Discussion: auto-battler or not-o-battler?
I'm torn and wanted to see if people have strong opinions on their game experience. Every so often, when I need to focus on something that isn't work (but for some reason I still want to start at an IDE?) I've been working on my little fantasy RPG inspired PBBG. The combat loop is straightforward: descend into the depths, defeating different creatures and challenges, gain loot, upgrade, etc. There are other mechanics but this is the one I'm asking about.
Initially I was going for turn based combat with a focus on status effects, pictured (fig. 2). Slay the Spire was the model. I have vulnerable, fortified, poisoned states, more in mind. You select from your skills, either limited by stamina/mana or uses per fight or both. It was sort of satisfying, but each fight takes time and could get repetitive.
Then I tried putting together an autobattler, also pictured (fig. 1). In this one your character attacks enemies, right now one at a time, using your primary DPS. Pending is a secondary attack that can be selected,buffs/debuffs/stances to add some strategy to it. It's also pretty satisfying.
So: do you prefer one style over the other? They're clearly different experiences, but both can fit based on other decisions and balances. Auto might be easier to balance, more momentum. Turn based can get some tactical depth, but maybe PBBG players would be playing something else if they were in the mood for it. Opinions would be very helpful.