ArenaNet:Guild Wars 2 suggestions/Method of Implementing Hovering/Flying

Idea (Discussion)

Flying as an Effect called "Hover"

Consider using a theoretical skill. "While you maintain this Effect, target other ally Hovers. While hovering, target ally has 50% chance to dodge, +10% chance to critical attack, and +25% movement speed."

"For x seconds, all allies within earshot Hover. Caster is not affected."

Then the hover effect essentially has the player float off the ground, using an animation like a mursaat or any other hovering classes. The affected target would still be constrained by the boundaries of the ground (thus maintaining planar gameplay), but would trigger a series of predetermined buffs/debuffs.

Hover would influence the metagame:

Pets/summons. Terrestrial Pets/Summons e.g. wolf (or moa) could not attack Hovering foes (without skills like "Pounce"), but Phoenix's, Eagles, and Ravens can.

Hovering units vs. other Hovering units would negate bonuses or even trigger/disable other skills.

AI Bots can also be made to selectively choose to attack or ignore certain hovering targets, etc.

Theoretical counters: ranged skill: "Shoot arrow that deals x damage to target foe. If foe is Hovering, target foe is knocked down for x seconds"

"Strike target foe for x lightning damage. If foe is Hovering, target foe is knocked down, and all skills are disabled for x seconds"

P3hndrx 05:00, 16 June 2008 (UTC)


 * Why this is a good idea
 * It would be very neat to have parties with a mixture of ground and air units with dynamic properties.
 * Adds to the original game mechanics that already work extremely well, and can be modified to maintain balance.
 * Utilizes the additional movement axis without compromising edge boundaries.


 * Why it may not work out
 * Additional character animations are required.
 * Meticulous considerations for strategy.
 * Some people want full control of their vertical movement.
 * Players or the server could be overloaded due to amount of calculations needed.
 * Would add a new mechanic that would make balance harder to achieve.

Alternative
Allow spellcasters to hover, and have it be a purely aesthetic effect having no relation to gameplay whatsoever. Similar to how the Mursaat move.


 * Why this is a good idea
 * It... looks cool?


 * Why this is a bad idea
 * More developer work.