Formation and Element Cycles

Hey, why dont we take a break from introducing new characters and take a look at something else for a second? I want to show you guys a mock screenshot of what the battle sequences may look like. Now, please understand, this IS NOT a final screenshot of anything in the game, this is simply how I kind of want the battle screen to sort of look like. Also, everything in the status window is just for show, the end result will look nothing like that (but that's for another day, I think). So, here goes!

Well, here we are! Basically, I want the game to be nice to look at with plenty of color. I'm sick of most games nowadays sticking with various shades of brown and I want to avoid that at all costs! I also want the battles to move at a nice, brisk pace. There will also be voice acting present within battles! While there are plenty of things to talk about regarding how battles will work, there are two things in particular I'd like to discuss today.

First up; Party Formation!

At most, the party can consist of 4 active members. The first two members of the party are delegated to the front row; they can attack physically at full power but are also unprotected by enemy physical attacks. The third and fourth members, however, are forced to engage in battle from the back row; where they take less damage from physical attacks, but also deal less damage physically themselves. This can be circumvented by some characters, however. Kial, Rayne and Serene utilize long-range weapons, so they can dole out their physical attacks with full force no matter where they stand in the party. Stronger characters like Derby and Pierce will want to stick to the front row, dealing out powerful attacks while protecting the back row from heavy damage. Please note, however, that Elementally driven attacks are not affected by rows.


Secondly, take a look at the top right corner of the battle screen and you'll notice two colored orbs!

This is the always present 'Elemental Cycle'. At all times during battle, the Elemental Forces governing the world are churning, ever changing. The colors dictate which Element is currently stronger and weaker at any given time. For example, in the picture above, the red orb signifies that the Fire Element is strong right now. That means Derby, who is the only party member who uses Fire, will find that his Elemental strength is now doubled, so he should take advantage of the situation. The lower orb is blue, signifying Water (Fire's Elemental opposite) is weaker, so any party member who use Water will find their Elemental strength cut in half. This also applies to all enemies as well, so be careful not to be caught unaware!

Because the Elemental Forces are always moving, the Cycle may change after enough time has passed, the only constant being that when one Element is empowered, its opposite is weakened. Lucky for you, the characters of Elementality may be able to learn skills that allow them to change the Elemental Cycle for their own gain, but be careful! You wouldn't want to accidently weaken one of your own characters just to make one more powerful, would you?