Loki Characteristics and Behaviour

Loki Characteristics and Behaviour

Loki is a very diverse character with a variety of different depictions and character traits. The main characteristics types of Loki will consider that of Norse mythology and the Marvel implementation of the character.

Research

Mythology

(Source: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Loki)

Loki is a major god in Norse mythology, he is known as the Trickster god with neither good or bad intentions but the goal of creating chaos. To a lesser extent, he is known as the God of Fire. He had the ability to change his shape and sex and was also very clever, devising plans with other gods. His shapeshifting abilities allowed him to take the form of a salmon, mare and a fly.

Marvel

(Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loki_(Marvel_Comics))

A takeaway from some of the abilities that Loki possesses in this version is that he is a "Master of manipulation and deceit", has "Superhuman strength, speed, durability, and longevity" and other Asgardian powers defined in the comics. The character is also said to have genius level intelligence.

Summary

The main takeaways from these short descriptions is that Loki is first and foremost a trickster with the goal of creating chaos. He is also very intelligent and potentially prideful, arrogant and cunning. He was said to be able to control fire at will.

AI Design and Dialogue

Taking some of the aspects of each iteration of the character, some concepts for the AI of the character can be created and determined if they would fit well.

Tricks

Loki is a trickster, this means that his goal is to confuse, distract and outsmart people. In terms of gameplay, this could be done through teleporting into different areas of the room, changing form into a different entity or creating decoys.

Other forms of confusion that could be implemented is affecting the player's view of the game however, this may have a negative effect on the quality of the game.

Teleportation has already been implemented by the enemy team for the Elf King. Since both of them possess supernatural powers, reusing this code could add to the character well but repetition of the boss fights can lead to boring gameplay.

Attacks

Loki is known as the God of Fire and he has supernatural powers in the Marvel version. Attacks such as fireballs, and explosions could be used to create an interesting attack pattern.

Since fireballs and explosions have already been implemented, reuse of this code could reduce the amount of time and complexity to implement Loki.

Decision

After discussing the time frame to spend on the character, how feasible the designs are and taking already completed work into consideration. The AI components that will be included in the Loki design will be shown below but are subject to change:

• Teleportation
• Shapeshifting into enemies and hiding amongst them and changing back
• Creating pillars of fire is a different type of attack that could differentiate Loki from the Elf boss.
• Explosions of fire at a delay that occurs when the player is in close proximity

Dialogue

The cunning, arrogant and prideful characteristic is something that all depictions of Loki have in common. Due to this, Loki should have sharp and witty dialogue with the main character, talking their skills up while poking fun at the main character. Loki's relationship with the character should not be out of hatred but more for personal amusement. Toying with a character as arrogant as himself as he believes that the mere mortal does not come anywhere close.

The implementation of this dialogue can be found here, this will contain the latest version Dialogue