I'm currently thinking of making a "beat 'em up" style game. The terrain is going to be the coolest part, for it will be similar to an actual side-scroller type landscape. The idea would be simple, have close ranged units as heros and attack other close ranged units. The problem is, I don't see how to make it "fun". What's some ideas to make this map fun, and not just moving a zealot from unit to unit?

Special powers, like shooting fireballs etc, shoving opponents back, multiplayer with said powers, special effects, lots of special effects.

Combos.

I didn't even think of that. How would I implement multuplayer into it?

What do you mean?

Beat 'Em Up games are usually 1-2 players. How can I make the game so it's more then 2 players.

Well, you can either have the WAF type of combos, or you may be able to implement Multiplayer combos into it, where both players do certain moves next to eachother or something.

No no, how can I have multplayer into it? It was a different question then the combos.

Combos sound cool. Yeah, make sure you include something that separates you from typical Starcraft maps, like adding cool spells and whatnot. Are you going to make it like a side-scrolling beat em up?

What's the problem you're having with Multiplayer? You make a second hero for Player 2, and you add in the same trigs?
Are you looking for different characters or just... well, what are you looking for?

Well I don't see it being widely popular if only 2 people can play it.

Ok, so make it 4 players, and make it a BIT harder. That way you still have a challenging game.

4 player beat 'em up with combos...what else?

Team Combos, like Different players Use certain moves to combine and do something really BAMF.

And include Time warps.

Okay, what about enemies? I'm trying to keep it in a modern setting, but I don't know if I should just have Zealots attack over and over, or what.

Enemies...but in a modern setting? Hm.

Zealot - Brawler
Fenix Zealot - Brawler on Roids
Zergling - Rabid Dog
Firebat - Punk with Spraycan & Lighter
Ghost - Riot Police
Civilian - Innocent Bystander



As for the combos, here's something you could have:

- A blow that stuns your opponent for a while (give to neutral player)
- A blow that deals a lot of damage but takes a while to charge up, leaving you vulnerable

It's a no brainer, you use the stun blow first, then you charge up the big one while they can't fight back.

Special weapons (for example "scarab" or "infested terran"-based grenades)

Develop a Good AI for the Enemies.

Give some Enemies Spells to fight back.

Get upgrades in the map. People love to kill + upgrade.

Give them a goal, don't just have a "You're here, people are trying to kill you"
Like, trying to save a family member or another POI that has been kidnapped by an organized crime group, and you have to fight your way down inside their HQ, and fight the boss. (Alpha Enemy Unit)