Input scheme for throwing items in top down 2D game

[Spartiate0033]

Title says it all folks. Working on a top down 2D game and i have an item (limburger cheeae bomb) that i want the player to be able to aim and throw at different locations. My problem is designing a sane control scheme for this. Here are some notes:

• I am considering an aiming mode where simulation time will slow x% giving the player better aim in sticky situations.
• There is no “charge” meter. You simply throw the item.
• A targeting redicule will show exactly where it lands.
• The player has 4 different itema to choose from
• I am also planning on xbox controller input

So here is my current control scheme idea:

1, 2, 3, 4 for item selection. Dpad for console controller

Hold right click for aiming mode. Not sure on console controller

Move mouse to aim cheese (redicule on screen shows exact landing position). Right thumb stick on console controller

Left click while holding right click throws the cheese. Not sure on console controller

I would appreciate any feedback, thank you!

[Hyblademin]

Sounds ok to me. Just in case you’re considering it: If the player will be throwing cheese bombs or other things often, don’t add a movement speed penalty while in throwing mode, unless you decide it’s needed for balancing after some testing.

As for bullet time (cheese time?) in throw mode, I’m in favor of this if thrown items are only an occasional thing, or maybe only for a specific type of item. I’m not sure if there is any character building, but maybe slo-mo in throw mode could be a perk/skill?

Also I’d probably go for left trigger or right bumper for gamepad controls. This will probably feel most natural while simultaneously performing two-stick maneuvers-- face buttons are no good for this, and I bet right trigger will be used for something else (if not, maybe make RT the throw button).

[Spartiate0033]

Hey thanks for the input, have some responses in bold!

@Hyblademin

Sounds ok to me. Just in case you’re considering it: If the player will be throwing cheese bombs or other things often, don’t add a movement speed penalty while in throwing mode, unless you decide it’s needed for balancing after some testing.

I was not going to add a movement penalty, but out of curiosity, why not add a movement speed penalty in throw mode?

As for bullet time (cheese time?) in throw mode, I’m in favor of this if thrown items are only an occasional thing, or maybe only for a specific type of item. I’m not sure if there is any character building, but maybe slo-mo in throw mode could be a perk/skill?

You only get max 3 cheese throwing items. And we’re still in the design phase considering perk trees and what not, so we’ll log that as an idea for now. It’s only 2 lines of code to put in slow-mo so it’s no big deal development wise.

Also I’d probably go for left trigger or right bumper for gamepad controls. This will probably feel most natural while simultaneously performing two-stick maneuvers-- face buttons are no good for this, and I bet right trigger will be used for something else (if not, maybe make RT the throw button).

Sounds good! I agree on the triggers while moving and aiming items.

Thanks for the input!

[Kiwasi]

The standard top down approach is called a ‘twin stick shooter’. One stick is used to move the character, and the other to aim.

Any reason why you don’t go with this approach? It’s always with considering standard approaches before innovation.

[Hyblademin]

@Spartiate0033

I think it’s a fair bet that a speed penalty will just be frustrating if it’s a commonly used mechanic. Besides that, I think it’s better to give less handicaps and more challenge (more enemies, maybe) when balancing to keep it fun. Get feedback!

I’m assuming you aren’t considering dual-stick control because the cheese throw is a special weapon of some kind rather than a main gun, or whatever. Do consider it, though.