A discussion on "DLC-like" downloads?

[Rog]

I'd like to talk about an idea that has been mulling in my mind for quite some time. I loved the old Quest for Glory games, and games like Mass Effect because you could take a character from one game and plug them into the next one. I'm wondering if this might be possible for an RPGM series of games? I want to create a game where you complete it, and all your stats, as well as your potential decisions from game 1 to be easily loaded into game 2.


What are your suggestions?

 

[Engr. Adiktuzmiko]

It's doable, EASY if your database between the games on the games are "the same" (not necessarily the same, just that everything on game 1 must exist on game 2), now if the databases are "different" it will be HARD.


Also, I don't see the relation of your title "Discussion on DLC-Like downloads" and your question.

 

[Rog]

A manner of speaking. The important thing is moving the character's character sheet and possibly choices across separate games. How do you mean "databases the same" ?

 

[Engr. Adiktuzmiko]

For example, In Game 1, You have Actors Rog and Lexy as Actors 1 and 2. On Game 2, Actors 1 and 2 should also be Rog and Lexy to facilitate easy transfer. The same goes for the other things in the databases that must be transferred from Game 1 to Game 2.


Take note that you can still do this even if the databases are very different but it will require more configuration on your loading code.


It's just really a matter of finding which save file you want to use, then loading the stuff that you need from them on the new game.


You can also opt to choose to make a custom file once the player finishes game 1 which contains only the things that you want transferred between the games, assuming you only want the player to be able to transfer data if he already finished game 1.

 

[Rog]

Interesting. I suppose that involves alot of planning ahead? Would it involve having all of the party members or 'actors' in the first DB onward?

 

[mogwai]

Keeping things simple, the only thing I can think of is make only one game with multiple chapters and climax events, rather than multiple downloads.


Rocky went soft in the sequel. That's always an option. I mean like a stat reset to make the new game stat building seem plausible.


Then again, they went all the way up to Super Saiyan 6 or something and when a regular Super Saiyan could blow up a planet. It somehow defies the laws of corniness but nobody seems to mind the neverending level up.


You could create the illusion of knowledge of previous choices with simple questions. There is like alternate dialogue in Undertale with the Sans guy because he asks if you've been here before.

 

[Engr. Adiktuzmiko]

The first game should have only the database for the first game, but the second game must have the database from Game 1 if you want it to be easy to transfer


And yes, this would be easier if you have planned up ahead.

 

[Rog]

"rocky went soft" LOL


I think I'm starting to understand. I can't wait to run some trials.

 

[Engr. Adiktuzmiko]

It would be good I think to see how the default system loads a saved file so that you'd get a grasp of how to get only the things that you need from the file.