Hi all,
All the original characters I've designed and skinned, I have never had a hero file to accompany them. It's the one thing that makes my characters incomplete. I know what powers I want them to have and even their origins/backgrounds, but creating the hero file seems daunting. Does anyone here have any methods for creating well balanced hero files for original characters? I'd like to start creating some.
bump
Only thing I can say is trial and error. Heh. The first hero file is basically me going "I think this character should do THIS because it's awesome" and basically winging it without much thought to power level. Sometimes I'll send them into the rumble room with a close analogue to see how they do--if my ninja beats the snot out of Batman, something is wrong, so I'll cut his strength or damage or something until I get them about equals. Of course, I find power level is hardly prestige count, so I usually don't bother keeping a specific goal for points in mind. Superman can be about the same prestige as Batman but Clark'll slaughter Bruce any (non-Kryptonite-handy) day.
Also, I do a LOT of combined attributes for customs, since I find the attribute limit terribly constricting. Sometimes I'll bundle all their FFX attributes into a single one and use the other four for core only.
Set yourself a points limit and make all your hero files like that. I don't know how you play rumble room, or if you download other people's hero files but the best way to make balanced heroes is to make all your heroes to the same points limit.
For instance, all my 'core' heroes are as close to 10000 points as I can get them, my minor villains normally about 4000-6000 and my major villains anything from 15000+ . Firstly, spend some time thinking about powers, make it interesting. Instead of just making a speedster, for instance, perhaps make a speedster with lightning powers, or who used to be a doctor and so can provide some fast medical support in the midst of battle. The more you break away from the typical moulds, the more fun your char will be to play.
Next, have a go at implementing it. Give them a few standard powers, basic ranged, basic melee (unless it doesn't fit the character to have one of these). Set their attributes, material and stats. Look at your points cost, that's how much room you've got to experiment. Next, give them their signature moves, make them interesting to use and if you're heroes work as a team, give them things they can use in combination. Avoid having similar powers, each one should be unique and not massively high in points cost. I tend to find that less power's is more fun, for instance 4-5 makes for faster and more strategic gameplay than 10 powers.
Once you hit around 10000 points have a go with your hero. Either try them alone or with other's you're testing. Plonk them in Iron Man mode and see how they feel. Do they tear through enemies for levels and levels? Do they die to easily? Keep these in mind and then go back and have a tweak, always keep to your limit though, and soon you'll have a plethora of balanced heroes.
Well, I assume that you have all your characters planned out already? I never even start a skin without knowing all the powers my characters have. Then, when I make a hero file, I just appropriate those powers the best I can. Sometimes I jazz them up a bit. I have a guy who I know likes to drink and be a jerk? I give him a bottle toss and a single target taunt.
I do use Lunarman's idea of making teams compatable. I often have guys who work way better as a group. I had this one guy who could absorb mass amounts of energy, which caused him to grow a lot in strength and speed, and another guy who could release a being from his body that could energize people, although the creature starts losing health if he doesn't have much energy. On the other hand, the human version could self heal. Symbiotic relationships are cool.
However, I never, NEVER go by points. Instead, I play test them against ingame heroes. Over and over. Until I am sure they are just right. I find that really gimmicky gadgety guys will be worth a lot more points, but some folks only need a couple powers and a few attributes, and can still totally hold their own. On the other hand, I've got a fella whose only power is he is indestructable. He, obviously, costs quite a deal... Then again, he doesn't need to be play tested too much. My heroes are usually between 5000-10000 though, if you want a point value. But still, that's a wide range.
Look at this:
http://www.alexff.com/herotips.php (http://www.alexff.com/herotips.php)
This will help a lot (even if it's for :ffvstr:).