< BACK TO HOME

Morrigan (WIP)

2022

Gameplay Video

Concept Topdown ARPG game I am currently working on based on Celtic lore. Please note that all art on this page was not made by me. All game design and code, however, are my own.

This Page is split into two parts: the One Page Pitch and some Code Highlights. Feel free to skip to either of them using the buttons below.



Code Highlights

Gameplay Ability System


Using Epic Games' Gameplay Ability System (GAS), I setup the Base Character class to allow for abilities to easily be granted and activated for any character in the game. Additionally, I implemented Health, Mana, XP, etc for each character.

Behavior Tree


I defined two behavior trees for Morrigan (the main ally) and enemy AI. These trees handle targeting an enemy, activating gameplay abilities, and following the player.

Player Navigation/Path Finding


I use the Unreal Engine standard NavMesh for path finding and generating walkable terrain. Additionally, I enable Reciprocal Velocity Obstacles (RVO) Avoidance to help prevent characters colliding with one another when trying to path around them.

One of the difficulties of developing a Topdown ARPG like Diablo is handling the overloaded Left click button. It needs to handle both moving the player to a location and also handle attacking if the player clicks on an enemy or destructible object. My implementation is shown in the code snippet below. It involves using a trace channel specifically for "walkable" terrain and another trace channel for all clickable characters. This way, every time the player does a left mouse click, I can use the trace channel to filter out all other objects so I am always choosing a walkable location or character to click on. Additionally, I am doing some basic checks for minimum distance traveled and confirming we have a target we are hovering over.

One Page Pitch

Game Overview


Destroy hordes of monsters with your companion Morrigan in search for Gwydion, the Trickster Deity. Grow in power as you aide Morrigan in reclaiming her stolen power from Gwydion using ancient powers lost in Celtic Lore.

Morrigan is an ally you will befriend and slowly grow to trust throughout your adventure. While she is an NPC, you can help shape her play style to what suits you. Whether you need a front line tank or a back row mage, she adapt her wide range of skills to better help you turn the tide of battle.

Game Genre


Top down ARPG Dungeon Crawler

Pitch: Diablo meets Hades

Character: Morrigan



by Csyeung on Deviantart

Goddess of Death and Destiny, Goddess of Fate, the Phantom Queen, the Seductress, the Old Hag, the Raven, the Triple Goddess. She is all of these things.

And she needs your help.

Morrigan is a powerful ally on your journey. She grows in power along side your hero. Morrigan has her own skill tree and level and is integral to your success. Morrigan can call forth her ravens to her side to aide her, conjure fantastical illusions and phantoms, and even utilize mental magic to confuse and terrify the enemy. You choose what powers she focuses on as she fights to reclaim her full power once more.

by Wizards of the Coast

Shutterstock

Character: Gwydion



by Wizards of the Coast

Born of the Trees, this Trickster God has stolen the mantle of power from Morrigan. Renowned for his Magic, Cunningness, and Strength as a Warrior, he is not one to take lightly.

Gwydion has many who follow his command. Creatures like the Fey of the Woods are cunning, numerous, and possess a power that is not to be underestimated.

Gameplay Loop


Explore

  • Traverse varied environments
  • Kill hordes of Creatures
  • Gain Experience for leveling up abilities
  • Random Encounters with NPCs who offer challenges, special missions, and unique shops

Loot

  • Find Cool and rare items
  • Collect gold

Town/Converse

  • Buy/Upgrade Gear
  • Progress relationships with NPCs
  • Craft Items

Environments Concepts