Hey folks. I know there have been a lot of posts for suggestions, and I apologize if some of these are repeats, but I would like to recommend the following, as I am very interested in games that try to integrate the player into the environment. I would ask that if you think that any of these ideas are bad, don't just say so, explain why. Radiation - Variable effect that can cause various changes. Can be biome or planet specific. Examples include: Thermal Dot based damage to unshielded/unarmored players. Gamma radiation that increases cellular repair and melee combat strength (but also has super powerful critters within its influence). Etc. Poison - DoT requiring medicinal antidote to be crafted and used. Paralysis - Renders PC or NPC unable to move for time duration. Can be prevented with immunizations, or cured in multiplayer by another player. Speed Enhancement/Detraction - Muck mud and sand slow the player when running across it. Useful for building traps/PvP kill-zones. Adds environmental ambiance. Can be countered with upgrades. Stims that increase speed, but too much should increase mouse sensitivity and cause jitters or withdrawal. Acid Rain - Damage to players that are in the open. reduces plant growth. Poisons water. Hallucinations - Caused by alien plants or animal bites. Symptoms include the appearance of phantom critters that are not there, or apparent status effects that are not there. (Ie. "OMG my character is on fire!" While not actually taking damage.) Dazed/Stunned - Caused by receiving a critical blow or by cave in. Think the typical ring of stars around the players head. Slow movement, perhaps randomize the movement keys for a short duration. Blinded - Alter field of view to incorporate various effects. Slant the screen, play with the fog, etc.
I think these are pretty good, with the hallucinations perhaps have the health-bar appearing to go down for a moment or two as well because if you just see your character burning but no health loss then you can just tell it's a hallucination and meta past it.
