Shared Systems

System Overview

With all game modes defined, the next step is identifying essential systems that will be reused across multiple game modes. This follows the core principle of code reusability established in the development framework.

Combat Design Systems

Stealth Attack Mechanics

Essential for stealth survival gameplay:

Backstab Attacks: Bonus damage when attacking from behind while undetected
Damage Multipliers: Increased effectiveness when attacking unaware enemies
Status Effects: Stun or disable effects from successful stealth attacks

Weapon System Framework

Define core weapon types with manageable attack limitations:

Weapon Categories

Sword and Shield: Balanced offense and defense option
Two-Handed Weapon: High damage, slower attacks
Dagger: Fast, lower damage, stealth-focused
Bow: Ranged precision weapon
Gun: Ranged high-damage weapon

Attack System Limitations

Two to Three Attacks per Weapon: Keeps complexity manageable for MVP development
Single Weapon Restriction: Player can only hold one weapon at a time
Future Feature Consideration: Multiple weapon carrying adds complexity that should be avoided in initial implementation

Platformer-Specific Combat

Jump Attack Mechanic: Deal damage by landing on top of enemies
Environmental Interaction: Enemies take damage from above-based attacks
Collision Detection: System to detect when player lands on enemy hitboxes

Inventory Design Systems

Core Inventory Requirements

Almost every game mode requires inventory functionality in some form:

Keybind Access: Dedicated key to open and close inventory interface
Item Storage: System to store items picked up during gameplay
Consumable System: Right-click functionality to use consumable items
Item Removal: Consuming items removes them from inventory automatically

Inventory Limitations for MVP

To maintain development focus and avoid complexity:

Unlimited Bag Space: Eliminates inventory management complexity
Non-Destructible Items: Items cannot be accidentally destroyed or lost
No Item Dropping: Prevents complications from item loss mechanics

Statistics Systems

Core Character Statistics

Reuse and expand existing statistical framework:

Health: Damage and healing mechanics (implies damage and healing systems)
Mana: Magical ability resource system
Stamina: Physical action resource management
Experience: Optional character progression (may not be introduced in all game modes)
Armor: Implemented as additional health rather than damage reduction calculations to avoid complex resistance math

Combat Statistics

Stun/Crowd Control: Temporary disable effects and status management
Parry/Block/Dodge: Defensive action systems with timing requirements
Dodge Invulnerability: Brief invincibility windows during dodge actions (small windows of invulnerability)

Game Mode-Specific Statistics

Platformer Score System: Tracking for coins, collectibles, stars, moons, etc.
Capture the Flag Variables: Flag bearer status and team identification
Crafting Progression: Material quantities and recipe completion tracking

Loot Design Framework

Loot Categories

Based on game mode scope analysis, required loot types include:

Consumable Items

Health Items: Healing potions and recovery consumables
Damage Items: Temporary damage boost consumables
Armor Items: Durability improvements (implemented as health increases to avoid complex armor calculations)

Equipment and Tools

Weapons: All defined weapon types (sword/shield, two-handed, bow, gun, daggers)
Utility Items: Tools for specific game modes and interactions

Game Mode-Specific Items

Flags: Capture the Flag objectives and scoring items
Crafting Materials: Wood, herbs, food, ore, and other crafting components
Quest Objects: Random items used as puzzle components, keys, or quest requirements
Story Items: Objects that unlock narrative content or progression

Death System Design

Death mechanics are often overlooked in game design but provide significant opportunities for enhancing player experience:

Basic Death Mechanics

Respawn System: Return player to nearest designated spawn point
Level Restart: Reset entire level progress on death (harsh but simple)
Checkpoint System: Return to last save point or checkpoint location

The death system should support the specific needs of each game mode while maintaining consistent player expectations across different experiences.

System Integration Notes

Cross-Game Mode Compatibility

These shared systems must work across all six game modes:

Stealth Survival: Emphasizes stealth attacks, limited resources, careful progression
Platformer: Focus on mobility, collectibles, and jump-based combat
Action Combat: Fast-paced combat with multiple weapon types and defensive options
Capture the Flag: Team-based mechanics with flag handling and scoring
Crafting: Resource management, recipe systems, and building mechanics
Story: Inventory for quest items, simple interaction systems

Implementation Priority

Systems should be implemented in order of importance and dependency:

Core Statistics (health, mana, stamina)
Basic Combat (weapon attacks, damage dealing)
Inventory System (item storage and usage)
Loot System (item pickup and categorization)
Death System (respawn and failure states)

This shared systems approach ensures efficient development time while maintaining unique, compelling experiences for each game mode. The framework supports the core principle of building reusable, modular game mechanics that can be combined in different ways to create varied gameplay experiences.