Non-Interactive Machines

Non-interactive machines were first discussed in the context of the object placement algorithm of the previous post. But there is plenty more to cover.

Distribution

We can’t simply pick random machines for any and all maps. The types of machines on a given map should reflect the theme of that map, be it storage, factory, research, etc.

Our goal in developing a selection system is to minimize effort while maximizing both variety and logicality of a map’s content. It would be a lot of work to list every possible machine for every map type. The better solution categorizes machines by their “theme” (e.g. mining, matter, energy, processing…). Then each type of map can designate one or more “machine themes” from which to choose its machines.

Mines, for example, pick from the “mining” and “matter” themes; factories select “matter,” “energy,” and “production” machines. This enables maps with overlapping themes to draw from overlapping pools of machines. The selection pool is weighted, so machines themselves can also specify how common they are (with a separate frequency value for each placement location: room, hall, and junction).

Gameplay Impact

Although dubbed “non-interactive,” these machines actually serve as more than just a way to flesh out the atmosphere.

Tactical Positioning

Their very presence breaks up large spaces with destructible obstacles. However, depending on the size of the machine this may only be a physical barrier rather than a visual one, because machines only partially obscure FOV.

Notice how FOV is not completely blocked by the machines.

Explosions

Even more deadly (and fun!), is that some machines may explode.

For all the ASCII debris fans, even non-explosive machines send out flying debris when a piece is destroyed.

Chipping away at a pair of Electrolysis Chambers.

Some machines may send out different colors reflecting their nature/use, such as this Matter Pump.

Damaging Matter Pumps (the in-game color of matter is purple).

Interactive machines do not explode, but their debris animation can also be a little different, such as sparking from a terminal.

This terminal fades to gray once disabled, since it can no longer be accessed.

Truly explosive machines will detonate in glorious ASCII-plosions that can engulf nearby machines or robots. As with all particle effects, there are many styles:

They didn’t need this Nuclear Reactor, did they? (Don’t get on my case about nuclear reactors not exploding. Because this one clearly just did ;D)

Lesson: Don’t blow up a Fusion Modulator while sitting in the same room.

(More shots from the sandbox, because I’m not hunting through the game to find these things.)

A vacuum chamber (yes I’m standing too close, but that’s okay because I gave myself 40,000 integrity points =p The sandbox is nice like that.).

Scratch one Antiparticle Reservoir. Might as well take out the Power Conduit, too. Aaand.. for good measure let’s just switch to the Rocket Launcher and take out some other machines. (Several times I’ve caught myself unable to stop strolling around the sandbox doing this, again and again and again :D)

There are more, but I’ll leave them for you to discover in game, hopefully when an enemy hits one you’re standing next to ;)

To prevent overuse of the boring (and overpowered) strategy of “lure enemies near a machine and blow it up,” the predictability of explosions for some machines will be reduced by introducing a system of “machine instability.” When a machine takes damage it may have a random machine-dependent chance to become unstable, which starts an invisible timer after which it will automatically explode on some later turn.

The only element of this I’m not sure about is whether the player should have cues to indicate that a particular machine has become unstable and may explode at any time. Since the time remaining before explosion is still uncertain, it makes sense to tell the player at least when there are signs of instability. In any case, the implementation will depend on playtesting, as well as the precise number and frequency of machines that explode (these parameters haven’t been added to the data yet).

With powerful enough weapons you can of course cause a machine to explode instantly, but machines prone to deadly explosions are generally more heavily protected against weapons as this is not exactly the safest of environments.

Melee

Melee weapons, however, are particularly good at hacking up machines, though for obvious reasons point blank attacks on explosive machines are rarely a good idea. On a related note, recall that knock-backs are possible with impact-type melee weapons, thus as a new extension of that mechanic, you can now smash robots into a machine.

Normal machines will simply shoot debris from the point of impact (and coincidentally make some pretty cool metal crunching sounds). Explosive machines on the other hand will probably roast whatever robot is so unlucky as to be smashed into ground zero, and probably engulf those nearby, too.

Whacking a flying swarmbot with a Gravity Flail, sending it careening into a Nuclear Reactor which explodes and takes out all his friends, too ;)

Be wary of enemy brawlers that may unwittingly do this to you!