U-Gun
Design document for NRR U-Gun Enemy
Info
General
The U-Gun is a new enemy designed for Level Two. This enemy is slow but can fire rapidly, providing a unique challenge for players. Its design is inspired by Level 2's environment, incorporating the map's circular and spherical elements. This makes it seem as though the U-Gun is a part of the walls, blending with the environment.
The U-Gun's projectiles are similar to the Swarm's: they're small but highly damaging. Players will need to strategically weave through the incoming barrage to survive.
Character Aspects
The U-Gun constantly hovers, a visual effect shown by a particle effect running underneath it, indicating it's floating above the ground. This visual is paired with a movement sound that resembles a heavy generator. This sound dynamically updates with the U-Gun's movement speed, giving the impression that internal motors are actively working to keep this possessed robot airborne.
Attacks
Charging
To alert players of an impending attack, the U-Gun employs a charge behaviour right before it fires. This gives players crucial time to dodge or prepare for the incoming projectiles. During this charge, the U-Gun's circular barrels emit a glowing effect that intensifies over a second or two. This visual cue is accompanied by a sound effect that increases in pitch as the charge builds.
Once fully charged, the U-Gun enters a finished charge stage. At this point, a particle appears, making it look as though the enemy is drawing in energy for its attack. This is also paired with a sound effect during this half-second stage. After this brief period, the U-Gun unleashes a barrage of projectiles at the player.
Shooting
The U-Gun features a single, distinct attack: it fires small projectiles from both of its barrels simultaneously, aiming directly at the player. This presents a new challenge, as players must navigate around two incoming projectiles at once. The projectiles are spaced too closely to allow players to safely stand between them, forcing them to find other ways to avoid the attack.
When the U-Gun fires, a muzzle effect and a randomised pitch sound effect are spawned from each barrel at the projectiles' exit, visually and audibly signalling the enemy's attack.
The U-Gun currently has two primary attack behaviours. The first involves launching five to six projectiles at the player with consistent timing between shots. This gives the player opportunities to weave through the incoming fire or prepare to deflect projectiles back at the enemy.
The second attack pattern is more complex. The U-Gun fires two to three shots with a short delay between them. It then relocates to a different spot before unleashing an extremely rapid barrage of projectiles. The intention behind this attack is for players to learn that this specific movement between shots signifies an upcoming barrage that will be too much to dodge.
Enemy Type
The U-Gun operates solely as a ranged attacker, possessing no melee capabilities and a slow turning speed. This leaves it vulnerable to close-range attacks from the player. While other Level two enemies might aggressively pursue the player, the U-Gun is designed to remain at the back of enemy waves, acting as heavy artillery by providing a continuous barrage of projectiles.
It's also an excellent match-up against the sword. The U-Gun's weaknesses can be exploited by sword-wielding players, while its numerous projectiles offer great opportunities for deflection, allowing players to send damage back towards the helpless U-Gun.
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