My first project

[skatasticdinoboy]

First of all, I just wanted to say that I hope that I'm placing this in the right place!


This is going to (hopefully!) be the first project that I complete; a few years ago, I ended up getting in WAY over my head into a project that I started before I even really knew how to use the program. Then, my laptop died along with the progress that I had made and I put RPG maker out of my head. 


I recently purchased VX Ace and I had an awesome idea for a game that I'd like to make, however, the scope is pretty vast and, at this point, I'd probably be over my head again. So, I figured that I'll narrow the scope, make another game first to help me brush up on my skills and to develop other skills as I ease back in to my "dream" project. With that being said, here is my idea:


A horror game that takes place entirely in a single location, an abandoned apartment building. The main character wakes up in one of the rooms and find a note that says: 


"You're here to find out who killed ___" (the name is illegible)


From there, you traverse the building, solving puzzles and finding clues and keys, to unravel the plot and solve a murder, all while being pursued by a horrifying apparition.


The combat is going to be fairly simplified; if you get touched the battle screen pops up. You will be unable to damage the apparition by attacking, and your main goal during combat is to escape. However, there will be certain items that'll 'banish' the apparition and help unlock more areas.


I figured that I'd go this route because I believe that this would offer a unique gameplay experience and allow me to ease back into development without getting too far over my head.

 

[Iliketea]

Sounds fun ^^


Starting with a smaller project was the right choice, you will learn alot

 

[skatasticdinoboy]

@Iliketea, my thoughts exactly on the smaller project idea! I plan on creating most of the assets myself, so the smaller project will eliminate a bit of stress on that front as well; having to make sprite sheets for a handful of characters vs. hundreds lol.


Another thing that I forgot to mention: I don't plan on having a game over screen or any sort of fail condition, if you're killed in battle, you'll simply wake back up in the first room. 


I'm also thinking about having the ending loop back into that as well, sort of like you having to unlock the "real ending", it would definitely fit the story idea that I have as well! 

 

[Iliketea]

My advice to you is to look up how to edit your tilesets  It will make your game more unique and it will be a good practice for your next game ^^

 

[skatasticdinoboy]

My advice to you is to look up how to edit your tilesets  It will make your game more unique and it will be a good practice for your next game ^^

That's probably going to be the most difficult thing for me lol. I do have some PDF tutorials, so hopefully it won't be too bad!


I have one question. If I remember correctly, in XP you were able to layer tiles. I've literally just started using VX Ace, but it doesn't seem to have the layer feature, is that functionality still there through different means? Like would I be able to have tiles that I can lay over floor tiles and have the character walk under? (I'm asking because I think it'd be cool to have stuff like spider webs, banners and things like that) 


It's not too pressing to find out at this very moment, I just thought of it when I read your post about tiles.


thanks! 

 

[mlogan]

Unfortunately, I have to close this topic. General Discussion is not for talking about your own specific projects, but general ideas of game making.


You can start a topic in Early Project Feedback if you are at the stage that you can meet the requirements. Otherwise, there are topics for Plot and Character Feedback; topics with advice on generally starting out; and of course the help sections for specific help questions.