Motorherp wrote:I think the way forward would be by designing the levels so the player can make good use of scenery as cover and perhaps arming the player with some kind of limited time rechargeable block or reflect shield to make up for the disadvantages of having less movement freedom.
Nah, I don't think it should be gigawing-ified. The player needs to be out there with nothing but his wits to survive
Obviously there would still be screen clear bombs
I am certain that there would be a way to place the bullet patterns to make it hectic but still doable.
Bah to the naysayers. 15 years ago, did you ever imagine something like Mushihimesama would exist?
I think this at least needs to be attempted.
Perhaps the bullets could move slower than shmups?
Also, to specify: the double (triple?) jump wouldn't be like it is in most games where you can only do the double while going upwards. You could activate it at any time, even while travelling downward. This would allow for a lot of flexibility of movement
Also, somebody mentioned "hovering".. but it wouldn't be hovering like Princess in mario 2, it would be gliding down slowly like you do with the tanuki suit in mario 3
This would give you 3 speeds for downward movement: glide (slow), regular falling speed, and accelerated falling speed. Plus triple jumps at any time you need them.
Hell, you could even make the triple jumps have altered speeds by holding down on the d-pad to make the jump up slower
I think that sounds maneuverable enough to get through bullet hell patterns. Maybe the patterns could be more like a danmaku game where there are not very many aimed shots, since with gravity you don't have the option of sweeping back and forth to avoid aimed shots
Edit: Also, it would be even better if you could use 2 d-pads or 2 analogue sticks.. (Nintendo Virtual boy controller, oh yeah!!) One for movement and one for aiming. That way your bullet dodging isn't reliant on where you are trying to aim too.
