A new RPG Quest - IN DEVELOPMENT

[lendo]

Hi guys,

My team and I are working diligently on an old school Gameboy themed RPG for the iPhone. The game engine is almost complete, aside from minor details that we still haven't decided upon. That's where you come in - what do you want to see in the next major RPG development for the iPhone?

I'm trying to incorporate the best aspects of great RPGs like Pokemon, Dragon Quest, and Runescape (along with some really cool new ideas) into a fun, unique gaming experience with hopefully tens of hours of meaningful gameplay.

Let me know what YOU want to play on your iPhone and we'll make it happen. Thanks!

[GeekyDad]

I can think of some very specific things I'd want (and don't want):

• Balanced leveling that doesn't lean toward heavy grinding.
• An actual story -- doesn't have to be serious -- as a matter of fact, Dragon Quest is my favorite RPG series.
• Chests, rather than loot.
• Keep any possible IAP out of my gameplay -- I don't want to pay extra to make the game "work."
• Make it a paid game priced where both you and I get equal value.
• Give me some replay -- extra quests, perhaps a weekly thing.
• Keep the file size moderate -- nothing over 200MB installed please.
• iOS offers a touch interface -- let me utilize it, rather than rely on virtual controls. Be creative with your battle system.
• Achievements that aren't ridiculous but require you to dig a little bit deeper into the game and reward you with actual content that can be used within the game.
• Polished presentation, visuals and sound. Polish, polish, polish...then go back and polish some more -- I'll gladly pay you extra for it.

I could probably come up with more, but I'll let someone else get a word in edgewise.

[Sidgoku123]

Originally Posted by GeekyDad

I can think of some very specific things I'd want (and don't want):

• Balanced leveling that doesn't lean toward heavy grinding.
• An actual story -- doesn't have to be serious -- as a matter of fact, Dragon Quest is my favorite RPG series.
• Chests, rather than loot.
• Keep any possible IAP out of my gameplay -- I don't want to pay extra to make the game "work."
• Make it a paid game priced where both you and I get equal value.
• Give me some replay -- extra quests, perhaps a weekly thing.
• Keep the file size moderate -- nothing over 200MB installed please.
• iOS offers a touch interface -- let me utilize it, rather than rely on virtual controls. Be creative with your battle system.
• Achievements that aren't ridiculous but require you to dig a little bit deeper into the game and reward you with actual content that can be used within the game.
• Polished presentation, visuals and sound. Polish, polish, polish...then go back and polish some more -- I'll gladly pay you extra for it.

I could probably come up with more, but I'll let someone else get a word in edgewise.

except I would like to have both treasure chests and loot to keep things interesting with treasure revealing precious items.Also there could be a treasure map or riddles that could lead to a treasure.

also the battle system should be real time where you can see your enemies and even avoid them,turn based system are ancient and most ios gamers don't have time for it.something like that of ff12 or resonance of fate would be perfect.

random things like fishing,racing or mini games which are fun and tie in with the main quest are essential.

also I don't care about the file size if the game is full of content.

also if you would let us know if it would top down or 3d then perhaps I could suggest accordingly.

good luck.

[SamF1sh]

It would be 2d, as it is based on old game boy games.

[Sidgoku123]

Originally Posted by SamF1sh

It would be 2d, as it is based on old game boy games.

great then I guess a top down zelda like combat system combined with spells would be great or perhaps something close to diablo albeit of a slower pace would be ideal.

other than that the game could use some enemy variety like orcs,witches,dragons etc.each requiring a different tactic to defeat.

can you specify the rough story as of time period,age of protagonist etc.that would be useful.

also if you are looking for a deep soundtrack you can mail me.

[scottyd2k9]

I would actually like a serious story to be honest.

Something to do with time travel or parallel dimention elements with different settings. Probably wont happen but i love anything to do with time travel or something with alternate realities in.

I would like to see some sort of transport in the game, i dont know something like in pokemon. You can go on a boat/ferry or something like a train or tram.

I would rather have a D-pad control that we can see, dont like how in most games you touch to were you wanna go, that's annoying.

I would like something to do with the weather like some parts of the game it could be snowing or raining, sunny, storm, stuff like that.

One final thing. I would rather pay full price for a good polished game rather than paying for the game then having to pay for IAP aswell, gets annoying an most games that use IAP i dont play nomore. No one likes having to pay IAP after they have bought the game.

Dont care about the file size or price

[Rumand]

I would like to see something with turn based combat that has a timing aspect to it. And where you see the enemy's before you engage them so you can try for sneak attacks.

I've always wanted something along the lines of Mario and luigi superstar sega on my iPod. Saturday morning rpg pulls it off sorta but I hate the art style of that game.

Plus puzzles are good in RPGs.

[lendo]

Thanks for the feedback guys. Lots of different ideas - some of them contrasting. One thing people seem to agree on is that I need to get in-app purchases out of the way. As of now, the app design will not support iAP, and if it ever does, iAP will not unlock anything that can't be unlocked by playing the game.

As for the gameplay - sorry sidGoku, this first RPG will be turn based. We're incorporating some cool exploration animations and a great storyline/overall gameplay to make up for it.

The transport is a good idea - we still haven't decided how exactly it will work, but most likely it will rely on certain "portals" that can take you to other portals scattered throughout the world.

What does everyone think of an EXP based self improvement system that relies heavily on better items: i.e. items can make a bigger difference on your capabilities than your level (assuming there are no iAP.)

Also, how would you most like to see "leveling up" get implemented in an RPG?

[undeadcow]

I don't like the emphasis on items being more important than level. Leveling up is contingent on a clear pattern with expectations but item based might feel too random. Also, item based play might decrease replay because you'd be likely to get the same items in the same places so less variability.

One important thing that is hinted at with your item emohasis thought is to reward exploration by having elusive items or a harder challenge dungeon. Considdee the environmental puzzles in Final Fantasy 1 or the good versus bad settings of Zelda, even Chrono Trigger gaves you much to explore.

Avoid traditional settings and go for something novel (as in Earthbound).

Respectfully, I'll believe this is a viable project when I see screenshots or concept art. Any idea on a title? What direction do you have with this game?

[Sidgoku123]

Originally Posted by lendo

Thanks for the feedback guys. Lots of different ideas - some of them contrasting. One thing people seem to agree on is that I need to get in-app purchases out of the way. As of now, the app design will not support iAP, and if it ever does, iAP will not unlock anything that can't be unlocked by playing the game.

As for the gameplay - sorry sidGoku, this first RPG will be turn based. We're incorporating some cool exploration animations and a great storyline/overall gameplay to make up for it.

The transport is a good idea - we still haven't decided how exactly it will work, but most likely it will rely on certain "portals" that can take you to other portals scattered throughout the world.

What does everyone think of an EXP based self improvement system that relies heavily on better items: i.e. items can make a bigger difference on your capabilities than your level (assuming there are no iAP.)

Also, how would you most like to see "leveling up" get implemented in an RPG?

Well if turn based combat is done right then no problem,the slower pace might be a concern though and the combat system should be dynamic and rewarding at the same time,random encounters are not really exciting to me,though pokemon is one exception but then again there always is a possibility of finfing a new one.

I think if you guys could inform us abouy the theme or the story then perhaps idead will flow faster.