Engineering the Smart Enemy: A Game Development Insight

In the realm of game development, crafting engaging and challenging experiences for players is paramount. An innovative approach to achieving this is through the introduction of a new enemy type: the smart enemy. This enemy has the unique ability to detect its position relative to the player and modify its attack strategy by firing backwards when positioned behind the player. This article explores the implementation of such an enemy, offering a fresh dynamic to gameplay by requiring players to remain vigilant from all directions.

Understanding the Smart Enemy Concept

The smart enemy concept is designed to enhance the gameplay experience by introducing an enemy that adjusts its behavior based on its spatial relationship with the player. Specifically, this enemy type is capable of recognizing when it has maneuvered behind the player, triggering a change in its attack pattern to maintain the threat level.

Implementing the Smart Enemy

Detecting the Player’s Position

The foundation of the smart enemy’s behavior lies in its ability to continuously track its position in relation to the player. By implementing a method that compares the two positions, the enemy can determine the appropriate moment to switch its attack mode.

private bool _isBehind = false;

void IsBehindCheck()
{
    float playerHeight = 1.8f;
    if (_player != null)
    {
        if (transform.position.y + playerHeight < _player.transform.position.y)
        {
            Debug.Log("Enemy Behind");
            _isBehind = true;
        }
        else
        {
            Debug.Log("Enemy in Front");
            _isBehind = false;
        }
    }
}

Adaptive Attack Behavior

Once the enemy confirms it’s behind the player, it adapts its laser firing mechanism. This adjustment ensures the enemy remains a significant threat by altering the laser’s direction and spawn position to target the player from behind.

void FireEnemyLaser()
{
    _fireRate = Random.Range(3f, 5f);
    _nextFire = Time.time + _fireRate;
if (_isBehind)
    {
        _laserPos = transform.position + new Vector3(0, 2.8f, 0);
    }
    else
    { 
        _laserPos = transform.position;
    }
    GameObject enemyLaser = Instantiate(_enemyLaserPrefab, _laserPos, Quaternion.identity);
    Laser[] lasers = enemyLaser.GetComponentsInChildren<Laser>();
    for (int i = 0; i < lasers.Length; i++)
    {
        lasers[i].SetEnemyLaser();
        if (_isBehind)
        {
            lasers[i].SetEnemyBehind(); // Adjusting the laser behavior for backward firing
        }
        else
        {
            lasers[i].UnsetEnemyBehind();
        }
    }
}

Laser Script Modification

To accommodate the backward firing, the Laser script needs adjustments to its movement logic, allowing it to function correctly based on the new attack pattern.

private bool _isEnemyBehind = false;

void Update()
{
    if (!_isEnemyLaser || _isEnemyBehind)
    {
        MoveUp();
    }
    else
    {
        MoveDown();
    }
}
public void SetEnemyBehind()
{
    _isEnemyBehind = true;
}
public void UnsetEnemyBehind()
{
    _isEnemyBehind = false;
}

Broadening Gameplay Horizons

The smart enemy introduces a nuanced layer to game design, compelling players to adopt a more comprehensive defensive strategy. This enemy type not only diversifies the combat experience but also prompts players to remain cognizant of threats from all directions, thereby enriching the overall gameplay experience.

Future developments could explore varied behavioral patterns for the smart enemy, including different attack strategies when in front of or behind the player, and the potential for coordinated attacks with other enemy types. The introduction of the smart enemy marks a step towards more dynamic and engaging game environments, where player awareness and strategy are continuously challenged.