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[Kevin G]

Can anyone knowledgeable in turn-based combat games share their insight into how targeted attacks are best implemented?


Specifically what is the best sequence of events for the selection of actions and targeting.


a.  Select target -> pick an action  -> action executes (no confirmation box)

b.  Select target -> pick an action -> action executes upon confirmation from user (via dialog, double click, or right click)

c.  Select action -> cursor changes to attack icon-> click on target- > action executes

d.  Select action -> cursor changes to targeting icon-> click on target -> action executes upon confirmation from user (via dialog, double click, or right click)

Selecting a target first has advantages in that you can filter out invalid action icons based on the target selected. 
The user doesn't need to hover his mouse over the enemy to determine if it's attack-able.  The player only needs to cycle through each target in range (via next target or prev target buttons) once, and since there are generally less targets than actions (attack types, targeted spells, talents, etc) it's far more efficient a process.  


Selecting an action first is more akin to how games many strategy games like Panzer General work.  Once the action is selected the player can move the mouse over a target to evaluate the details of the action.

Any thoughts?  Are confirmations really all that important?