Brainstorming: what do you like about RPGs?

Trapper Zoid · 2005-09-09T03:00:40

I'm designing a game that can be best described as a strategy management game (like SimCity, RollerCoaster Tycoon etc.) set in a fantasy RPG environment. Since I'd like my game to appeal to the widest possible audience, I'd like the game to appeal to both RPG and strategy management fans. Therefore I'd like to make the RPG mechanics to be as simple as possible while still capturing the elements that endear the genre to fans. So since I know many of you are RPG fans as well as designers, I was wanting to brainstorm the aspects of game design in RPGs that you enjoy (and think many other people enjoy as well) that would not alienate other players who are not hardcore. Since my design is in its early stages I'm looking for a general brainstorm of ideas. I don't mind if you list absolutely any aspects at all that you think are great; little things like the feasibility to implement them I'll deal with later [smile]. So, what is it about RPGs that you enjoy? Here's a summary of what ideas I've got from you so far: Reactive Storytelling/World to Player Actions (5 counts) Character Development/Growth (4 counts) Custom Character Creation (4 counts) Customisable Equipment/Diversity of Items/Crafting (4 counts) Character Interaction (3 counts) Quality Story (3 counts) Deep/Interesting/Strategic Combat System (3 counts) Interesting mini-game activities (hunting, gardening etc.) (2 counts) Quality World Design (2 counts) Real-time Interactive Combat (1 count) Player Freedom to Follow Storyline (1 count) Friendly to Exploration (1 count) Non-cliche Storyworld (1 count) A more detailed list of individual responses. Telastyn: Character Development: creating characters and watching them grow (as well as town development) (most people like) Crafting ]XWampireX: Deep and compelling story, that is reactive to player choices Character interaction and growth Interactive combat (real time, twitch based) Good world layout Wavinator: Freedom to choose whether or not to explore the story Geography or levels that accomodate and reward exploration Combat system (if included) that has multiple dependencies and vulnerabilities (especially status effects) World history, characters, races not derived straight from Tolkein Customisation/improvement of equipment (but not at expense of stores) Non-combat activities/minigames (such as hunting, flirting, arena combat) World that reacts to where I've been and what I've been doing Optional Combat Gardening Character Customisation Shopping Anonymous Poster 1: Character growth (both levels and personality) Different abilities/spells/weapons with different strategic uses Customising (in general) Kest: Evolution of characters and story Fournicolas: Interacting with other people (PCs and NPCs) and making actions and decisions Story (that is compelling and well paced) Believable world design sunandshadow: Quality World Character Interaction Reactive Storytelling/World Interesting mini-game activities Interesting combat Quality Story Omegavolt: Custom Character Creation Lots of Items Interactive Environments Strategic Battles Anonymous Poster 2: Crafting Systems (a la Legend of Mana) [Edited by - Trapper Zoid on September 9, 2005 2:57:55 AM]

Game Design and Theory Game Design

Started by Trapper Zoid September 04, 2005 08:24 AM

31 comments, last by Trapper Zoid 19 years, 5 months ago

Trapper Zoid

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September 09, 2005 03:00 AM

So that's one more vote for customisable equipment. Responses have fallen off, so if there's not many more I'll analyse the data over the weekend.

Thanks to all that have responded so far, this is very useful. And if you haven't yet replied there's nothing stopping you from still adding your points to the list!

Brainstorming: what do you like about RPGs?

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Brainstorming: what do you like about RPGs?

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