RPG Programming with XNA Game Studio 3.0

Chapter 2RPG Entities — Characters, NPCs, and Monsters

The character is the player’s extension into the game world. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you choose to look at it) he’s as helpless as a baby without the player (scripts/AI notwithstanding). The player must do everything for him — tell him where to go and what to do. His virtual life is literally in the player’s hands. The player also determines his path in life. Should he be a warrior? If so, what kind? The strong, dumb brute who plows through everything and thinks with his sword or one who plans before going into battle? How should he fight — toe-to-toe or hit and run? Maybe he should be a mage — weak in body but with immense powers of magic at his disposal. Maybe the ...