Power Point mechanics

[roxas_strife]

So, I've always wondered this. I've been an RPG lover ever since I could remember, and that's going on 17 years now. I've played almost every type of turn-based battle dynamic out there, and I always try to note the differences. Anyway, my question is which do people prefer, the set power point count for each individual attack, or a power point meter that is used for all the moves that Pokemon knows?

 

[Infinity Mk-II]

Ugh, I never liked the "draw points from a generic mana pool" thing, unless it regenerated or something.

It's like, you can fire three world-destroying beams, but then you can't even kick a rock.

I preffer when each "spell" in rpgs go in different categories, so you always have more shots of weak ones than of powerful ones.
Also not in pokemon, due to the 4 move limit, but in other RPGs it also helps so the stronger attacks don't render weaker versions obsolete, as with this limitation you don't want to waste their uses.

 

[Tough_guy22]

The PP count for each attack such as in the Pokemon games is good. I have played games where it has the manna pool or magic points type system and it is not bad, but it just gets frustrating because if you use powerful attacks you take more HP but then you cant attack for a while, but if you use weak attacks you might not survive long enough to beat the opponent. Both types of PP systems have their advantages and disadvantages, but the current PP works well in pokemon games because of the type advantage system and the lack of a "defend" option in the game. A manna pool system works better in some games (such as the final fantasy games)becuse of a near constant use of multiple characters where some characters can defend/heal team and some can attack. Pokemon is mostly a loner character type game (only using one or 2 pokemon at a time).

 

[Kars]

Final fantasy is a good example

 

[Rellik]

Thought this had something to do with the Microsoft Office feature for some reason...

Anyways, having a mana pool is only practical if the characters are capable of still performing actions once the pool is depleted. For instance, if your character's mana pool is depleted, you're still able to just run up to an enemy and hack at them with your sword or something.

Seeing as how there is no "generic attacks" in Pokemon, the current PP system works best. Though, I suppose it could easily be re-tooled by turning all the typical moves that most Pokemon learn early on like Tackle or Scratch into generic moves, but still, I don't like that idea.

 

[Tough_guy22]

Thought this had something to do with the Microsoft Office feature for some reason...

Anyways, having a mana pool is only practical if the characters are capable of still performing actions once the pool is depleted. For instance, if your character's mana pool is depleted, you're still able to just run up to an enemy and hack at them with your sword or something.

Seeing as how there is no "generic attacks" in Pokemon, the current PP system works best. Though, I suppose it could easily be re-tooled by turning all the typical moves that most Pokemon learn early on like Tackle or Scratch into generic moves, but still, I don't like that idea.

I know what you were getting at, but technically struggle is a generic attack as every pokemon knows it.

 

[Infinity Mk-II]

The PMD games kinda give a little of light in this, as there you will be using moves all the time and run out of PP easily.
In those games, generally having all four slots with powerful moves is a bad idea, unless you can afford the Elixiers. You need a few weaker moves with more PP to be able to defend yourself properly.

 

[Tough_guy22]

The PMD games kinda give a little of light in this, as there you will be using moves all the time and run out of PP easily.
In those games, generally having all four slots with powerful moves is a bad idea, unless you can afford the Elixiers. You need a few weaker moves with more PP to be able to defend yourself properly.

You can use PP up to help with that problem.

 

[roxas_strife]

All very good points about the subject. I personally would rather a pool instead of the count, but that's because I think it makes more sense. Not necessarily because I think it would serve the game better strategically.