Platformer Attack System

Platformer Attack System

Jump Attack Concept

Platformer games require a special attack mechanic where players can damage enemies by jumping on them. This creates unique combat flow where aerial positioning becomes a tactical element.

Enemy Jump Hit Detection

AI Character Setup

Add collision detection for jump attacks on AI characters:

Jump Hit Collision

• Component: Box Collision named “Jump_Hit”
• Position: Above enemy character head (Z location ~90)
• Scale: Z scale 0.25 for thin detection zone
• Collision Settings: Custom collision, ignore all, overlap pawn only

Collision Event Setup

// Jump Hit Begin Overlap Event
OnJumpHitBeginOverlap(OtherActor) {
if (character_is_falling && player_z_location > enemy_z_location) {
deal_damage_to_enemy;
play_player_jump_animation;
launch_player_upward;
}
}

Player Character Interface

Jump Hit Interface Function

Create interface function for jump attack response:

• Function: Interface_Jump_Hit_Montage
• Purpose: Plays backflip animation when jump attack succeeds
• Animation: Backflip montage with rate scale 2.0 for snappy feel

Attack Validation Conditions

Multi-Layered Validation

Implement multiple checks to prevent accidental triggers:

Player State Checks

• Falling Check: Verify player character is falling (not walking/running)
• Position Check: Confirm player is above enemy (Z location comparison)
• Velocity Check: Ensure player has negative Z velocity (falling downward)

Implementation Logic

// Validation sequence
if (other_actor.is_player) {
if (character_movement.is_falling) {
if (player_z_location > enemy_z_location) {
if (player_z_velocity < 0) {
execute_jump_attack;
}
}
}
}

Animation Integration

Backflip Animation Setup

Configure backflip animation for jump attacks:

Mixamo Animation

• Animation: Backflip animation with feet landing in same position
• Import: Standard X Bot skeleton import process
• Montage: Create animation montage for gameplay integration

Montage Sections

Create animation sections for precise control:

• Jump_Start: Beginning of backflip motion
• Jump_End: Landing portion of animation
• Section Separation: Use “Clear” button to separate sections
• Starting Section: Set to “Jump_Start” for partial animation play

Animation Timing

• Rate Scale: 1.0 for proper timing (adjust from initial 2.0 testing value)
• Animation Slot: Full Body animation slot for complete character animation
• Interruption: Allow other animations to interrupt for fluid gameplay

Player Launch Mechanics

Launch Character Setup

Provide upward momentum after successful jump attack:

• Launch Strength: Z value 1200 units for satisfying bounce
• Override Z: Enable to ensure consistent upward launch
• Directional Launch: Purely vertical launch prevents unwanted horizontal movement

Damage Integration

Health Modification

Jump attacks deal damage to enemies through existing health system:

• Damage Amount: Configurable damage value (typically moderate damage)
• Health Interface: Use existing Interface_Health_Modify system
• Damage Type: Subtract method for damage application

Enemy Response Animation

Add hit reaction for visual feedback:

• Hit React Animation: “Hit React Behind” animation from Mixamo
• Enemy Montage: Create montage for enemy hit response
• Timing: Play after damage calculation completes

Platformer Mode Integration

Game Mode Variable

Create toggle system for platformer-specific mechanics:

• Platformer Boolean: Enable/disable platformer mechanics per character
• Default State: Set to true for platformer enemies, false for others
• Collision Control: Disable jump hit collision when platformer mode off

Multi-Game Mode Support

Design system to work alongside other game modes:

• Conditional Activation: Only active when platformer variable enabled
• Mode Switching: Characters can be configured for different game modes
• Collision Management: Proper collision state management based on mode

The platformer attack system adds unique aerial combat mechanics while maintaining compatibility with other game modes through conditional activation.