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Boss Voices

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for configuring dynamic contextual audio triggers using the Boss Voice Controller in Unity. This system dynamically plays category-specific audio clips (e.g., combat dialogue, taunts, damage reactions, and idle sounds) based on the boss AI's active behavior state.

1. GameObject & Audio Source Creation

Create the dedicated voice controller object under the boss hierarchy and attach required audio components.

Steps

  1. In the Hierarchy, right-click the Bull Boss New GameObject and choose Create Empty.
  2. Rename the new child object to Boss Voice Controller.
  3. Select Boss Voice Controller and click Add Component -> Audio Source:
  4. Play On Awake: Uncheck.
  5. Spatial Blend: Set to 3D (slide completely to 1.0).
  6. Min Distance: 20 meters.
  7. Max Distance: 30 meters.
  8. Click Add Component -> Boss Voice Controller:
  9. Drag the Audio Source component into the Audio Source field on the script.

2. Voice Controller Settings & Category Configuration

Configure voice playback behavior, delay intervals between category switches, and set up state categories.

Steps

  1. In the Inspector for Boss Voice Controller, verify core settings:
  2. Enable Voices: Checked.
  3. Interrupt Current Voice: Unchecked (ensures active dialogue lines finish playing completely without clipping).
  4. Min Category Delay: 2 seconds.
  5. Max Category Delay: 3 seconds.
  6. In the Add Category section, type each category name exactly as shown below and click Add Category after each entry:
  7. in combat
  8. on hit
  9. in pre-combat
  10. in non-combat

Note: Additional custom categories (e.g., ground slam) can be created following the same step.

3. Audio Clip Assignment

Assign relevant audio files to their corresponding state categories.

Steps

Expand each generated category inside the Boss Voice Controller Inspector and assign audio clips:

  • in combat: Assign battle lines, taunts, and attack vocalizations.
  • in pre-combat: Assign pre-engagement threat clips or warning voice lines.
  • on hit: Assign pain clips and damage reaction sounds (enemy hit audio assets).
  • in non-combat: Assign idle vocalizations, ambient growls, roars, or idle mouth sounds.

4. Global Event Mapping

Hook global state changes on the main boss entity to trigger category switches in the Voice Controller.

Steps

  1. Select the main Bull Boss New GameObject in the hierarchy.
  2. Navigate to the Global Events section in the Inspector and click Add Global Event 4 times.
  3. Configure the 4 events to bind boss state changes to audio categories:
Event Type Target GameObject Called Function Category String Parameter
In Combat Boss Voice Controller BossVoiceController.PlayCategory in combat
On Take Damage Boss Voice Controller BossVoiceController.PlayCategory on hit
In Pre-Combat Boss Voice Controller BossVoiceController.PlayCategory in pre-combat
In Non-Combat Boss Voice Controller BossVoiceController.PlayCategory in non-combat

5. Specific Ability Audio Triggers (Optional)

You can trigger specific voice lines for individual abilities (such as a Ground Slam or Melee attack).

Steps

  1. In Boss Voice Controller, create a new category (e.g., ground slam) and assign matching voice clips.
  2. Select the Bull Boss New GameObject and expand the specific ability parameters inside the Enemy Ability System (e.g., Ground Slam ability entry).
  3. Under the ability's Event Hooks section, click Add Event Hook (+).
  4. Drag Boss Voice Controller into the field.
  5. Select function: BossVoiceController.PlayCategory.
  6. Enter the category parameter name (e.g., ground slam).

6. Playback Logic Overview

Understanding the underlying playback mechanics ensures optimal tuning:

  • Clip Duration Protection: The controller automatically calculates the active clip's exact playback duration before applying cooldown timers. If a clip is 10 seconds long and category cooldown is set to 3 seconds, the system waits 13 seconds total before attempting to play the next line.
  • Category Transition Delays: When the boss state changes (e.g., transitioning from in combat to in pre-combat), the system waits for the Min/Max Category Delay interval (2 - 3 seconds) before initiating clips from the new category.
  • Default Initial State: If no state category is explicitly active at initialization, the voice system automatically picks a default category and plays back an available clip.

7. Verification Checklist

Before running tests in Play Mode, check the following configuration settings:

  • [ ] Audio Source: Play On Awake is disabled and Spatial Blend is set to 3D (1.0).
  • [ ] 3D Sound Range: Min Distance is set to 20 and Max Distance to 30.
  • [ ] No Voice Interrupts: Interrupt Current Voice is unchecked to allow full line playback.
  • [ ] Category String Exact Matches: String entries in Global Events match category names exactly (in combat, on hit, in pre-combat, in non-combat).
  • [ ] Global Event Hooks: All 4 state events are hooked to BossVoiceController.PlayCategory.
  • [ ] Audio Clips: Audio clips are populated across all active categories.