MV - Default Fantasy: Aldo's Quest

DEVELOPMENT STATUS: Battle Mechanics.

LINKS: | RMN |

DEVELOPMENT LOG 1: Critical Path Map Layout

It's been about a few weeks since I posted the thread and I finally have a first log. My main task for the past weeks is to layout the critical path of the world map. What this means is that I should be able to walk from point A to the main points in the map, in this case its the main dungeons which includes the Minotaur's Lair.

Before I started mapping, I made a flow graph of the whole map that I can follow as a base for mapping. Here's the graph.



Making graphs is very helpful, it gives some sort of skeletal frame for your maps plus it looks nice. The red ones are the ones I focused on making with some white ones included. The blue shape at the back indicates that it's a group of maps (see image).



Another thing that changed in the past few weeks is the solidification of some features (read features section) and the map design. as a comparison:

OLD


NEW


I changed the design to a more simpler and clearer one. If you compare the two, the path is clearer and the overall feel is better and does not feel cluttered. I wanted it to have the same feel as the maps of Pokemon I used to play. Playing those games felt like it was my choice to go where I want without the game telling me to go there (illusion of choice).

With the first game (Default Fantasy: The Prison), my focus was on the game mechanic that I wanted to implement hence I forgot to focus on the game itself. With this one I'll focus on gameplay and pacing making sure that it has a good mixture of puzzle, exploration, battles and others. That's about all for the first round of my development log.

I definitely like the newer map compared to the older one. It is nicer to look at and also suggests possible paths to the player lore clearly. Also, hurray for front view battle system love!

@cddeat03 Thanks! I try to stay default as much as possible and still make a good rpg maker game. :)

DEVELOPMENT LOG 2: Optional Path Map Layout

Working on a game 1-2 hours a day does not give you much room to work with but as long as you're productive you will get a few things done. This week I worked on the other parts of the map (the optional ones). I worked on the ones shown as white boxes on the graph (see graph) and I finally completed it with all of them connected and can be walked through.



I also created an overall map for when the player opens the map menu for navigation. I'll say it's looking great, I didn't expect it to look good. Its the combination of all the maps made smaller and some names for the areas. The 1x1 version was quite big.



I'm quite happy with what I've achieved so far. I'll be doing dungeons and dungeon mechanics next because they are related to each other. we can't have dungeons without puzzles, combat and a rewarding exploration after all. Over and out.

- Louie -

Are you just using transfer events to connect your maps or are you using a plug-in? That overall map looks really good!

@cddeat03 Thanks! i'm using transfer events. On every transfer I make sure they are only 1-2 cells wide transfer otherwise i'll have lots of transfer events. I also make sure continuity is there on all 4 sides of each map which made it easier to get the overall look. :smile:

DEVELOPMENT LOG 3: Dungeon 1 and Mechanics

Not much has been done this week. Pretty busy with work, I'll keep this short. I started to graph out the flow of the dungeon like what I did on the overall map. I'm showing the very bottom floor of the first dungeon, no legends on what the colors mean because I don't want to reveal the whole dungeon. :)



I was also able to layout the starting area of the dungeon and the mechanics for the puzzles I'm gonna do on this dungeon. I'm on a good start for the first dungeon but I'll find more time to do stuff. Hopefully I will.



It's a rough layout of where to go and what it looks like. That's all for me. Over and out.

- Louie -

I like your map making thinking!

Looks really nice! i also like how you plan the maps, i do the same in a way but i do the chart while working on story, drawing the main plot path then optional path etc, keep up such a good work! will definitely check it out!

@Marquise* Thanks!

@LoganX87 Thanks! I found this approach works best for me. Flow Graph - Basic Layout - Refinements - Doodads/Effects. I'll have to go through all maps again for the last part to ensure consistency though. :)

Hi guys,

The game is back on. I finally have time to spend on this. I'm continuing this project but with a few changes. Here's the changes:

- Redesigned the story to a much more simpler one (Hero Save The World Scenario By Collecting Things)
- Removed character descriptions until I've added them in the game and solidified their character.
- Redesigned the game to be more open. No cut scenes or any shenanigans that other RPG's have. I want people to focus on "Play"-ing the game.

With that in mind I will continue to develop the game.

Thanks!

- Louie -

Development Log 4: Battle Mechanics

Now that I'm back on developing the game I had to adjust all my TODO list for the game. I figured I'd start with the first encounter and the Battle Mechanics.



The Battle Mechanics design are as follows:

• On map encounters so player have a choice of avoiding them

• Player can be chased by the encounter events

• Front View as I have decided before.

• Should not take too long to finish every battle (Comes down to manually designing enemies and troops). Battle is not the focus, only a means to an end (To Level Up). No grinding design.

• Strategic Depth: not too deep where to many things needs to be learned. I'm using Row Formation restrictions for the enemies but not for the heroes. You need to target front row enemies first before the back row but skills will be available that can target the back.

• Skill Cooldowns will add a bit more strategy

Maybe i'll add some little stuff to this later but for now this will make a fast flowing but not too distracting battles (I think). Anyways that's all for me today. Thanks for reading!

- Necther Louie -