Game News The Age of Decadence Christmas Update

[EG]

I think teleporting is an excellent idea and I think every rpg should minimize unnecessary back and forth.

I found a way to minimize back and forth with me in real life . . . I gave it purpose by bringing a camera.

Then that got boring.

Now it's back.

 

[J_C]

Maybe the problem is that the interface is very similar in layout to Fallout, whereas the game itself is not. It makes people feel like they're expecting a Fallout-style game (particularly if they're just going by screenshots), but it sounds to be more like Darklands (at least where the "teleporting" stuff was involved; haven't been able to try anything but the combat demo).

I don't know where do you get that Fallout vibe about the interface. I don't see the similarity.

No, there are two problems (which are not problems actually, but whatever):
1) some people don't like teleporting (but since it became optional, no big deal)
2) the game is challanging, even more so than some old RPGs. And even Codexers didn't expect that.

 

[tuluse]

Maybe the problem is that the interface is very similar in layout to Fallout, whereas the game itself is not. It makes people feel like they're expecting a Fallout-style game (particularly if they're just going by screenshots), but it sounds to be more like Darklands (at least where the "teleporting" stuff was involved; haven't been able to try anything but the combat demo).

I don't know where do you get that Fallout vibe about the interface. I don't see the similarity.

No, there are two problems (which are not problems actually, but whatever):
1) some people don't like teleporting (but since it became optional, no big deal)
2) the game is challanging, even more so than some old RPGs. And even Codexers didn't expect that.

I think it's this.

VD talked on and on about C&C.
Codexers read this and assumed he wanted to make a game like Fallout, where you are given universal tools to deal with situations, and thought that he might even expand on this (something like making repair and science more applicable).
VD actually meant scripted situations
butthurt ensued.

Personally, I think it will be good for what is, but I expect to enjoy some kickstarters I've contributed to more.

Now that I think about it, AoD has a lot more in common with PS:T than it does with Fallout. All the dialog (or text adventure which plays like a dialog tree) with stat checks.

 

[Infinitron]

I do think AoD is similar to Fallout, despite VD's protestations. You could view it as an attempt to implement a PS:T-like game within the framework of Fallout-like gameplay mechanics, perhaps.

 

[Jasede]

Is that even a topic of debate? The whole interface, style and combat system, not to mention the character creation.

And that's not a bad thing, mind you.

 

[Vault Dweller]

Is that even a topic of debate? The whole interface, style and combat system, not to mention the character creation.

But not the gameplay, which is what counts the most.

 

[Infinitron]

But not the gameplay, which is what counts the most.

But the core gameplay mechanics are also Fallout-like. Torment was about dialogue and stat checks like AoD, true, but the idea that your entire interaction with the world, and your ability to survive in it, is governed primarily by a set of skills that need to be constantly upgraded is Fallout taken to its extreme.

You didn't really need to worry about your stats or think about how you were going to raise them to get by in Torment.

So I would say that gameplay is similar to Fallout but gameplay content is different. Much like how Torment compares to Baldur's Gate.

 

[RedScum]

Just do as VD said, create a new character and try the other sides of the story.

 

[felipepepe]

I think it's cool if it's possible to finish the game sometimes in 20 minutes, others in 8 hours... it adds a lot more to the replayability than having all playthroughs going throught all the events ans lasting the same.

 

[Vault Dweller]

It depends on the character, doesn't it? You can do every quest in Teron or leave the town early on (say, during the first assassins' quest), you can fight or you can click through dialogue options. Etc.

Overall, the demo is very representative of the full game, but some characters didn't get a chance to shine there yet. Praetors and loremasters will see a lot more action in the game (praetors acting as ambassadors and agents, loremasters poking around the ruins and fucking with things they probably shouldn't).

And yes, replayability and multiple paths do reduce the length. Teron has over 30 quests, but you get 5-8 per playthrough. Obviously, playing 30+ quests in a linear fashion takes longer than playing 5-8.

 

[Vault Dweller]

I don't want to sound negative or preachy. I really like your game (not that it means much). It could use some better storytelling, sure, but it is a gem and NOT flawed.

Thanks.

The concern is the fact, that the game being too short for any character, will be panned for the unfair reason that it did not have enough content and one can 'beat' it in a 5-6 hours. I would seriously consider making this explicit on your game ads, however you choose to make them, with clear and bold statements that A single playthrough is NOT the total game but completely varied experience is to be had from each class.

Well, if someone plays the demo once and doesn't like it (i.e. has no desire to play it again with a different character), then I doubt that an explicitly stated ad will change anything.

 

[Captain Shrek]

I think people have a right to expect what they should get from a game and thus to know what they are buying.

 

[Vault Dweller]

That's what the demo is for, isn't it?

I agree, of course, that replayability is actually a feature here and ideally, this needs to be communicated to people, but in reality, people will just download the demo, play it, and form their own opinions. These days nobody really trusts what game ads say (and for a good reason).

 

[Captain Shrek]

That's what the demo is for, isn't it?

I agree, of course, that replayability is actually a feature here and ideally, this needs to be communicated to people, but in reality, people will just download the demo, play it, and form their own opinions. These days nobody really trusts what game ads say (and for a good reason).

By somebody you mean people here?

That is certainly not true. People do trust ads and there is NOTHING preventing them from not forming their opinions from the demo when you make banners. Let's just say that this a guiding information rather than an ad. And you are not even exaggerating to boot.

 

[Harg Harfardarssen]

Just advertise distinct, overlapping storylines for each character class. If people like the game enough they wish it was longer, then knowing this will be enough to communicate that its worth it to try with a new character. If they don't like it enough to want more, no amount of replayability will help.