@Germanunkol I think you could get big wins by considering the animation principles of "anticipation" and "slow in slow out". So for your example, I would:
1. Add a charging effect before the orb is fired.
2. Accelerate the orb as it moves towards the target.
3. Add a lingering effect after the orb hits.
Look at how much of the work to sell this spell's power happens before/after it is in flight.
@Germanunkol References if you're interested:
Animation principles explained using examples from #darkstalkers
https://art-eater.com/articles/darkstalkers-and-the-twelve-principles-of-animation
This video is mostly critiquing animations in Injustice 2, but it has two great examples of how animation gives a moving ball distinct feel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbNWb-vmlB4&t=480s
@ElysianThus Those are excellent sources and ideas, thanks!!
I've read a bit on those principles before, but I wanted to get the visual side/coloring/particles set up first, before adding more "punch". After reading your posts, however, I think that might have been the wrong order... I should first get the impact right, then add visual details later.
Germanunkol
Victor