Modular Monument / Statue with Progression

Design pattern addressing modular monument / statue with progression, defining how this system creates engagement and supports the overall game experience.

Medium complexity

4 examples

1 patterns

survival roguelike farming-sim

Overview

Modular Monument / Statue with Progression is a fundamental game mechanic that establishes rules governing player behavior and system responses. Designers must carefully balance the system's depth against its learning curve, ensuring that new players can engage while experienced players find room for mastery. Modern implementations often combine this mechanic with procedural elements to increase variety and replayability.

Game Examples

Roguelikes

Roguelikes use this mechanic where players time their actions precisely to tell their own story. The mechanic integrates seamlessly with other systems, resulting in memorable moments.

Tycoon Games

Tycoon Games use this mechanic where players time their actions precisely to reach the highest tier. Edge cases create memorable moments, resulting in strategic variety.

Simulation Games

Simulation Games use this mechanic where players navigate branching paths to maximize their effectiveness. The mechanic integrates seamlessly with other systems, resulting in community formation.

Card Games

Card Games use this mechanic where players adapt to changing conditions to explore every possibility. The system tracks multiple variables simultaneously, resulting in creative expression.

Pros & Cons

Advantages

Creates natural cooperation between players
Encourages aggressive playstyles and experimentation
Integrates naturally with social systems

Disadvantages

Can create frustrating when RNG is unfavorable
Can become overpowered in the late game
Requires significant UI/UX work to implement well
Can lead to player burnout if overused
Risk of tedium in competitive environments

Implementation Patterns

Crafting Queue

A modular approach to modular monument / statue with progression that separates concerns and enables easy testing.

class ModularMonumentStatueWithProgressionManager {
  recipes: Recipe[] = [];

  craft(recipeId: string, inventory: Inventory) {
    const recipe = this.recipes.find(r => r.id === recipeId);
    if (!recipe) return null;

    for (const ingredient of recipe.ingredients) {
      if (!inventory.has(ingredient.id, ingredient.amount)) {
        return null; // Missing materials
      }
    }

    for (const ingredient of recipe.ingredients) {
      inventory.remove(ingredient.id, ingredient.amount);
    }

    const quality = this.rollQuality(0.05);
    return { ...recipe.output, quality };
  }

  rollQuality(baseChance: number) {
    const roll = Math.random();
    if (roll < baseChance * 0.05) return "legendary";
    if (roll < baseChance * 0.1) return "rare";
    if (roll < baseChance) return "uncommon";
    return "common";
  }
}