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[Suggestion] Alternate boss / Randomized boss

Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2012 6:47 pm
by zabbo
I think an alternate end-game boss would be awesome. Say there are 2 or 3 possible bosses, and the game randomly chooses one when you reach the end of the game.

This would be great because : a) prevents people from feeling there is only one tactic or loadout that will defeat the boss b) makes things even more challenging and surprising c) having a generally good ship, instead of tight focus on one strength , might be encouraged. d) Prevent people from feeling 'ripped-off' by the randomness of weapons/items they found in a game [because game to game which stuff would be most effective against the boss would be changing... there wouldn't just be one ideal item to get.]

I know making two new ship models at this point would be too much work, but alternatively, I suggest that the possible end-bosses use the same graphics, but just have different device/weapon loadouts and configurations. For example, 1/3rd of the time the boss could have mostly beam weapons; another 1/3rd of the time a boss with a bunch fire-causing missile weapons; another 1/3rd of the time a faster, more dodging ship with more drones teleporting over. That kind of thing.

Note: I haven't played the beta :) Following the game / forums religiously. Kickstarter supporter but didn't dish out for the beta (to my regret!)

Re: [Suggestion] Alternate boss / Randomized boss

Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2012 10:47 pm
by Lambchops
I think an alternate bosses would be a great idea for an unlock once you've completed the main game. It's definitely something I would enjoy seeing as added content post release.

Re: [Suggestion] Alternate boss / Randomized boss

Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2012 12:01 am
by angelocire
Seconded.

Re: [Suggestion] Alternate boss / Randomized boss

Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2012 3:19 pm
by Justin
Just as a simple response: I'm wary of randomly generated bosses. Specifically because I hated how in Desktop Dungeons if you were playing a certain class and the lvl 10 boss was the type you were weak against, you just had to restart. That would be super harsh in FTL where it can take an hour or more to get to the Last Stand.

Not saying we won't ever make changes to the boss system in the future, just giving you the background info.

Re: [Suggestion] Alternate boss / Randomized boss

Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2012 7:35 pm
by timaeus
Yeah, it wasn't too bad in Desktop Dungeons since you could run into the boss pretty early on and see what you'd be facing. It would be more painful to find out you have no chance against the boss after investing 3 hours into the playthrough...

Re: [Suggestion] Alternate boss / Randomized boss

Posted: Sun Jul 29, 2012 10:53 am
by stephenarcher0
Hi,
Maybe the end bosses strengths could be mentioned at the very start of the game where you are told you have secret information about the resistance (boss) to get to the federation?

Re: [Suggestion] Alternate boss / Randomized boss

Posted: Sun Jul 29, 2012 5:34 pm
by angelocire
stephenarcher0 wrote:Hi,
Maybe the end bosses strengths could be mentioned at the very start of the game where you are told you have secret information about the resistance (boss) to get to the federation?
That's actually a really good idea. Maybe even tie it into the little bit of backstory of your escape-

"...missiles streaking by and with seconds to live, you punch the warp console and disappear into the quiet vastness of space..."
vs
"...as the drones close in around you, you flick the warp button and are suddenly looking at an empty expanse of stars, safe."
vs
"...shots come flying at you from nowhere, seemingly from all directions. You fire wildly, only to see the occasional light dispersal as one of your weapons impacts a fast-moving shield. A ping sounds, and you reactively punch the warp button. With a sigh of relief, you power up the sub-lights. You run."

Of course they're all overwrought, but they're just examples. An agile stealth ship is a little harder to convey, so it took a little longer.