Using the Third Dimension in Revenge of the Firstborn
Hello everyone! Welcome to the end of February update for Revenge of the Firstborn. This month, we’re going to talk about verticality in the game.
In this update4
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Full Revenge of the Firstborn update
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Repeated intro
Hello everyone! Welcome to the end of February update for Revenge of the Firstborn. This month, we’re going to talk about verticality in the game. From exploration to combat, the third dimension shapes almost all aspects of the game.
What changed
0 fixes3 additions4 changes0 removals
Gameplay
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addedJumping, Climbing and Balancing – You CAN get there from here.Historically, isometric RPGs have pretty limited traversal options, although that has started to change in the last decade or so. More and more RPGs have added climbing and jumping so their exploration is more engaging, leaning into cliffs, ravines and other vertical spaces. Revenge of the Firstborn follows this trend.
changedJumping, Climbing and Balancing – You CAN get there from here.The 3.5 SRD has well-defined rules for climbing, jumping and balancing on ledges, and those rules are included in Revenge of the Firstborn. There are lots of nooks and crannies that reward the party that invests in exploration skills. While these skills aren’t required to complete the main storyline of the game, they will reward the prepared party with interesting items and useful consumables.
addedGoing for a SwimLakes and rivers, along with flooded dungeons, will offer additional content to strong swimmers. This content follows the same philosophy of being optional, but requiring a strong Swim skill to access. Swimming in Revenge of the Firstborn can reveal levers that open up new areas of the dungeon, hidden treasure… or it may leave a character isolated from the rest of the party, fighting a tough monster.
changedHeads up!That brings us to combat. Flying enemies offer many interesting tactical options, from casting Hold Monster on a flying gargoyle to make it fall from the air to fly-by attacks by dragons and other monsters. Particularly unfortunate adventurers may find themselves snatched by a flying dragon, dragged up into the air and unceremoniously dropped to the ground.
changedHeads up!Spell targeting also supports all three dimensions, so it’s possible to position a Fireball above the ground to target both flying and walking creatures, or to angle a Lightning Bolt upwards so that it goes over the head of your dwarven fighter but still hits the giant he’s fighting.
addedHeads up!There are many monsters in Revenge of the Firstborn that are able to fly, and the game implements the Fly spell as well. Expect the third dimension to play a significant role in combat, introducing new tactical options for both players and their enemies.
Revenge of the Firstborn changes
addedHistorically, isometric RPGs have pretty limited traversal options, although that has started to change in the last decade or so. More and more RPGs have added climbing and jumping so their exploration is more engaging, leaning into cliffs, ravines and other vertical spaces. Revenge of the Firstborn follows this trend.
changedThe 3.5 SRD has well-defined rules for climbing, jumping and balancing on ledges, and those rules are included in Revenge of the Firstborn. There are lots of nooks and crannies that reward the party that invests in exploration skills. While these skills aren’t required to complete the main storyline of the game, they will reward the prepared party with interesting items and useful consumables.
addedLakes and rivers, along with flooded dungeons, will offer additional content to strong swimmers. This content follows the same philosophy of being optional, but requiring a strong Swim skill to access. Swimming in Revenge of the Firstborn can reveal levers that open up new areas of the dungeon, hidden treasure… or it may leave a character isolated from the rest of the party, fighting a tough monster.
changedThat brings us to combat. Flying enemies offer many interesting tactical options, from casting Hold Monster on a flying gargoyle to make it fall from the air to fly-by attacks by dragons and other monsters. Particularly unfortunate adventurers may find themselves snatched by a flying dragon, dragged up into the air and unceremoniously dropped to the ground.
changedSpell targeting also supports all three dimensions, so it’s possible to position a Fireball above the ground to target both flying and walking creatures, or to angle a Lightning Bolt upwards so that it goes over the head of your dwarven fighter but still hits the giant he’s fighting.
Jumping, Climbing and Balancing – You CAN get there from here.
Historically, isometric RPGs have pretty limited traversal options, although that has started to change in the last decade or so. More and more RPGs have added climbing and jumping so their exploration is more engaging, leaning into cliffs, ravines and other vertical spaces. Revenge of the Firstborn follows this trend.
The 3.5 SRD has well-defined rules for climbing, jumping and balancing on ledges, and those rules are included in Revenge of the Firstborn. There are lots of nooks and crannies that reward the party that invests in exploration skills. While these skills aren’t required to complete the main storyline of the game, they will reward the prepared party with interesting items and useful consumables.
Watch Your Step
While many isometric RPGs have purely static environments, Revenge of the Firstborn also has many dynamic areas to keep you on your toes while exploring. Many hazards await the careless adventurer, from falling floor traps that can dump the unsuspecting traveler into a pit of water or onto a bed of spikes to old, creaky bridges that can only support the weight of one or two people at a time. You’ll need to pay attention to audible clues and make good use of your rogue to keep everyone safe, or you could find yourself bleeding out at the bottom of a canyon!
Going for a Swim
Lakes and rivers, along with flooded dungeons, will offer additional content to strong swimmers. This content follows the same philosophy of being optional, but requiring a strong Swim skill to access. Swimming in Revenge of the Firstborn can reveal levers that open up new areas of the dungeon, hidden treasure… or it may leave a character isolated from the rest of the party, fighting a tough monster.
Heads up!
That brings us to combat. Flying enemies offer many interesting tactical options, from casting Hold Monster on a flying gargoyle to make it fall from the air to fly-by attacks by dragons and other monsters. Particularly unfortunate adventurers may find themselves snatched by a flying dragon, dragged up into the air and unceremoniously dropped to the ground.
Spell targeting also supports all three dimensions, so it’s possible to position a Fireball above the ground to target both flying and walking creatures, or to angle a Lightning Bolt upwards so that it goes over the head of your dwarven fighter but still hits the giant he’s fighting.
There are many monsters in Revenge of the Firstborn that are able to fly, and the game implements the Fly spell as well. Expect the third dimension to play a significant role in combat, introducing new tactical options for both players and their enemies.
Whether you’re scaling a cliff, crossing a collapsing bridge or fighting a dragon in midair, verticality isn’t just cosmetic, it’s tactical.
