Game Development Club/Game Concepts

From CNUpedia, an IEEE Innovation.

Discussion of Games the Club Might Make

Rogue-like (RL)

TwoFlowers writes:

I would like to do a rogue-like game, using the Campus as the dungeon, teachers as NPC (non-player-characters), and majors as classes or the like. This class of game, of which ADOM and DoomRL are examples, is marked by a highly developed and organized system of objects and player actions but simple ASCII graphics. A sample screenshot is found below (the @ is the player, and the #s are walls. < and > are paths to other levels). Usually the plot is that one is a hardy adventurer going through dungeons to meet glory and fortune. Hence, exploration rather than story (though goals do exist) is the main concern, and the game should remain interesting between multiple players through its system diversity. Sophisticated system, randomly generated dungeons, and no-reloading if you die usually make this form of game rather challenging.

For an example of a system, see the reference manual on ADOM. People who have played DnD will probably enjoy the layers and layers of charts.

 ######################
 #.....<..............#
 #.#..........#.......#
 #.#.#........#....@..#
 #...##########.......#
 #.>....#######..$....#
 #....................#
 #......=.............#
 ######################
 St:2 To:4 Hp:10 Mp:20
 You are standing on a
 lever.

Role-Playing Game (RPG)

TwoFlowers writes:

Another prospect, related to RL games, but more graphical and more story-oriented is the Role-Playing Game. They usually feature a limited set of items and attributes, and characters are usually pregenerated by the game designers (and usually join together into a party). However, this allows what exists to make a stronger contribution to the story without being distracting. Typical RPGs include Chrono Trigger, the Final Fantasy series, and much of the Phantasy Star series. More experimental ones include Tenchimy: Animated Story and Illusion of Gaia (and System Shock 2?). Generally, the world is divided into Townships, Overworld, and Dungeons. The dialogue-based towns and the combat-based dungeons provide a balance between context and action. These games are the type of games that leave a lasting impression on the player. Graphics feature tiled foregrounds, panoramic backgrounds, and an overhead view of the characters. Animation and music are also typical of RPGs.

I doubt anyone is unfamiliar with RPGs, but if they are, they might want to get their hands on an old Super Nintendo Entertainment System and a copy of Chrono Trigger. I advise downloading an emulator and a ROM dump.

Tedd appears to be interested in doing RPGs. Anyone else?