On Tue, Aug 19, 2008 at 9:28 AM, Kai Sterker
<address@hidden> wrote:
Another thing I lately had some "insight" is the plot of an RPG in
general. Looks like there are at least two elements that are
essential:
1. The main plot
2. The (main) character development
In Drakensang, there's a fairly nice main plot, but barely any
character development (stat improvements aside, but that's not what I
mean).
I think that is an area where we have to take care with Dun Barethsol.
We do not have such a strongly plot driven game (as there is a lot of
freedom how to pursue the main quest), but there is the chance for a
lot of character development (finding out about the characters past
and abilities).
If we can combine these two parts so that they complement each other,
that would be really great. Again, I'll have to see if that is
something that needs to be expanded in the Design Guide
(http://adonthell.berlios.de/doc/index.php/Plot:Design:Contents) ...
Thoughts?
Kai,
I think we have a plot that can drive the game. We have a certain number of sandbox side-quests, but even the outcome of these can be dovetailed back into the pursuit of one or more paths through the main plot. I think we've found a good balance between the infinite possibilities of a sandbox game and the strictly linear quest path of Diablo & company.
Striking that balance can be difficult, however. If we need to address that in the design guide, let's do so now.
Andrew