From a Transformers game preview by Jason Cipriano article over at MTVs multiplayer blog:
Much like “Advance Wars” the combat is turn-based, but there is a slight twist. At the end of each turn the player has the option to transform. This adds another level of defensive strategy to the game; encouraging the player to take into consideration whether they are likely to be attacked or not. I was told the designers did this to really encourage as much transforming as possible.
I just thought this was noteworthy because often designers don’t seem to get this. If using an ability either takes an entire turn, requires in depth menu access, or has a time penalty in a real time game, players are going to be less likely to use it.
I’ve been thinking about this since Rondo of Swords makes this mistake with its skill system. If for some reason, your character is stuck in place for a turn it can be useful, but otherwise it really seems like a distraction. This isn’t crippling for the game by any means, it’s just a waste of designer effort.
Anyways, it’s a cell phone game for Nokia, so I almost certainly won’t be getting it, but I always like to see good design decisions.
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