AN IDEA - CAMPAIGN BATTLE

Campaign Battle

Note: Screenshots are from Final Fantasy 11 online, they were used to give a clear image of what I'm trying to explain.

This is a rather interesting, and large topic / idea. So my plan is to turn it into a miniature version for an RPG Maker game.

So I was playing Final Fantasy 11 yesterday, after having a break from it a few months, and I went into one of the expansion areas in which you go to the past, 20 years ago where there was a "crystal war".

Basically, it was a 3 set of beast-men allied campaign versus three allied nations in an attempt to try and "defend" their territory of the game's areas. Basically, battles called "Campaign" battles were held at various areas, and as a player, you can go and help the allied nations by taking part in them.

The basics of Campaign battle was based around a "fort" or "outpost", which was kind of like the core of the area, who ever had it under their flag had the area under their control, making it easier to get supplies and support the allied nations against the war of the beastmen. Now the player had to attend these battles, showing to either defend an outpost, or try and siege one from the beastmen.

Through the course of battle, there was an army of around 15-30 NPC's, depending on how the nation is doing defending their country, and of course, player characters.

Now the thing I liked was that you could target any monster, and the NPCs would also behave in this way. Once the enemies ran to the outpost of the area you're trying to defend. All the NPCs would take out their weapons. Mages would cast buffs before the enemies got there, and knights would position themselves up front, to guard the outpost.

• The monsters were tough, so it took a good number companions--and damage--to kill them, you couldn't try and be a omnigod badass and try and solo tank them all on your paladin

• The battles lasted a good 15-20 minutes, so it wasn't like you could just overpower the enemies and win the battle within seconds, which added a more realistic feel to the game. "Oh, I'm actually fighting in a final fantasy-styled war here!

• You could also choose which allied nation to go with out of the three, so you would be with that nation. While you were in said nation's capital city, you'd get "notices" as to what the campaign state battles are, where enemies were "suspected" to be headed, and which enemy leader was gravely wounded in battle

• Battles wouldn't be spammed every 5 seconds, the enemies would plan which area to attack based on their current position, their leader's condition, and the area with the least protection, but sometimes they do gamble once enemy leaders had recovered for battle.

So it was like a massive war field battle. I also liked how NPC and PC mages would heal you if you suffered damage, and even the paladins would try and "provoke" enemies off the mages. I loved the mechanic of the whole battle system. It's very rare you see constant battles like this in MMOrpgs.



But enough banter about my unquestionable love for FFXI.


While doing one of these said battles yesterday, a thought of an idea struck me instantaneously. I thought "why not add this kind of idea in an RPG?"

YES I KNOW. "That's an insane number of npcs, it won't be compatible with a normal rpg" "Howz battling gonna work?" "Yu no make tactical?" "Lagggggg" "Meh, too long". "Don't, just, don't".

I know, things are going to have to be toned down in masses. Of course for an indie game format. The amount of NPCs in the midst of battle and other aspects, of course, but I'm considering turning this Campaign Battle idea to RPG Maker format. It won't be a copy of the entire concept but it would have the same elements. At least a minimized version.

I already know this is a kind of thing that people wouldn't consider by a long shot.

If I do try to make this kind of aspect, I would make this a kind of "side expansion" once you are given access to it. So it is not directly related to the main story, but rather as an optional battle system / expansion download or something. So if you want a break, or knowing me being a total pain in the ass developer, make classes and special equipment only unlock-able there, you can do this type of battle system in a side expansion among other aspects (areas, side quests, optional storyline(?)) for special items and exp, instead of the traditional way of grinding and storytelling.

Now I know I'm probably going to get more questionable thoughts than agreeable ones. Again, this is just an idea I had, so feel free to discuss it. I may, or may not do this idea. It really depends on the compatibility and views on how people would use it, or even use this aspect.

Oh my god, yes. GW2<3 Its maaaaasssssiiiiivvvvveeeee, but it's more PvP orientated than automatic NPC enemies with AI. A style I'd rather go for in terms of an RPG Maker game.

I mean you can still take ideas and aspects out of it, as I think you could combine both concepts and weave something new. Like combining battling and ramming down a door before reaching the main outpost depending on supplies and availability.

Guild Wars 2 works like a massive field of players and a dabble of enemies. The goal in campaign battle is to team up with any Player character against an NPC army of AI enemies.