Considering making a game for Windows/Xbox 360

[lordikon]

I'm thinking about making a video game, drawing inspiration from a lot of the games I've been playing recently, including:

- Borderlands
- Minecraft
- Final Fantasy 4, 6, and 7 (SNES/PSX)
- Super Metroid (SNES)
- Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (similar to Super Metroid, more RPG-like)
- Terraria
- Zelda II (NES)
- Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind
- Willow (NES)
- World of Warcraft
- Dragon Quest 9 (Nintendo DS)
- Actraiser 1/2 (SNES)

Of course I'm trying to add some cool original stuff to it, but I'm shooting for a 2D RPG game, playable single or multi-player, servers could be run by anyone. Elements of combat, crafting, socialism, building, puzzles, quests, etc. I'm also trying not to take too much of any set of ideas from any one game in particular, because I don't want to make a 'clone', I want something that's different enough in it's own way that it stands out.

I'm posting this in case anyone feels like submitting any ideas. If I used any ideas I would give credit for them, but at the same time some ideas are a dime a dozen so I can't guarantee any of them would fit. I just figured you guys were the perfect people to ask since we all have a common interest in similar video games.

Thanks!

 

[Hudy]

I feel as if 2D is very limited but, I like a lot of the games you have posted up there.

Anxious to see the suggestions flow.

 

[lordikon]

I can do 3D, I've written my own 3D game engine http://www.codeplex.com/quickstartengine , however, 3D games take much longer to develop, and it would require that I get a 3D modeler to help me with the assets. Things like physics engines are much more complex in 3D as well, and getting the same visual quality in 3D is difficult and more expensive (performancewise).

Additionally, a lot things are easier for players in 2D, like controls. If I went with 3D I would have to create a camera system and the camera would have to collide with the world so it didn't get stuck inside of things and block the player's view. 2D just makes a lot of things easier for everyone, and I feel certain games are just better in 2D as well.

 

[SgtSpike]

Sounds great!

My only suggestion is to primarily sell it for bitcoins (maybe even only sell it for bitcoins at first). You'd get a LOT of interest, media attention, and sales for being the first indy dev to sell a game only for bitcoins!

Ok, I lied, I have one other suggestion: Don't put magic in it! I don't know why, but casting spells and having mana has always turned me off of games. Just seems too cheesy and unreal I guess. I want to fight with swords and bows and guns, stuff that actually exists.

 

[lordikon]

Hmmm, spells are a major tenant of most RPG games, for example I feel it works great in Terraria. However I do agree that a lot of spells aren't needed.

 

[Wombatus]

Ok, I lied, I have one other suggestion: Don't put magic in it! I don't know why, but casting spells and having mana has always turned me off of games. Just seems too cheesy and unreal I guess. I want to fight with swords and bows and guns, stuff that actually exists.

Well, if you don't like things who don't exist, why playing video games ? You should do sports or airsoft
The better game would be one where Spike can play without magic, without being disadvantaged. That would make everyone happy.
By the way I'm also bored by magic when it's always the same speels. "Oh, so original ! Fireball !!" I'd like to see a new kind of magic.

(My dreamed game is in 3D, and I think the ideas of it wont help you, it must be too different)

 

[FrothingLuck]

I enjoy the idea of alternate perspectives. I found this comment on Kotaku detailing co-op in a silent hill game, one person views a room with horrifying monsters in it because they have a different mental instability than the other player. In terms of 2d, you would need to be able to keep it fresh and kinetic. Something needs to constantly move. Sorry for this disjointed post, I'm not really sure what I'm saying.

 

[SgtSpike]

I know lordikon, that's why I don't play most RPG's. I'd like to see more RPG's cater to the crowd that doesn't want to use spells/magic.

Maybe it's just part of the learning curve thing... I'm not one to sit down and figure out which spell does what, and what would be the best combo to use in what order, etc. I don't know what "Whispered Wicks" might do as a magic spell, but give me a double-edged longsword or an M16 and I know what to do with it right off the bad. I like knowing what to do in a game and getting up to speed on it as quickly as possible.

I don't mind stuff that doesn't exist (for instance, Left4Dead is an awesome game/series), but magic and mana is just bleh. And it's so cliche to RPG's anyway, I'd just like to see something different.

 

[Wombatus]

I'm not one to sit down and figure out which spell does what, and what would be the best combo to use in what order, etc.

Ok I see (and I agree for the cliche) but you just need a good magic system to break this problem. I can give you exactly the same exemple with FPS, there is some games with thousands of rifles, you can't tell the difference, which one is better or faster, it's horrible. And you have good FPS with clear categories of weapons, like L4D.
(You can make the same exemple with car game, etc).
The problem is not especialy the magic.

 

[PD400]

One suggestion, don't use Gold as the currency, if you have any. Create a currency that makes sense for the environment of the game. For example, the original Fallout games used bottlecaps, but the ones that came later that took place in Chicago used soda can tabs. Perhaps you want to have more than one currency?

 

[SgtSpike]

Wombatus, I agree. But when was the last time you saw a simple set of spells in a game?

 

[lordikon]

Good idea on the alternative currency type. I'll have to think about that one, I don't have a theme planned out yet, but if I do hopefully there is a currency to match.

More on the use of "magic" in game. Some RPGs give the player something different based on their class, so a warrior might have 'Rage', a mage might have 'Mana', and a dark elf might have...etc..etc. This can keep it from seeminging like magic, if you're the warrior then 'Rage' could be used for special attacks or something.

 

[Wombatus]

Wombatus, I agree. But when was the last time you saw a simple set of spells in a game?

I have no idea at the moment, you take this point !
By the way we speak about a game who doesn't exist yet, so I say "yes for magic, but a simple one"

I agree for the currency, I will never forget Fallout's caps !!! It's a huge part of the identity of the game.

 

[lordikon]

I'm ironing out some details, but I'm really stuck on one.

I want randomly generated worlds, however, I'm not sure I want to go with blocks like Terraria/Minecraft, because I don't think I want a large focus on digging and building, and I don't want a Terraria clone. But, generating large random worlds that are pleasing to the eye and fun to play in, without blocks, it a hefty task. I don't even know where to start with something like that other a grid-like layout of rooms, laid out in a slightly random arrangement, but I'm not sure that would be fun either, the rooms would get very repetitive.

Also, I think the addicting quality about games like Terraria and Minecraft is the fact that on multiplayer servers you can shape the world to suit your needs, build giant bridges to get past dangerous areas, or dig under them, etc. If I don't go with a destructive/buildable environment I lose that addicting quality.

I've been pondering if I could generate a random world using blocks like Terraria, but not focus so much of digging, ore, and smelting? Could I make a game with a destructible and buildable environment and not feel like a Terraria ripoff? If the random generation was smart enough I might be able to make a random environment of blocks and not have it be destructible, and I could find another way to give players materials to be able to build certain things.

I dunno, I'm rambling at this point, just had this running through my head for a couple of days, thought I'd spill my thoughts here and see if someone could kick start any ideas.

EDIT: Just laid out the basics on paper for tech requirements. It's look like about 12-16 months of work at least.

 

[PD400]

Perhaps it doesnt need to be world, necessarily. You could make the game take place in space, or another dimension, or something creative where there would be no earth.

The above actually gave me an idea that is definitely different from Terraria and Minecraft. Why not something along the lines of using planets to build? You search for planets in space, and each could have randomly generated characteristics. Maybe one is covered in lava, while another is completely barren on the outside but has primitve civilizations living in caverns inside of it? You use the things abundant on each one to shape your own planet and fill it with the things you want it to have.

An interesting aspect of it could be if you find a planet covered with life, you have to use any number of different things found in Space to wipe the life off the planet to use its resources. Or, for the morally inclined, you could move the plants and creatures of that planet to your new planet later.

A fun dynamic would be finding different things in space (Blackholes, Wormholes, Quasars, Electrical Storms, "Alcohol Clouds", etc) and using what they do to effect the planets you encounter.

Also, at any time you would be able to exit your ship and wander the planets you encounter, as well as your own. You could complete quests and gain special items from the people and creatures of the planets, as well.

Space has been a passion of mine, so I have plenty of other space-related things I could give you if you want them

EDIT: Cue Space Core quotes.

 

[PD400]

Also, I highly recommend allowing some modicum of customization. Name, Gender, Race, Hair Color, Eye Color (If theres enough detail to see it), and clothing if you dont have armor. Or perhaps even with armor let the player customize its color.

Morality is another fun thing to play with, and a favorite of mine.

 

[lordikon]

Good stuff, gets the creative juices flowing, thanks!

 

[PD400]

No problem. PM me for SPAAAACE stuff.
I'll let you know if I get anything else good.

 

[SgtSpike]

 

[Vargess]

I've always been interested in seeing an odd mix of elements in a game.
Overhead view like a strategy game (stronghold games come to mind, of this sort but much larger)
RPG based with a strong story background. Knights of the Round Table, technology such as robots and strange organic vehicles. Building architecture from different cultures such as the Romans, Egyptians, and more.
A mix of background including mythic weapons and lore (ie: Final Fantasy, Elder Scrolls series), with space travel (ie: Starcraft, Star Wars: Empire At War) and epic magic combined ( again Elder Scrolls, WoW, etc.).
Buildable and expandable territories (minecraft / Terraria are good examples). Cities to ally with, or conquer. Governments, commerce systems, community and intergalactic trading.
Special crafting system like Star Wars Galaxies had when it first came out. Tons of random resources and types, that do a full range of things, from building your structures, to creating magic items and spells, to food and other things.
Technology advancements based on political ties, resources found, scientific research, etc.
I'm reading a book series right now on Elves, Dwarves, Humans, and so forth. Something along that line, but mix it up with mythical space travel.

It's a lot of random things thrown together I know.. but it would be awesome. I can almost visualize the game.