How do you design your magic?

[Samven]

there really isn't an rtp animation that would fit with a spell called "Bananarang"

Final Fantasy Tactics A3 team, take notes! This is how you make a Green Mage that's actually worth using.

In my game I use skill upgrade items. Some skills become useless (too weak) in late game like the "Photon Ray." You can buy an upgrade for it when you reach a certain level. The "Photon Ray" skill will be replaced with "Photonic Beam" skill. It does twice the damage as the "Photon ray" with the same MP cost.

I also use transformations to change skills. If a character goes into the "omega" form--all the skills for that battle will be upgraded temporarily. For example the "Photonic Beam" will become the "Photonic Blast." If you didn't upgrade the "Photon Ray" to "Photonic Beam" before transforming, the "Photon Ray" becomes the "Photonic Beam" afterwards. All skills will go back to its previous grade when Omega form wears off. Conditional Branch FTW.

I create my skills in levels somewhat. Also the "Photonic Blast" can be upgraded to the "Super Photonic Hyper Cannon™" in the transformation beyond Omega. I had to say it.

This method of upgrading spells sounds like a pretty good idea. Combines the damage increases of tiered spells without any of the menu clutter. I like it. : D