Hello, fellow heroes!
Following up from our previous discussion, we are excited to share the latest concept for the Fate system gameplay: Matrix Configuration (which has a Tetris-like experience). We'll refer to it as Fate: Matrix moving forward.
Playtest Description
To emphasize again, this Steam beta version is still a work in progress due to time constraints, so not all features are included. Initially, we planned to have Store, Combat, and Fate segments, but unfortunately, the Fate gameplay didn’t make it into this version. However, don’t worry! The current gameplay flow works fine!
Earlier, we discussed a Fate: Dice gameplay configuration. If you're interested, you can check it out here:
View game page
Now, let's dive deeper into the design of Fate: Matrix.
Relic Grid
After adding Fate, the relic grid will become a neat 6x5 board. All the cells are empty, and you can place relics wherever you want.
Relic Shapes and Colors
Each relic has a fixed shape that occupies specific cells and a color that fills the corresponding space.
Placing Relics
Previously, relics would be activated when placed in the weapon roster, but now they need to be placed on this grid to be effective. The goal is to rotate and place relics, which you buy from the store, into the grid to fill it as much as possible.
Row/Column Buffs
Each row and column on the grid has a unique buff. For example, a particular column might grant a 5% increase in external damage.
Activating Buffs
When you fill an entire row or column with relics, you can activate that row’s or column’s cell buff. For example, if a row is completely filled with relics, it activates a 5% life steal buff. The multicolored gem represents a filled row/column with relics of different colors. What’s the use of this gem? We’ll explain shortly.
Gem Buffs
If you place relics strategically, and a row/column you fill has relics of the same color (it can be multicolored, but with slightly reduced effectiveness), you’ll activate an additional Gem Buff. For example, in the image below, this column is entirely filled with purple relics, which activates the Purple Gem Buff: 5% increase in all damage.
Roguelike Strategy
The ideal scenario is, of course, to fill the entire grid with relics, and each row/column is of a single color! However, given the random nature of the shop's inventory, the different shapes and colors of relics, and the need to align with faction skills, achieving this perfectly is difficult. Players will need to adjust their layout and strategy flexibly each round based on the situation.
Combat Effects
After completing the Fate phase, all activated buffs will carry over to the next battle. However, this is not fixed – each time you visit the Store, you can readjust the grid and activate different buffs to align with your current playstyle.
Summary
The Fate: Matrix gameplay adds a layer of strategy to relics, where you need to consider not only their effects but also their shape, color, and placement on the grid. Maximizing the grid’s potential and activating various buffs becomes the core strategy for roguelike gameplay.
Currently, the Fate system is still in the experimental phase, and this is just one prototype of the gameplay. In the future, we’ll continue to introduce new roguelike gameplay ideas like this – whatever makes the game more fun! Feel free to share any thoughts with us; let’s build this game together!
Wishlist Fighting Rogue: