RPG Maker Forums

Modern games have several distinct hurdles. Whereas Medieval, Fantasy and Futuristic settings are unfamiliar to us, Modern world games are literally where we live. In every game we must experience what is called the suspension of disbelief to enjoy the story. This is why we can overlook the strings that work the marionette and still enjoy a street performance. This is why we can ignore scientific fallacy (at least some of us can!)to enjoy sci fi stories. Medieval, Fantasy and Futuristic games are expected to have unfamiliar elements, and anything strange can be more easily overlooked. However, in a Modern game, the brain and the imagination are much more taxed to make this leap. So it is well advised for us to keep our Modern games as realistic as possible.


However, RPG Maker VX Ace games simply cannot keep up. One simple example will suffice. Can you imagine eventing an actual strip mall? All of the stores, items, etc? You would drive your player nuts trying to make it all meaningful - and of course you would NOT be making a good game to do so. Clearly a Modern setting game needs significant boundaries to be enjoyable. A few places to go, a few things to do. What limitations and boundaries you choose, of course, will add flavor and interest to your game.


To me, realistic city/suburban features are important. So I simply cannot have my High Rise city bordered by the typical tree line. ISTM that the cities around here are bordered by


creeks of note (like Rock Creek Park)


rivers (like the Potomac River) or other large bodies of water


large bridges


really large roads


parking lots full of cars


And if they aren't bordered in that way they simply slowly give way to the suburbs. Unfortunately that won't work in a game!


So I am considering the following:


A monument area


A zoo


A park


But should they never be open? I don't want to have them be interesting!


I want them to be the edge of things.


Thoughts?