The main mechanic of Typefighters - typing words faster than your opponent - is quite simple. Therefore it was crucial to frame this mechanic with interesting game modes. And since the game is supposed to be played against players with different typing skills, the modes were also designed to highlight a variety of additional skills as well. This post is meant as a follow-up to the first mode spotlight, describing four other modes in detail.
Projectiles
Wouldn't it be interesting to influence the words your opponent has to type? Maybe some extra long ones, using keys that are especially hard to reach? This mode allows you to type in words at will, which - if validated by the internal dictionary - flung towards your opponent. You score for each one he or she doesn't block by typing them in time. But be careful, attacks might be coming your way at the same time...
Aside from allowing you to set your opponents challenge, this mode forces constant considerations on when to attack or defend. It emphasizes tactics, typing speed and creativity in your choice of words.
Guess
"Guess" is a turn-based spin on the "Projectiles" mechanic, adding an extra layer of mind-games into the mix. Each word you send is accompanied by two randomly selected decoy words and your score increases until your opponent has typed the word you originally put in. Try to hide yourself behind mundane words, which is especially hard when your opponent knows you well!
Due to its slower pace and focus on outsmarting the other player, this modes allows players to compensate a slower typing speed by using their intuition and creativity.
Reflect
A remix of "Projectiles" and "Tug" (https://www.indiedb.com/games/typefighters/news/mode-spotlight-1), this mode enables you to influence your opponents challenge without the multitasking aspect of managing offensive and defensive actions. When you type a valid word, it is put on a single horizontal line in the center of the screen. The line then moves towards your opponent until he or she has sucessfully typed your word and replaced it with another word of his or her choice. After that the line changes its direction. This process is repeated until one of the players fails to reflect the line in time, increasing the other players score. Taking the risk to select longer, more complicated words might give you the edge here.
Similar to "Tug", time differences also add up over time in this mode. Its longer rounds require endurance as well as tactical considerations, choosing the right words for the current line position. Naturally, typing speed and creativity matter as well.
Creative
This modes allows you to train your creativity and familiarize yourself with the underlying dictionaries. You score for every valid word you type, with longer words getting you more points. However, each word only counts once.
Besides from creativity, which gets more important as you play longer rounds, typing speed is still key to overcoming your opponent.
