Sirlin Talks (Re)-Balancing Puzzle Fighter
August 6, 2007 8:02 AM | Simon Carless
Game designer David Sirlin is overseeing the XBLA/PSN version of classic Capcom puzzler Super Puzzle Fighter over at Backbone Entertainment, and he's done an amazing post in his blog discussing rebalancing efforts for the upcoming remake, explaining:
"My high level goal was to change as little as possible because the original game is very well-designed and fun. I would even go as far as saying it’s the single best competitive puzzle game. That said, it does have a problem: only 2 of the 11 characters are playable in a serious match."
The designer continues: "I did not want to get into any deep changes with the underlying formulas or rules because—character balance aside—the game is very good already. So, I restricted myself to changing only three variables: 1) drop patterns, 2) damage scaling per character, and 3) the “diamond trick.”" There then follows some great detailed diagrams and specifics on how the game has been tweaked.
Ah, and some clarification in the comments from Mr. Sirlin himself: "I really should have mentioned that there are two modes: X and X’. X-mode has no balance changes at all. In X-mode, the diamond trick does the same damage it always did and all the drop patterns are untouched. This entire article was about the new X’-mode." Just in case you're a purist - an admirable move.
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4 Comments
I always avoided Super Puzzle Fighter because, well, because it's yet another Puyo-esque competitive block-falling puzzle game. This article does very little to make me want to play it (either the original or the update), but it -is- a very interesting read.
John H. | August 6, 2007 1:38 PM
It may be "yet another competitive puzzle game," but that's like saying Quake 2 was "just another competitive first person shooter." It is easily the finest in its genre, going strictly off of other purely-VS. puzzle games.
What really sets it apart is that it was the first (and practically only) puzzle game to effectively utilize characters who each have different advantages. Some of them suck, yes, but "only 2" being worthwhile is a biiiit of a stretch.
The actual gameplay is a unique combination of several other games, but pulled off flawlessly.
But if you're not even into competitive puzzle games, it probably won't change your mind. Insulting it isn't necessary in a place like this.
mercatfat | August 6, 2007 3:16 PM
Quake 2 WAS just another competitive first person shooter.
Ashcroft | August 7, 2007 6:26 AM
You must be too young to remember. Everyone I knew stayed up all night the first night Quake2 had been released, just sight-seeing the intricate map detail.
Perhaps the author of the initial post should consider that he just comes across as a dick. There's a lot of things I don't like but don't have them seeping out every other sentence. :)
Asscroft | August 30, 2007 9:45 AM