My AC is broken so I'm up a bit later than normal, so how about an event idea? This would require an amount of scripting, not something that could be used now.
So essentially I wrote a quick outline in Xiao's other thread.
I think it would be neat to have a maze like level set underwater where the players have to swim around using the arrow keys, pressing A to get sort of a dash swim to close in on a player.
I'm expanding the idea, drawing my inspiration from Donkey Kong Country, and Mario 3 battle mode. Now I'm thinking that you start in an underwater level, made symmetrically with different levels or zones.
Think the battle mode from Mario 3:
Or a top down view from Mario Kart:
But more aesthetically similar to Donkey Kong:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GH-UGtfGH8I
The level would have sort of a gravity, think how most 2D games work in regards to swimming physics. You would navigate left or right with the arrow keys, have to tap A to move up, release A to sink, and S would be a sword attack.
Best example I can think of is World 2-2 from Mario Bros for the NES:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCHgirqdiHcIn the middle of the level at a certain interval a crate will spawn. When you open this crate a swordfish would spawn that you would grab onto. The controls would change, you would no longer sink, you'd move with the arrows keys (though the movement would be a bit slippery), and S or A would have to do a thrusting attack which would also give you a boost of speed.
Skip to 1:53 for an example of Engarde's movement from Donkey Kong Country:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1t76owz173g* The swordfish attack would be stronger than the regular attack. If you're attacked while riding the swordfish, you will be knocked off, allowing the other player the chance of getting on and using the swordfish. Repeatedly attacking the swordfish will have it dash attack, and eventually swim out of the level.
* The goal is obviously to kill all the other players. The event would work with FFA, teams, and lives based elimination.
I'd like some feedback, and input on how feasible something like this could be done. I think something like this is right up Thor's alley. He has done a great job emulating Zelda's dungeon design style and gameplay.