behavior_2D_Dynamic_Node_Orbit

Dynamic Satellite Orbit & Zone Trigger

This behavior creates a sophisticated relationship between three objects: a Barycenter (center), a Target (reference point), and a Satellite (orbiting object).

The Satellite automatically positions itself around the Barycenter based on the location of the Target. It creates a "locked orbit" effect—perfect for shields, directional indicators, or enemies that always face the player. Additionally, it divides the orbit into 4 quadrants (Up, Down, Left, Right) and triggers specific actions when the satellite enters a new zone.

Parameters

• Nodes Setup
  • Barycenter_Node (scenenode): The center of the orbit (e.g., the Player).
  • Target_Node (scenenode): The object being tracked (e.g., the Mouse Cursor or an Enemy).
  • Satellite_Node (scenenode): The object that will move around the center (e.g., a Shield).
• Orbit Configuration
  • Orbit_Radius_Size (float, default = 60): Distance between the center and the satellite.
  • Rotation_Offset (float, default = 0): Adjusts the facing angle of the satellite mesh (in degrees).
  • Satellite_Flees_The_Target (bool, default = true):
    • false → The satellite positions itself between the Barycenter and the Target (Shield behavior).
    • true → The satellite hides behind the Barycenter, away from the Target (Hiding behavior).
  • Satellite_Pivot_Point (string: "center", "bottom", "top"): Automatically adjusts the radius based on the mesh's bounding box to prevent clipping.
• Zone Triggers (Actions)
  • These actions fire once when the satellite enters a specific 90-degree sector relative to the center.
  • Action_When_Satellite_Up (45° to 135°)
  • Action_When_Satellite_Left (135° to 225°)
  • Action_When_Satellite_Down (225° to 315°)
  • Action_When_Satellite_Right (315° to 45°)
• Debug
  • Draw_Lines (bool): If enabled, draws a visual overlay in the editor/game showing the orbit circle (red), the line of sight (green), and the zone dividers (yellow). Highly recommended for setup.

Example Use Cases

• Directional Shield:
  • Barycenter = Player, Target = Enemy, Satellite = Shield Mesh.
  • Set Satellite_Flees_The_Target = false.
  • Result: The shield always stays between the player and the enemy.
• Boss "Weak Spot":
  • Barycenter = Boss, Target = Player, Satellite = Glowing Weak Point.
  • Set Satellite_Flees_The_Target = true.
  • Result: The boss rotates to protect its weak point, keeping it on the opposite side of the player.
• Animation Controller:
  • Use the Zone Triggers to change the animation of the Barycenter character (e.g., "Walk Backward" when the target is behind, "Walk Forward" when in front) based on where the tracking node is located.
• Player Shadow:
  • As shown in the .ccb file available for download on this same page..

  
  

  Limitations

  • Planar Movement: The orbit calculation is strictly 2D (X and Z axes). The satellite does not move up or down based on the target's height; it stays at its initial Y position.
  • Physics: Since the position is hard-set every frame, this behavior overrides standard physics collisions for the satellite itself.