Vision - Movement & Controls

Core Concept

Players should feel a connection to their character from the first moment of movement, with accessible controls that provide depth through natural combinations rather than complex inputs. Movement and combat flow together seamlessly, enhanced by time powers that feel like natural extensions of the character's abilities.

Key Principles

Immediate Response

• Zero input lag

• Snappy acceleration/deceleration

• Quick direction changes

• Forgiving but precise platforming

• Smooth contextual animations

Natural Flow

• Auto-mantling

  • Automatically climb obstacles up to waist height

  • Smooth transition animations

  • Can be interrupted at any time

  • Maintains momentum

• Contextual Parkour

  • Jump toward climbable surface = wall run

  • Jump near ledge = grab and climb up

• Sprint toward low obstacle = slide under

  • Fall near wall = wall slide

  • Double tap dodge near cover = take cover

• Seamless Transitions

  • No animation lock

  • Cancel out of most actions

  • Smooth blending between states

  • Combat moves flow into movement

  • Movement flows into time powers

• Predictive Pathfinding

  • Character slightly adjusts to hit platforms

  • Subtle auto-aim for jumps

  • Smart object avoidance while running

  • Smooth camera adjustments

  • Gentle guidance toward interactive objects

• Generous Interaction distances

  • Wide grab detection for ledges

  • Forgiving timing for platforming

  • Smart context detection for actions

  • Clear visual indicators for interactions

  • Momentum preservation when possible

Satisfying Feedback

• Visual effects (dust, trails, etc.)

• Dynamic cloth/hair physics

• Responsive sound design

• Haptic feedback

• Environmental reactions

Combat Integration

• Contextual combos based on movement state

• Auto-targeting with manual override option

• Light and Heavy attacks chain into each other

• Time powers seamlessly chain into combat

• Jinn abilities complement basic moves

Player Experience Goals

• Feel graceful and powerful immediately

• Discover depth through natural play

• Experience smooth progression of ability

• Find creative combinations of powers

• Enjoy movement even without combat

References

• Genshin Impact - Accessibility with depth

• Control - Power integration

• Horizon Zero Dawn - Strategic accessibility

• God of War - Combat fluidity