Thanks for all the questions and comments to the guys who were there at last week's AMA. I have tried to organize and answer them below, if you wanna ask questions and get answers from us as well, join our Discord and join the conversation every Wednesday at 11AM CET for EU and 6PM PST for NA!
1. Fighting and tackling
What kind of fighting are we going to implement and how is tackling going to work?
- Though Players have suggested an actual ball steal function for the game, this is something that will take us a lot of time and we would basically have to rework a major part of the game to do so. - Instead, the idea from our director is to combine tackling with fighting. - So at the moment we are testing adding extra fighting skills for each character. - This would work in the way that you can attack a player to knock them back, but it should be affecting the ball. This way you can push people and take the ball from them. - There will be a limit to how many times you can use it on the same character. (the limit is not decided yet) - But basically if you attack a character more than the limit, the character would get an immunity buff where if you hit him/her you would be knocked back yourself. - This is what is shown in the gif below.
2. Items
Will we have an indicator to show what items everyone has.
- Likely no, but we might add an indicator to show whether or not a character has an item. Will we bring back item spawn indicator? - This is not decided yet.
3. Spectator mode
Are we going to improve spectator mode and how?
- There might be more angles added to the game - But we are not sure yet which ones to add
4. 2nd Ultimates:
We are currently also working on designing alternative ultimates which can be obtained through character leveling and will be picked prior to starting a game. We are still working on the idea, but so far we are leaning towards your teammates being able to see which ult you have picked, but your opponents cannot see it. Ideas were discussed last week and you can see them below.
Pink a) Make the beam be soft and act like a whip which is controlled by the mouse. Would only work on the ball. The whip can be flicked by moving it in opposite directions. (high skill ceiling) b) 5 very short beams instead of one long beam. 1 beam on each finger. Ball can be passed from one beam to the next.
Pai a) Run on the wall for a certain period of time (like samba’s ult) b) pai creates a big blind for everyone who is looking towards him after he homes in on the ball. Or in field of view of the screen. Like a flashbang lightning bolt. Works better if your camera is facing it. Pai drops down and is able to run with the ball afterwards. c) Activate a buff where he can shoot lightning bolts at other characters giving them a ministun, while having this buff he can not pass or shoot/ or have ball control. He will be able to shoot the bolts out several times. d) channeled for a sec (hear thunder sound as a warning) then he would send an electric shockwave through out the stadium which stuns everyone who doesn’t jump over. Uses all his stamina as well. Slows the ball down. e) Pai flys to the ball take it in the air and move forward for a bit (more defense based) don’t waste the ball with taking a shot, because most goal keepers defend against it really well
R47 a) A channeled ground slam that affects a much larger area (like an earthquake) b) R47 hits the ground and a long narrow line on the ground moves forwards and hits all object in front of him (use the girder as the hammer)
Lang a) shoot a cone of air in front of him, pushes the ball and gives same status effect as tornado. Could also be channeling for a sec and then knock over moving characters. (if people are standing still, they don’t get knocked over) b) Use fighting style combos (copy fighting arcade games) c) Lang spins around and boxes everything around him d) Channeling, Lang beats many times on the ball before it’s finally shot out with high power. Double curve. First to one side and then to the other
Gridiron a) Put a black hole which is mirrored on the other side of the field. After he goes through he teleports to the other black whole. Sucks him back in after a few seconds. b) Shockwave pushing every oponent on the field back and also sort of shooting the ball away but no one gets knocked down
Eriel a) lets her fish dive down through the ground as if it's water, and pops back up to eat anything in a certain area, causing a short cc. could be a placed trap, or maybe it follows the ball and eats the ball. if it eats the ball it could reset ball possession or maybe spit it up in the air. main difference here should be that it doesn't bring the ball back to her. (people can see a fin in the floor so they can see where its going. b) Eriel throws her fish at the ball which then eats the ball and spits it out (shoot it out)
Samba a) Run on walls b) A larger samba/tiger looking image behind him picks up the ball and shoots it out
5. Suggestions:
2 characters using their ultimates at the same time for a combined super ultimate
Add deployables: - We are considering deployables such as traps or supporting deployables. But so far we don’t have anything concrete
Suggest shorten the afterstun of pinks ultimate to nerf it a little (her current stun feels a bit too strong). - This might change after we add more fighting elements
Players want to see more counterpicking and countering other players picks - This might happen more as characters get more skills and by adding more characters to the game.
Suggest diminishing bully/status/push effects with the goal area. Then nerf the goalies a bit. - We will have a look at balance issues regarding the goalies after adding the fighting/tackling element. Since a lot of rebalancing is likely to be done around this anyways.
Super Buckyball Tournament AMA - Dec 9th
Hi Players,
From now on we'll post an article every week that covers topics, questions and answers from last week's AMA. You can join our Discord and ask us questions every Wednesday at 11AM CET for EU and 6PM PST for NA.
AMA on December 9th
Tournament:
1. Players would like a bo3 for all games before the semi-finals for the next tournament. - We have to look into whether or not we can do this for the next tournament.
2. Players enjoyed that they could pick their own teams. - It brought more consistency to the team play and the tactics which were used. - Many new players got very good very fast in the week leading up to the tournament because they practiced a lot. - We will try to go with this format again in the future and we hope it will work well again
3. US tournament lasted about 2,5 hours
4. For tournaments after the official launch, it was suggested to make tournament seatings based on the average MMR of the players in each team
5. Players have different feelings of winning and losing depending on which strategies and playstyles were employed. - This is something we will monitor more closely in the future as we wish to give our players an overall positive experience no matter the outcome of the matches - At the moment it is mostly based on the Chinese players, since we have had the chance to play with them. But when we reach the official launch, we will begin to monitor western player behavior much more closely.
6. It was suggested to have Klose_quarters as the commentator for the US in the next tournament. - We will contact him and see if he is interested - This might also take some pressure off of Lark, who covered both the EU and US preseason tournament and did an outstanding job at doing so.
Game suggestions:
1. Implement more airplay - We are currently working on a new character who should be having air-related skills (still undecided. We are still testing a few different ideas) - We are looking into an idea that was mentioned a few weeks ago related to a skill/item to place air trampolines within the arena for more airplay
2. Invisible ramp in dragon stadium - This is a known problem and we are working to fix it
3. Ramps in harbor arena - This is intended and is a thing that will make this map unique. - Other small elements which will be unique to other stadiums 4. In tutorial, measure the skill of the player against different level bots. Then players can practice more before they are thrown to the sharks. - We are planning on optimizing the AI behavior to be more in line with player skill so they will play more even games. - Regarding having matches against easy, medium and hard AI’s, this has a few pros and cons like they will understand more nuances of the game, they might find it too easy or hard and quit - We had about 70% of all new players who played and finished the tutorial. - We are working on a few different ideas on how we can optimize the tutorial so players are better prepared for the actual matches.
5. Give more color options for the skins, especially for rare colors - For now, we are trying to make as many skins as we can before the official launch of the game. This is a costly and time-consuming task for us and we have chosen to outsource some of the skins. - Regarding the color options, we are considering adding more rare colors, but this will also affect the potential of other skins which are already in rarer colors. So we are still considering whether this will benefit us or hurt us in the long run.
6. Make it so players buy skins for a base coin fee and get other colors for an extra fee or get them in season pass - We are considering this suggestion
7. Cross server data (international stats) - it will take a long time and we would have to store all data in one location which is a problem if players are not located close to the server (we might combine stats for eu and na later on though)
8. Can the game be playable offline (training + custom game) - At the moment we are not considering this
9. Character proficiency rewards - The current growth system will change - Character proficiency rewards will include 2nd ultimate + other things. - We are still working out which things to give away as character proficiency rewards which can be purchased in the shop and which to include in the season pass. 10. More emotes in the game - We are working on making more of these - If anyone wants to make some cool emote designs, we will also consider them
11. Suggestions for boards: players who reach 100% stay on top even though they quit - Thank you for making us aware of this problem. We had not previously considered this and we will try to change it somehow so it will not include players who leave
12. Dodgeball needs more balls - We don't know if it's funnier in dodgeball mode with more balls. If many players want it to happen and it's truly interesting, we may consider such a modification and test it out. 13. A small countdown before items used to be in the game and was removed a while back - The count down was removed because we changed the effect design. Some of us believe that the countdown is a useful design and we may add it back if the team agrees with that Balancing:
1. Pink - We are testing the idea of replacing pinks knockback with a mini slow
2. Hitbox for R47 and gridirons shield is off - We are aware of these and they are balance-related. Since hitboxes are one of the easier methods we can change the balance of characters, we are still reworking these and will try to adapt the visuals down the line to better match - For R47 we are more likely to increase the size of the hand instead 3. Dodgeball - We are aware that character balancing in dodgeball is quite off. - For now, we are focusing on the balancing for the main game and it is subject to a lot of change, so we currently don’t have time to balance the characters for dodgeball. But if it becomes popular down the line, we will look into excluding some characters/suggest certain characters and even make special balancing for this mode.
Bugs: 1. Stamina bug related to high ping. Stamina reloading time matches ping
2. Samba dash can be cancelled if turning to side
Others:
1. A schedule was requested to show the timings of items and energy spawns. - We currently do have a list for this as it is something that follows an algorithm. If we were to extract it, it would take some time and it is likely to be subject to change. - Hopefully, we can release such a list after the game has had its official launch.
2. Ranked mode was missing during preseason - Players enjoy seeing a board which is not about investing time, but about actual skill - We will bring back ranked mode at official launch. Spoilers:
1. The air-related character mentioned earlier is hidden somewhere in our preseason trailer
Weekly AMA sessions for SBT
Weekly AMA sessions Hi everyone while the game is down until early February, we have decided to host a weekly AMA every Wednesday. Here we will release new content and discuss with you your ideas on how we can improve the game.
This weeks AMA will be hosted in the AMA voice chat and AMA text channel today (December 9th) EU time: 11 AM CET US time: 6 PM PST (9PM EST)
Topics: Thoughts on the Preseason, the tournaments and the balance of the game. If anyone has any other things they wish to discuss, we are open to that too.
The AMA will be hosted in our Discord, some make sure to come join us.
Also we have finished cutting the tournaments and have uploaded the videos for those of you who missed it. EU: https://youtu.be/WN3DtHfBjRs NA: https://youtu.be/VsVwmz42jwA China https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1ZA411W7M1?p=5
Character Tutorials - R47
Hi Players!
Today will be the character tutorial for R47, our first designed character ever.
[previewyoutube="VfeS4vTSwtI;full"] Despite often play in defense, R47 is actually an all-rounder with excellent ball control and shot power, making him one of the best midfielders in the game.
We'll have more character tutorials coming out over the next few days so stay tuned for more!
Welcome back to the future where speed, strategy and intensity are sweeping across the world with fast-growing Sport; Super Buckyball Tournament. Everyone can join, no matter if you are human, android, robot or have had your DNA spliced with an animal. But beware that only the toughest have what it takes to make it to the top.
[previewyoutube="sRIqvwsgOJY;full"]
Features
In addition to our six characters, two stadiums and mission system featured during the game’s open alpha earlier this year, the preseason will include:
• New challenger Samba: This guy is the first Chimera on the field and being half tiger, he is someone to watch out for. He is now one of the strongest characters in the game and his ultimate which gives him a massive speed boost, makes him hard to catch up with.
• 2 Arcade modes: Dodgeball & Mayhem
These to modes will be unlocked when you reach lvl 6 and will rotate every 24 hours, meaning one mode will be available to enjoy every day.
• Dodgeball challenges you to avoid getting hit by two balls while making sure those balls don’t rest on your side of the field for more than 12 seconds.
• Mayhem is a super-powered version of Standard mode, as abilities charge three times faster and players take control of random characters each time a goal is scored.
• New lobby with cool new UI and animated backgrounds.
• In-game background music has finally been added and with new sound effects for all characters, the game should definitely be experienced with the volume turned up.
• a comprehensive collection of skins (which includes accessories and player icons),
• Season pass with 60 levels. You will now be able to level up this all new season pass by completing daily and weekly challenges and earn special rewards.
• High Definition Render Pipeline (HDRP).
We have given the whole game a makeover and optimized it to HDRP which has improved graphics and performance and gives you a much smoother gaming experience.
Our player-friendly community where you can find new friends to play with, join special activities or challenge other players is on the official SBT Discord
To keep up to date with all the latest information on Super Buckyball Tournament, pleas follow us on:
If you like us want to see the game grow and succeed, a nice review would be a great help.
We would also be super stoked if you were to wishlist the full game Here.
Thanks for your support!!!
- Pathea Games
Preseason Launch Time Notice
Super Buckyball Tournament Preseason is scheduled to launch on Steam at 1PM CET November 19th!
That'll be 12PM in the UK, 4AM PST and 9AM BRT!
The Preseason is planned to open from November 19th to December 6th, can't wait to see you guys on the field!
Have fun!
- Devs
Last Closed Test Before The Launch Next Week
We are excited to announce that there is only 1 week left until Super Buckyball Tournament Preseason goes live on steam. We are working hard on making sure that everything is all set and ready so when we open the gates and players come in, there won’t be any problems.
We are running a test this Saturday from 7PM-10PM Pacific Standard Time. So if you want to get an exclusive sneak peek into what SBT Preseason will contain, make sure to join.
All you have to do is join our Discord and send a private message to Chris and he will send a key your way.
See you on the court!
- The Devs
My Time at Sandrock Announced Today!
ATTENTION: PATHEA GAMES NEEDS YOUR HELP!! PLEASE SUPPORT OUR
My Time at Sandrock – Just like My Time at Portia, the game takes place in perhaps the only wholesome post-apocalyptic world in the gaming industry right now; a world where humans have successfully restarted civilization after, long ago, nearly destroying themselves through greed, unbridled technology, and warfare in a period they refer to as the “The Age of Darkness.” Current citizens of this world now band together and reject the Old World ideologies as they work to rebuild, but remaking an entire civilization isn’t easy…
[previewyoutube="aolJ3ZHzhCo;full"]
First day on the job… Taking a job offer in the frontier town of Sandrock, you’ll assume the role of a fledgling builder being sent to a wild and rugged townscape on the brink of collapse. It’s up to you and your trusty toolset to gather resources, build machines, fix up your workshop into a well-oiled production machine, and save the town from the jaws of economic ruin, as well as a few other unexpected complications...
No job too big, no task too small! Customize and build your workshop with an intricate set of machines that all work together to produce parts of huge structures for the town that you assemble piece by piece; or head to your worktable to craft hundreds of unique items that can help out individual townspeople or be placed throughout your own workshop: watch Sandrock transform before your eyes as every contribution you make to town appears permanently in the world!
There and back again Explore the vast deserts surrounding Sandrock: dive into ruins to find ancient relics from the Old World, face the dangers of dungeons and their denizens, then return to your homestead with encumbering bags of treasure in tow. Take your profits and convert the empty prairie lands around you into farmable land for a more leisurely lifestyle, then sell your crops, or transform them into delicious dishes to share with all your new friends in town!
It takes a wild bunch… The people of Sandrock are hardy and tenacious, and one can hardly survive in such an arduous climate without developing a sense of humor. Befriend the local sheriff to hear about his tall tales, help out the chatty ranch family and they’ll help you in turn, spend some time with a local artist and hear about her hopes and aspirations. Meeting and helping these characters leads to not only making new friends, but also people to support you in building your workshop! And who knows, even romance might be in the air…
My Time at Sandrock brings a plethora of new features to the table:
New Combat - a revamped combat system that allows the player to quickly shift between melee combat and 3rd person shooting mechanics.
Great Music - an original soundtrack with dynamic in-game music that reflects where the player is and what they're doing
More Elaborate Story and Deeper Characters- a vastly enriched storyline, hundreds of side-quests boasting over 30 completely new characters, each getting more attention than before with their own story to discover, as well as the return of a few familiar faces for fans of the series.
Build with Friends! Co-op multiplayer - Perhaps the most exciting addition to the game is a new multiplayer function that will finally allow players to visit a unique multiplayer map where they can build a workshop together and experience an additional storyline that unfolds there…
Since April we have had Super Buckyball Tournament online for Open Alpha testing.
After about half a year of fun, we are about to end the Open Alpha testing.
The server will be running until October 18th and hopefully we can get a bunch of fun games in before then.
We appreciate all the feedback we have gotten, and watching you play has helped us learn a lot more about the game that we are trying to create.
So what’s next?
We are super happy to announce the upcoming beta test which we are calling Super Buckyball Tournament Preseason.
The Preseason is planned to launch in early November and it will come out with a bunch of extra cool new stuff. We won’t disclose any specifics right now, but you should know that this is the update you have been waiting for all summer!
Stay tuned over the next few weeks and we will give out some hints to what we are talking about!
Console giveaway
While waiting for the preseason, we are also running an exciting campaign to grow Pathea Games’ YouTube channel. When we reach 10.000 followers, we will give away a Nintendo Switch, at 20.000, we will give away an Xbox Series X and finally when we reach 50.000, we will give away the new PlayStation 5. All there is to participating, is to follow our account, hit the notifications button and in the comments sections of any of our videos tell us who your favorite character is and why. Click Here to join.
- The Devs
September Update Patch Note
New Contents & Features:
1. Added a practice arena, including a set of player tutorials and free training
- Player Tutorial: include guidelines for a set of basic moves (moving, jumping, passing, using Abilities, changing position etc.) - Free Training: offer a practice range
2. Adjusted the difficulty of the AI
3. Changed ranked mode entry to Lv10
4. Added 2-3 sets of new skins for each character
5. Added new item Reverse Ball
6. Added new daily and weekly missions, while slightly reducing the difficulty of some missions
7. Added surrender system, the weaker side can initiate a surrender vote under the ESC menu if the game passed the 3-minute mark
8. Added real-time notification system for actions such as saves and ultimate blocked
9. Added quick chat message in-game. In ranked mode, the message bar will only show messages from your teammates, while once the game started teammates can only communicate through quick chat messages or voice chat.
10. Added player profile icons
11. removed the settings where players have to use F8 to turn on and off the mouse, now simply use F4 to be ready
12. Added video introductions for character abilities, see them by pressing Tab in the skin menu
13. Added a leaderboard for MVPs
14. Added in-game background music for The Great Harbor Arena
15. Temporarily disabled the camera shaking effects from all kinds of abilities
Game Balancing Adjustments:
R47 1. Slightly reduced the shooting hitbox 2. Ground Pound (Right Click) - Reduced the hitbox for Ground Pound on both characters and the ball - Ground Pound can no longer disrupt certain character ultimates and abilities, such as Gridiron when shielding, R47’s ultimate and Pink’s ultimate. - When used to intercept the ball, the ball will be less likely to stay in control of the players - Adjust stamina consumption rate of Ground Pound 3. Batter Up (Ultimate) - Slightly increased the charge needed for his ultimate
Pai 1. Slightly increased his ball control ability
Pink 1. Slightly increased her ball control 2. Adjusted the position of in-game UI for her color cannon 3. Color Cannon: will gradually generate as the time passes, while reducing the generation rate through passing
Lang 1. Slightly increased his ball control 2. Slightly increased the height when performing Acrobat (jump on people’s head) and Parkour (jump on the wall) 3. Wind Tackle: affects R47 again 4. Eye of the Storm: increased AP recovery rate and debuff on opponents
Gridiron 1. Slightly increased his ball control ability 2. A minor increase on his jumping speed and maximum height when jumping 3. When shielding, slightly increased his reaction speed
Eriel 1. Slightly increased the generation speed for her bullet 2. Slightly reduced her stamina consumption
Bug Fixes
1. Fixed a bug where in the custom game, players cannot control characters when typing after the match has finished
2. Optimized server performances for smoother connections
