A few questions about upgrades, and how you like my idea overall.

[Pronoun]

Okay, the idea for my new map is an AoS, but instead of using heros, the player will control regular units. However, these units will be improvable via upgrades so as to simulate gaining levels. However, the problems arise in how I will make the upgrades as conveniently upgradable as possible. I haven't decided as to how I want the upgrades to work. There are three possibilities, each with a certain problematic issue. I am also concerned with personal opinions as to which way you would prefer, for the sake of a user-friendly, fun game.

1. Providing a building in which to research upgrades.

Pros: Easy to do.
Cons: Inconvienient
Problems need solving: None

2. While browsing through the hero fields, I noticed that heros can also provide upgrades. Though I have not tested whether this actually works, I have considered making an invisible hero that would follow the actual player's unit around.

Pros: Allows player to find unit with the top right icon.
Cons: Not enough icon space without using a spell book type way of condensing the upgrades.
With all the move/defend/attack icons filling the top row and more, there isnt enough space to fit as many as I want without spellbook ability for upgrades.
Problems need solving: Is there a way to compile multiple upgrades into one icon???

*3.* As mentioned above, I have wondered that if there IS a way to condense multiple upgrades into one icon in a spellbook way, I could give them said icon.

Pros: Very convenient
Cons: Is it possible to create a spell-book upgrade icon?
Is it possible for units to be able to research upgrades?
Problems need solving: As with method two, is thee a way to compact multiple upgrades into one expandable icon?
Is there a way for units to research upgrades?

I realize that there are ways I can get around these problems using dummy abilities, and other things, but really, I believe it would make the map too "triggery" though Isuppose if it all comse down to it, I may do just that. I just want to know if there is an easier way...

And as I have stated the three ways, I would most like to execute way two, but I need to figure out a way to make it possible. If anyone can help me out, or tell me how to accomplish such a task I will be sure to give them credit.

 

[XXXconanXXX]

I suggest making a building give the upgrades and make a dummy ability and put it right on top of the building. That way, they can research things without the unit coming back. The only way it could be inconvenient isthat they have to move their cursor to the building but that wouldn't be that bad.

 

[Pronoun]

I don't even think you'd need a unit nearby, as every unit's upgrades will be unique to the unit chosen. I mean, each unit will have four basic upgrades for hp, mp, damage, and armor, but then there will be at least three moves for each guy, which also has upgrades to improve the level/power, as well as two additional "unique" upgrades, which can include increased mana regeneration, movement speed, or even attack range.

Overall, I really don't mind making a building for the unit, but I'd most like to make it as I mentioned in method three, though I fear that may be impossible. Either way, I still have yet to make the map....

 

[Cocodoco]

if u think the players are really lazy u can add a spacebar point so that if they click spacebar they will come to the upgrade shop.

 

[Pronoun]

Oh yeah, I hadn't thought of that. Thanks for the suggestion coco. I'll definatley do that.

 

[XXXconanXXX]

Why can't you just put an anvisible unit next to the upgrade shop so they can upgrade but don't have to go to the shop? Seems easier to me...

 

[Pronoun]

Well, since every unit will be having custom upgrades, it would be necesary to create a unique upgrade building for each unit, and thus for every player. Because each player would have a unique building with upgrades only they can learn, I wouldn't need to place a unit near the building because they would own the building and thus there is no need for a unit to be within proximity as the building itself belongs to the player.

 

[Rinpun]

That's true. Unfortunately, your helpers seem a little confused (no offense guys)