Crystal: The Price

A friend of mine recently made a comment during his play through of the demo; he suggested that I provide each of the possible characters multiple classes to select from, as opposed to the permanent one they are outfitted with now. His argument was that certain personas turned him off from characters that he liked to have combat wise, and that he would like for the companions whose personality he did like to fill that spot in the party. I have pondered it for a bit now, and have come to the conclusion that I really have no opinion upon the matter.

The game is not so far along that something like this couldn't be changed relatively easily. No primary balance work has been done, and what plot reworking this would require is a drop in the bucket against what remains unfinished anyway.

So, I have come to ask you fine chaps what you would prefer before I post all of the characters to The Characters page.

One on hand, we have the method that I have been using to date. Each character that you will encounter has a predetermined role in battle. If you do not like a companion for his persona/attitude/class/looks/whatever, there a numerous more to choose from. The upside to this path is that each of the characters classes are very much a part of who they are in regards to the plot and their interactions with others in the party.

The compromise that I have decided upon would be that each character comes with a small selections of different 'flavors' to choose from. This would mean that one of the distinguishing features of that individual in regards to the plot would be diminished somewhat.



Geoffrey the Wizard School Dropout-
Note: Geoffrey is not necessarily representative of any character in Crystal, serving primarily as an example for this discussion.

If I did not change the way class worked, Geoffrey would probably be called something like 'Bumbling Amateur Mage' or whatnot. He would posses a mostly predetermined skill selection, slightly modifiable through the equipping of different crystals. He could roast his enemies with a shoddy version of Flame, reveal his true lack of skill with a barely successful Needles of Ice, and completely miss that enraged Bearzombiecatduck charging the party.

If I did change things, Geoffrey could choose between classes such as: Bumbling Amateur Mage, Questionable Frost Wizard, Awkward Tome Chanter, and Clumsy Mage Knight. Each of the possible classes would contain both base spells that carry over all choices, and a selection of spells and abilities specific to that path. A character would still primarily fill the same role within the group, but could round out the party if it was lacking in certain areas. This would mean that the overall picture of who that person is would be a bit muddied.

Bumbling Amateur Mage:


Questionable Frost Wizard:


Awkward Tome Chanter:


Clumsy Mage Knight:


Assuming that either option would be equally well done; what would you prefer?
I would appreciate any feedback/general dismay at Graay or other ideas that you would put foreward.

As always, thank you for your comments and criticisms.