main attribute for 20s)
Lv 6: New passive
Lv EX: URF-mode

What I want now:
Lv 1: Main skill-set
Lv 2: 1 Super-skills
Lv 3: 2 Super-skills
Lv 4: 3 Super-skills
Lv 5: New passive
Lv 6: The next Super-skill will be permanently upgraded (only 1 out of 3)
Lv EX: URF-mode


URF mode: grants double HP and MP regeneration. For fun purposes and to end the game.

Main skill-set: is a set of inputs (Attack or Jump) where the character performs the same skill in a slightly different way.
For example:
Firen launches from 1 to 2 fireballs.
D ^ A: shoot upwards
D > A: shoot forward
D v A: diagonal downwards (jumping backwards)


Let's go to the part that matters:
Here are some new animations. Enjoy.

Davis: Standing


Davis: Main Skill-Set (D > J)


Davis: Main Skill-Set (D ^ J / D v J)


Davis: Main Skill-Set (D > J + A)


Davis: Main Skill-Set (D > J + A)


Davis Super-Skill: Enegy Strafe


Davis Super-Skill: Enegy Strafe+ (upgraded)


Davis Super-Skill: Shoting Balls+ (upgraded)

Hey I have an idea for your mod ... I think if you know the NS Bourn mod, if you know it you know that when a character falls to the ground in a few seconds he is still vulnerable to blows .. I know that is not the type of ideas What are you looking for but it could be a good way to create more combos.

[luminance]

This is amazing, and I really like the light effect and particles.
Feel free to use the sprite from neuer Stern
Also, I could provide sprite of other characters though.

[JCostal]

Hey I have an idea for your mod ... I think if you know the NS Bourn mod, if you know it you know that when a character falls to the ground in a few seconds he is still vulnerable to blows .. I know that is not the type of ideas What are you looking for but it could be a good way to create more combos.

Hey man.
If NS Bourn is a reference to neuer Stern, so Yes, I already played and enjoyed a lot.
This is a good idea, for sure. This change has been active since February. 
I think it gives more potential for solo combos and team combos as well. And I also feel that it makes more sense to keep the characters hittable when on the ground.

The question is: since the recover/roll needs some kind of immunity, what visual indicator we could use to make it clear to players that the character is invulnerable (I prefer not use the blinking effect).

This is amazing, and I really like the light effect and particles.
Feel free to use the sprite from neuer Stern
Also, I could provide sprite of other characters though.

Wow ... Wow man!
I played your old version of the Neuer Stern. Good game! Enjoy it for a long time.
I once saw your topic here in the community about a new version... and I'm still waiting to see it published man. Your work is AMAZING.

Look this Davis sprites. HOLLY MOLLY!!! Sooo good... Can i REALLY use it? @_@
Lets made a trade! Sprites of chars, effects, backgrounds and exes edition. Maybe i could help you with my stuffs.
You request, i help.

(by the way EVERRY SINGLE ONE who help or contribute with the project, regardless of the quantity, will have their name published with the mod)