Because I cannot think of a unique idea as of yet I am considering creating an RPG (in rpg maker x_X) that melds all game cliches into one neat little package...I personally think it would be hilarious but what do you all think about that?

This might come in handy.

My only thought is, with all the work it takes to make a really great game, with graphics and programming (even with something like rpg maker), do you want to spend the time doing this? It has the potential to be pretty hilarious, but most cliches are the things gamers DISLIKE about a game.

You've pretty much summed up why people do satire.

"I can't create, but I can mock."

So thinks everyone's inner Beavis. Admittedly there is good satire, as well as a place for it, but your line of thinking is a recipe for disaster. I don't want to spend 20 hours playing through a bad joke. Of course, I don't want to spend 20 hours playing through a bad story, either, but I would much rather play through a bad story than a bad joke, providing the gameplay was compelling to begin with(<-- the important part).

It's worth noting that doing a satire *well* is probably much harder than writing a cliched but passable story. Chances are, players aren't going to laugh at your jokes. They will, given the option, save a princess for the millionth time.

Being a designer is about having ideas. If you don't have any ideas, you are not a designer, you are a developer, and you should team up with a designer who does have ideas.

This would be more parody than satire, right?

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Original post by abstractimmersion It's worth noting that doing a satire *well* is probably much harder than writing a cliched but passable story.

I think the key to a good parody is to make something that could stand on its own merits even if it weren't a parody. The example I always think of is FLCL. Good satire, but it's also a great example of what it mocks. That is, even if you don't get the jokes, it's still a good series.

Parody is easy. All you have to do is make a really bad game. However, then you're left with a bad game. Good parody is really very difficult because you have to make a good game while intentionally including bad elements. You'd be better off just making a good game (unique ideas are only required for great games) than making a parody by simply putting in everything that makes people click the uninstall button.

Basically, good parodies don't point and laugh at others, they laugh at themselves.

If one were to make such an RPG parody/satire...it really would be best to be a short short game. Like mini-game short. Like as many RPG cliches as you can fit into 4 or 5 MINUTES of gameplay. That would be fun(ny).

I was part of a production of "Compleat Wrks of Shakspr" which (if you haven't heard of it) consists of three guys doing the entire canon of Shakespeare in about an hour and a half. Lots of wigs, costume changes and in-jokes. Smash success! Rave reviews!

Now, had we actually performed full acts or even whole plays, the joke would be lost. By condensing all the material you are left with one tasty nugget of entertainment.

Like your other comments, ut's a one joke kind of thing you're dealing with and it just wouldn't play that well spread over the length of typical RPG's. Narrow your focus and grow from there, I say.

Good luck.

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Original post by anthemaudio I was part of a production of "Compleat Wrks of Shakspr" which (if you haven't heard of it) consists of three guys doing the entire canon of Shakespeare in about an hour and a half. Lots of wigs, costume changes and in-jokes. Smash success! Rave reviews!

I just have to say that Compleat Wrks is an amazing play. I played the small part of Ophelia's ego once, and was hit on by Juliet! (Too bad she's more of a he...)

ID, Ego, or SuperEgo?

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Original post by anthemaudio ID, Ego, or SuperEgo?

Pretty sure I was the ego. I was the guy running around on stage. [smile]

Yeah it would be VERY short. But yeah thanks for the feedback, in retrospect this wasn't as funny as it seemed in the wee hours on the morning.

And compleat wrks r0x0rz.