Weapons, Recoil Patterns and Balance

Anima Based Weapons Test Task

Intro:

The task included designing weapons with these parameters: Vertical Recoil, Clip size, and other parameters.

For this task, I decided to add one parameter - Special effect / ability.

All enemies and players are considered to have 100 health points and 100 armor points.

Giving them a total of 200 effective HP.

Armor works similarly to HP, but has different recharging capabilities.

There is no damage reduction for the concepts given here.

The mockups are created by me, in photoshop. All sources are linked.

Each weapon also includes a visualization of recoil, along with explanations in case they are needed.

Style:

The style is chosen to be semi-realistic, connecting to existing real weapons, but introducing interesting twists and additional effects. The weapons are sorted to show the range of effects - starting from simple passives, and ending with usable active abilities.

Thematic explanation:

Each weapon is given a description on why they have the special effect that they have. They are representing their exact animals in visuals, in style of weapon / combat, and in their additional effects.

I refrained from creating game-altering effects, to stay within the theme of a shooter. Otherwise, the skills and effects would transition into a moba / hero shooter.

All detailed calculations are provided in the attached sheets.

Cheetah - Dual SMGs

Visual reference:

Source: Character Koga, from Paladins https://www.artstation.com/artwork/14A88LSource: https://www.britannica.com/animal/cheetah-mammal

Mockup:

Weapon: Dual SMGs - modified version of mp7 (To ensure low recoil)

Description: Dual SMGs with rapid-fire capabilities, allowing for quick and agile combat.

Parameters: Medium vertical recoil, high clip size, short reload time.

Additional Effect (Thematic): Landing consecutive shots increases the player's movement speed for 2 seconds, from 10 - 20% based on damage done. The speed boost activates after dealing at least 50 damage. The maximum boost is reached after doing 150 damage.

Thematic explanation: Cheetahs are know as one of the fastest animals, the speed is a part of their identity. Dual SMGs embody this animal's ferocity and rapidity in combat. By reflecting the cheetah's identity, this weapon enables players to unleash bursts of high-speed assaults, weaving through the battlefield - rewarding the players if they manage their resources correctly.

Recoil Pattern:

Eagle - Desert Eagle

Visual reference:

Source:

https://www.artstation.com/artwork/EVnL9e

Source:

https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/5-reasons-why/article/5-reasons-why-bald-eagles

Mockup:

Design Resembling the bald eagle.

Description:

The Desert Eagle is an iconic semi-automatic pistol, celebrated for its formidable power and striking design. With its eagle-like coloring and large frame it stands as an enduring symbol of strength and authority in the world of firearms - similarly how an actual exhibits authority in the skies.

Parameters:

High Damage per Bullet: Each round fired from the Desert Eagle packs a devastating punch, because the gun is harder to aim. If the player is skilled - they will be rewarded.

Medium Rate of Fire: Balancing power with control, the pistol maintains a steady and controllable rate of fire, granting shooters the ability to maintain accuracy.

Low Clip Size: A balancing decision, which is similar to it’s historic value. An eagle shouldn’t need too many shots to take down their target anyway.

Medium Reload Time: Standard deagle reload time.

Additional Effect (Thematic):

Hitting a headshot from a distance beyond 20 meters (2000 Centimeters / Unreal Units) defies the effects of damage falloff. This attribute simulates the keen eyesight and precision of eagles during their long-distance hunts, rewarding expert marksmen.

Detailed data is available in the excel file attached.

Swordfish Bayonet

Visual References:

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HY1935_bayonetSource: https://www.foxnews.com/lifestyle/560-pound-swordfish-caught-north-carolina-father-son-report
Mockup:

Description:

The Swordfish Bayonet is a deadly and versatile melee attachment inspired by the relentless nature of the swordfish, known for its agility and precision in hunting.

Parameters: High damage per bullet, medium rate of fire, high clip size, and high reload time.

Additional Effect: The swordfish is known for it’s shape. It greatly resembles the bayonet, which has a similar blade at it’s tip.

With this weapon equipped - the player gains two abilities:

Passive: double range for melee attacks.

Active: Special attack that can happen once per reload.

By holding the left mouse button, the weapon begins wiggling similarly to a fish, and after 2 seconds of casting, it releases the blade forward, shooting it for 100 meters, applying melee damage to the enemy hit. Both the passive and active effects are disabled for this gun after using it, before next reload.

Octopus Ink DMR

Visual References:

Source: https://gunfire.com/en/products/danger-zone-dmr-sniper-rifle-replica-1152214915.htmlSource: https://newatlas.com/biology/octopus-dream-rem-sleep-cuttlefish/

Mockup:

Weapon: Octopus Ink DMR

Description: A lethal Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR) inspired by the intelligence and tactics of the octopus.

Parameters: High damage per bullet, medium rate of fire, medium clip size, and medium reload time. As a designated marksman rifle, it deals higher headshot damage.

Additional Effect: After each kill, your next bullet also disorients and blinds the enemy for 0.5 seconds.

To balance the effect, counter-measures are taken (also noted in the sheets):

Has 9% less Body DPS because of special effect. To avoid skill abuse, only high level players are rewarded, if playing in an optimal way (headshots)

Damage Chart:

For Cheetah SMG: High skill dps is reduced, to avoid high skill players stomping with special effect.

For Eagle Deagle: High skill dps is reduced, to avoid high skill players stomping with special effect.

For Swordfish Bayonet: Special Effect, 100 damage per reload - Included in DPS

For Octopus Ink DMR: Has 9% less Body DPS because of special effect.

For Octopus Ink DMR: To avoid skill abuse, only high level players are rewarded, if playing in an optimal way (headshots)