"Point&Click+" vs "WASD&Tab"

News & General Discussion
1

I’ve been working on my networking for a very long time, and after extensive testing and numerous “dummy projects” I’m under the impression that I have the knowledge to create my first online game. I’ll probably make a few mistakes a-long the way, but that’s okay.

So, let me start off by breaking these two categories down into basic mechanics:

Point&Click+

  • Click to walk
  • Click to attack (There would be no auto-attacking, spam clicking would be the option)
  • Skill-shots (Requires you to aim your abilities, opposed to a lock-on system)
  • Skill(Reaction&Prediction) based dodging.

The Pros i can think of:

  • Keeps the player engaged.
  • Much more difficult to macro.
  • More efficient network synchronization for movement and animation states.

The cons I can think of:

  • Clicking will get redundant.

WASD&Tab

  • Use WASD for movement
  • Standard cookie-cutter tab-based combat. (Think WoW, Aion, or any other cookie-cutter mmo you’ve played)
  • Flat rate dodge / parry based systems, opposed to skill-based.

The Pros I can think of:

  • It’s the standard, everyone understands it.
  • Makes the combat-system much easier to work with.

The Cons I can think of:

  • Less efficient network synchronization.
  • Lack of uniqueness.
  • Would dull down the combat system.
  • Very easy to macro.

There’s probably heaps more I left out/forgot about, I’ve worked on a prototype for both systems so I know how they work and I know I have the ability to do them over the network, but I’m looking for opinions on the type of gameplay people are interested in.

I derive my Point&Click+ idea from games like wild-tangents “Fate” and most of the DoTA themed MoBA games (LoL, DoTA, HoN) for the skillshots.

The game will take place in an open world, and PvP will be a focus. (There’s a large lack of games catering to the PvP croud, and as a hardcore PvP player on a lot of games, and a ex-hardcore PvE player, I feel like I can find ways to make everyone happy.)

2

Coming from mostly PvE, I personally think WoW has taken that formula as far as it will go and there needs to be a change up in a significant way to make any sparks.

3

I think it depends on perspective.
If it’s an over the shoulder camera, then as a player I’d be put off by being unable to move with WASD.

4

Why not a combination?
And wouldn’t the skill-shots and reaction based dodging in the “Point&Click+” incur higher network usage than the ‘dull’ combat system of the “WASD+Tab”?

5

In my view you probably want a combination, so the player can choose. Give them the option of either method, as some players like one style and some like the other style.

I don’t know that you really want to innovate much, as players often expect things to work a certain way.

2 Likes
6

D3 has an excellent control system. Mouse to turn and move. Click on ground to go to a spot. Just hold to keep moving. Left and right mouse buttons perform your primary and secondary action (generally attacks but you can wire up whatever). Keys 1 through 4 activate whatever skill you have mapped. It all just works and the interface has never got in the way.

Personally I hate WASD and if a game only supports that I am done.

7

Not sure this should be a con. Some people love mods and macros. Embrace it, and make macros part of your gameplay.

8

By “Macro” I was thinking about macro-killing / botting.

9

I was thinking about auto chaining your move together. Basically having a computer programme that will run through your typical combo sequence for you. Letting you focus on other things.

Bots are annoying, but they are a fact of life for any decent MMO. You know your getting somewhere when people take the time to build bits for your game.