Gregoryshowed me several examples of how the different classes could work together to greater effect. For example, using a pull-like Voidspell to gather enemies into a tight group could becombined with a well-timed use of the Sicario's Fissure ability —a charge attack that damages all enemies in its path —to maximizeyour damage output POE currency trade .

Another method of combining the group's uniquecharacteristics would be to leverage their elemental capabilities. An example of this would again make use of the water-based Void ability, but this time, instead of lining up enemies for an efficient physical attack, another character's lightning ability could come into play, electrocuting thedrenched mob.

Positioning on the battlefieldalso hasadditional importance in Masquerada. Gregory notes that all player characters, NPCs, and enemies have armor (seen in the video above as color-coded circlessurrounding each character) that must be dealt with before being able to damage them directly. For example, character's attempting to tangle with foes head-onwill find themselves dealing damage only to that foe's armor until it can be destroyed.

However, armor mitigates only half the damage dealt to a target when struck from the flank and attacks to the rear cause full damage to a target, renderingarmor useless.Aside note to armor is that the player character's armor has the capacity to regenerate unlike an enemy's, which is rendered useless after acertain number of attacks. Also, certain characters, such as the Sicario, can sacrifice armor altogether for an added boost to damage output at the risk of becoming injured in the act.

Character skills are another important aspect that warrantsexplanation when discussing Masquerada‘s combat systems. As shown in the video, each character has a row of different abilities at their disposal in the action bar. Gregory notes that anyone familiar with Dota 2 or League of Legends will have a general idea of how to use them from the onset, e.g., after each useof a particular ability itwon't be available again untilits cool-down timer refreshes POE goods .

One big difference in the way Masquerada handles skills is in how they evolve overtime.Witching Hour Studios has chosen to eschew experience points altogether. Instead, at certain key points in the game's storyeach character will be issued a set amount of skill points to spend in their respective skill trees. This not only avoids tedious grinding, but it ensures that the developers have a good handle on all of the potential outcomes of character development and can tailor the game's encounter difficulty accordingly.