Zanzoken
Arcane
- Joined
- Dec 16, 2014
- Messages
- 3,585
Looking for opinions on what project I should pursue as a solo dev. I have two in mind.
Option 1: Survival Action RPG
Option 2: Sandbox RPG Feudal Lord Simulator
The goal in either case would be to create a foundation where you could then take the existing assets and systems and expand them to make larger, more complex subsequent games. I think the action RPG could easily grow into a trilogy, whereas the sandbox RPG could have one sequel, maybe two.
My questions:
1) Which game would be more feasible for a solo dev to make?
2) Which game do you think would sell better?
All feedback is appreciated!
Option 1: Survival Action RPG
Inspired by Gothic, Elex, Breath of the Wild, and Stoneshard. The premise is the Player Character (PC) is an astronaut who becomes stranded on an alien world and must journey on foot across hostile terrain in order to complete his mission.
- Perspective: 2D top down
- Graphics: Pixel art
- Key systems
- Action RPG combat where PC wields a sword and a few magic skills
- Character system with attributes, skills, etc with an emphasis on significant differences between builds
- PC can choose a background with noncombat skills that affect gameplay and some quest events (NOT just skill checks)
- Light survival elements including needing to eat / drink / sleep, semi-realistic wounds, and occasional environmental dangers (heat, cold, toxins)
- Light crafting / cooking / camping elements
- PC has an AI companion (think Cortana or Navi) to help on the journey
- Key assets
- One customizable PC, can choose male or female, with a few different hairstyles / facial hair options and portraits
- PC gets different attack animations as skill improves (like in Gothic)
- 6 to 8 monsters with unique attack animations and basic AI
- 2 creature robots with unique attack animations and basic AI
- 1 humanoid robot with attack animations similar to PC, plus complex AI
- External terrain (rocks, trees, plants, water, etc) and some internal terrain (ruined futuristic sci-fi)
- Hand-crafted map, quests, and encounters
Option 2: Sandbox RPG Feudal Lord Simulator
Essentially a clone / spiritual successor of the old Microprose game, Sword of the Samurai. Play as a feudal lord trying to conquer the world. Possibly would incorporate some inspiration from Pirates, Mount & Blade, and Crusader Kings 2.
- Perspective: 2D top down
- Graphics: Pixel art
- Key systems
- Gameplay is split between overworld story events and combat mini-games
- RPG character system which affects PC's skill in combat and diplomacy
- Combat is fought 1-vs-1 (fighting game), 1-vs-many (shmup), and army-level (RTS)
- Complex relationship mechanics between PC and NPC lords, plus other characters / factions that lead to wars, assassinations, etc
- Key assets
- Fighting mini-game characters (PC and enemy) and level
- Shmup mini-game characters (PC, enemy swordsman, enemy archer, enemy lancer) and some levels
- RTS units (infantry, archers, cavalry) and some levels
- PC and NPC portraits
- Event screens
- World and regional maps
The goal in either case would be to create a foundation where you could then take the existing assets and systems and expand them to make larger, more complex subsequent games. I think the action RPG could easily grow into a trilogy, whereas the sandbox RPG could have one sequel, maybe two.
My questions:
1) Which game would be more feasible for a solo dev to make?
2) Which game do you think would sell better?
All feedback is appreciated!