Devlog 1# Neutral Areas

Following my decision to break up my levels into smaller sections I've also thought about how the player will move across section to section.  Right now the player simply transfers  to the next section and while this works I've thought about doing something more.  In Madness Combat Nexus 2's story mode there are the missions that you can play through but there also is an "overworld" area  that connects all the missions together.  This is different from a simple level select or even a overview map of the levels as you the player are still engaged and playing instead of looking at menus or interface. 

Thus it's a more organic approach to level select, and to me there are opportunities for expanding it and using it in multiple ways. For my game I still need to implement choosing which units you will take with you on each section. In the proposed Neutral areas you'll be able to see every unit you've recruited and be able to walk up to them and have them join you. 

First and foremost, the overworld will be a place to rest heal up and get organized for the next mission. There will be venders and stores the players can access and get new equipment. 

While the levels will follow a fairly linear path I would like still give players some options in terms where they go. Through the overworld I can create optional missions that player can choose to go on. 

Related to breaking the linearity the overworld can also be place for secret equipment and even units. In a way the overworld expands on the sense of exploration of the game world that players can seek out.