Hi guys, I had this idea for a game that I'd like to discuss.
It's not entirely done yet and some things I have thought up aren't fixed yet so bear with me.
It would be a 2D puzzle/action platformer. At the start of the game, you see your character standing in the corner of a room and you hear several voices asking what the hell is going on and where the hell they are. The game would just display on screen very discretely that you should try pressing 1,2,3, etc. When you do, your appearance changes and the way the voices react to that suggests that they are several people trapped in one body. (A lot like trine so far, I know)
You start walking to the right since that's the only way to go and you encounter some obstacles, you notice that each characters have their own specialities, some run fast, some run slowly, some jump high some don't jump very far. I haven't exactly worked out yet how it will work but they will vary quite a bit. Maybe some can do wallruns and such. Thre characters have very distinct personalities and react accordingly when obstacles appear. At some point you encounter quite a wide gap, there's no ceceivable way to get around it and one character says he can clear the gap. When you try to jump it, you don't make it and you fall quite deeply down. When you hit the floor, something strange happens. You just land safely on your two feet but have switched characters, meanwhile the old character falls down and stops moving, it's quite bloody. The other characters react extremely distressed, the room your in seems to rect as well somehow. This is where you find out that when you fuck up in this game, you lose a character.
As you progress through the world, obviously being very cautious and thinking things through before you jump into danger, the characters start bonding with eachother, this will happen in a dynamic way, meaning that it will never be the same on two different playthroughs. If you have a character do something reckless, then a cautious character will like them less for it, while a more courageous one might think better of him. As you progress the characters (or the on that are still left) start noticing that they share some memories with eachother, be it with some slight changes. This and certain things you find in the game (I haven't figured out what yet) suggest that they are not different people stuck in one body but one person with multiple personality disorder. The moment this is becoming very apparent, the characters will address it, also bringing up that it is very strange that they all look different (this shows when they change the dominant personality). They keep finding more and more memories they share (triggered by things they see in the world around them and the memories seem to, in an indirect way, tell the story of a schizophrenic person getting into a mental institute. The clue being that the game is taking place in the imagination of the person they are split personalities of and their respective accounts of a certain memories representing how certain aspects of his personality perceived things that happened to him.
What do you think? If something is unclear, I'd gladly go into further detail if I can. And I apologise for the dozens of spelling and grammatical mistakes I made.
Also, I haven't thought of a name yet, any ideas there?
EDIT: I guess I didn't technically make it clear that the game autosaves over the only savefile whenever something happens, so there is no going back after a mistake has been made and a character has died.
I also forgot to say that characters can not only die but also get crippled, they can thus ebcome partially or even completely useless while still being alive.
Another thing I should add is that you can technically navigate through the entire game with any of the characters you are given at the start, but it will be easier if you use the 'right' one at some points, furthermore, there will be bonuses that you can only get with the right characters.
FURTHER EDIT: A steam group was created for the possible development of this game, shoot me a message on steam if you're interested in joining the team.
Schizophrenia: The Game
[QUOTE=Chief Martini;40039035]Schizophrenia: The Game[/QUOTE]
I think that might give some of the things that the player is supposed to find out by playing the game away. Kudos for your input though.
Sounds really cool. I can imagine it being very contained, and hardly any contact with other people accept your alter/egos/characters to feel more "alone" with them.
The more I think about the concept the cooler it sounds.
[QUOTE=whatthe;40041025]Sounds really cool. I can imagine it being very contained, and hardly any contact with other people accept your alter/egos/characters to feel more "alone" with them.
The more I think about the concept the cooler it sounds.[/QUOTE]
The idea was that there are no other humanoids (or at least talking humanoids).
I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks it's a cool idea.
One of the main reasons why I like it is because I can very neatly tie all the game elements together in a consistent world supported by a very understandable and agreeable core mechanic.
(that sounded very pretentious, but I honestly can't think of a better way to express what I mean, I hope you get it..)
Sounds awesome, i'd play it.
[QUOTE=Overactor;40041077]The idea was that there are no other humanoids (or at least talking humanoids).
I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks it's a cool idea.
One of the main reasons why I like it is because I can very neatly tie all the game elements together in a consistent world supported by a very understandable and agreeable core mechanic.
(that sounded very pretentious, but I honestly can't think of a better way to express what I mean, I hope you get it..)[/QUOTE]
No I get you. It is a competent and solid mechanic that would not only teach itself quite well, but would spark so many great moments of gameplay.
Wow fallen in love with this concept. Makes me wander what would happen if I were to actually put time into learning to code :suicide:
[QUOTE=QuinnithXD;40041086]Sounds awesome, i'd play it.[/QUOTE]
If only I had the capability to make it..
(If anyone does and wants to, feel free to do so, I promise not to sue you.)
[editline]26th March 2013[/editline]
[QUOTE=whatthe;40041119]No I get you. It is a competent and solid mechanic that would not only teach itself quite well, but would spark so many great moments of gameplay.
Wow fallen in love with this concept. Makes me wander what would happen if I were to actually put time into learning to code :suicide:[/QUOTE]
I can code a bit but not good enough to make a real game. (I can make a 2d game starting from an engine)
Furthermore, this game would require good character writing, dialogue writing, preferably voice acting and well thought out level design to live up its potential. If only I were a millionaire..
I could actually make such a game in C#
However not in the near future, i'm already making another one.
This is a really nice concept!
[QUOTE=Oicani Gonzales;40041165]i, too, have an idea of a game, this is my dream game and i'll never make a thread for it but i want someone to see it someday
[url]https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jsa3fxeRahh7JVDHfyFKW1oa0jffnMHVoajAtOu1E_Y/edit[/url]
[I]any[/I] feedback is appreciated[/QUOTE]
I gave you an optimistic rating meant in the nicest way possible.
It sounds awesome, but I have no idea if it's possible.
It's one of those games where you wonder: if it is possible, why hasn't anyone made it yet?
My only real point of critique would be that it might lack some direction.
[editline]26th March 2013[/editline]
[QUOTE=Sir.Cartman;40041176]I could actually make such a game in C#
However not in the near future, i'm already making another one.
This is a really nice concept![/QUOTE]
Any chance you coudl tell us what you're working on?
[QUOTE=Overactor;40041229]Any chance you coudl tell us what you're working on?[/QUOTE]
2D Sidescrolling action game, nothing too fancy.
[url]https://bitbucket.org/cartman300/object-inc.-game-projects[/url]
[QUOTE=Oicani Gonzales;40041257]haha yeah, it's just something i write down once in a while, usually just writing down whatevers in my mind
it's a game idea i've had for a long while but i'm no writer[/QUOTE]
I think there's a guy who's making a game similqr to your idea, project infinity i think it was called, pretty cool stuff..
I think your writing skills are pretty okay by the way.
[QUOTE=Sir.Cartman;40041274]2D Sidescrolling action game, nothing too fancy.
[url]https://bitbucket.org/cartman300/object-inc.-game-projects[/url][/QUOTE]
Is there a playable version somewhere?
[QUOTE=Overactor;40041320]Is there a playable version somewhere?[/QUOTE]
There is nothing to play yet, i completed the main menu, entity system, dynamic lighting and shadows.
1st playable version will be available once i get the player texture from my texture artist.
[editline]26th March 2013[/editline]
I'll inform you when i'll have something for the public :D
Sounds like Portal (Atmosphere wise) meets Trine
[editline]26th March 2013[/editline]
[QUOTE=Oicani Gonzales;40041257]haha yeah, it's just something i write down once in a while, usually just writing down whatevers in my mind
it's a game idea i've had for a long while but i'm no writer[/QUOTE]
Only critique is the feasibility of such a game, I mean what you're suggesting is pretty much a smaller version of 'What if you could do anything lol?' game. I mean sure it's your dream game yeah, but still.
If you're serious about making these ideas, you need to hire an ideas guy, we all know there's nothing more helpful than the ideas guy.
[QUOTE=draugur;40041799]If you're serious about making these ideas, you need to hire an ideas guy, we all know there's nothing more helpful than the ideas guy.[/QUOTE]
Ideas guys can be helpful sometimes. ([I]Cough Ken Levine, Cough)[/I]
Hopefully you can get some people to work on this as a side project.
I mean, If games made horribly in flash can get recognition on steam, your concept
would definitely be warmly received in comparison.
Try it out! It could turn out great!
[QUOTE=draugur;40041799]If you're serious about making these ideas, you need to hire an ideas guy, we all know there's nothing more helpful than the ideas guy.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=draugur;40041799]If you're serious about making these ideas, you need to hire an ideas guy, we all know there's nothing more helpful than the ideas guy.[/QUOTE]
While I see your point, I resent the way you made it. Maybe I'll make it at some point, but before I do I'll make damn sure that I can actually take on more of the work than jusy being the ideas guy. Untill then, I just like talking about gamedesign, getting feedback on my ideas as well as off
sounds a lot like Killer7 in terms of the general pitch
What happens when you run out of characters? If it's even a couple of hours long I can see it getting very frustrating and samey if you're replaying the same puzzles and everything again and again because of permadeath, even if the narrative between the characters changes a bit
[QUOTE=Overactor;40039084]I think that might give some of the things that the player is supposed to find out by playing the game away. Kudos for your input though.[/QUOTE]
[quote]Voices
Company
Home Alone
Our Place
Home Together
Remembrance
Forgotten
[/quote]
I'll think of some more later.
I really like the idea you're proposing, especially how psychological it operates (I'm a soon-to-be Psychology student) . I'm really not sufficient in any sort of mapping or modeling, nor scripting (I can do some photoshopping though), but if you ever need any additional writing or someone to brainstorm with, I'd be willing to help.
Okay, i have some time this week, i could start coding this
Anybody that can do textures/artwork, some C#, sound, add me on steam,
i'm terrible at all that things besides coding.
[url]http://steamcommunity.com/id/cartman300/[/url]
Its a good idea. I like the story, and it sounds very much like an indie classic. But the game mechanics with the relations and such are for me not very distinguishable from some games, games that does your idea much better, without even trying. No offence.
What I mean is that some game with multiplayer where you need to work together can form this kinds of relation on a even deeper level, where it isn't the game forming the relation between characters, its you forming some kind of relation with other players.
Example:
[IMG]http://i.imgur.com/T4Xtzvk.jpg[/IMG]
But expanding on your idea, maybe it could not only be a puzzle-game with interesting characters, but you also had to keep the relations between the characters at a certain level to advance in the game. And if the relations is to bad or too good, you had to literally go back to where it went wrong. Perhaps if you only let one character solve most of the puzzles, depending on who the other characters is they either think hes the best guy around with that puzzle solving skills, or think his a pretentious bastard. The personality of the characters and what they think about certain stuff is perhaps something the player should gradually learn when hes advancing through the game.
[QUOTE=Cone;40043122]sounds a lot like Killer7 in terms of the general pitch[/QUOTE]
I've heard that before, I feel like there are very significant differences though. Especially the tone, rythm and theme of the game. Of course any game about multiple personality disorder is always going to be quite similar.
[QUOTE=Maloof?;40043276]What happens when you run out of characters? If it's even a couple of hours long I can see it getting very frustrating and samey if you're replaying the same puzzles and everything again and again because of permadeath, even if the narrative between the characters changes a bit[/QUOTE]
Firstly, The amount of characters should be rather suffieient to get through the game if you don't try to rush. And if you do run out, You are left with a character that doesn't speak and is the lowest common denominator of all characters, this would represent the true self of the person. You can finish the game but it would be boring and you'd miss out on all of the bonus stuff.
[QUOTE=Overactor;40045316]I've heard that before, I feel like there are very significant differences though. Especially the tone, rythm and theme of the game. Of course any game about multiple personality disorder is always going to be quite similar.
Firstly, The amount of characters should be rather suffieient to get through the game if you don't try to rush. And if you do run out, You are left with a character that doesn't speak and is the lowest common denominator of all characters, this would represent the true self of the person. You can finish the game but it would be boring and you'd miss out on all of the bonus stuff.[/QUOTE]
That seems a little off-message. Suck at the game enough to kill off all of your characters and you either have to restart or trudge through a lame experience?
[QUOTE=Chief Martini;40043465]I'll think of some more later.
I really like the idea you're proposing, especially how psychological it operates (I'm a soon-to-be Psychology student) . I'm really not sufficient in any sort of mapping or modeling, nor scripting (I can do some photoshopping though), but if you ever need any additional writing or someone to brainstorm with, I'd be willing to help.[/QUOTE]
I rather like the name remembrance could work as a working title at least.
It'd be interesting to get soemone with insight in psychology helping expand the idea.
[QUOTE=Sir.Cartman;40044179]Okay, i have some time this week, i could start coding this
Anybody that can do textures/artwork, some C#, sound, add me on steam,
i'm terrible at all that things besides coding.
[url]http://steamcommunity.com/id/cartman300/[/url][/QUOTE]
Wait, suddenly this idea might happen?
If it does I'll feel obligated to work on my coding skills and help.
What engine do you use? (if any)
[editline]26th March 2013[/editline]
[QUOTE=phuwnaren;40044486]Its a good idea. I like the story, and it sounds very much like an indie classic. But the game mechanics with the relations and such are for me not very distinguishable from some games, games that does your idea much better, without even trying. No offence.
What I mean is that some game with multiplayer where you need to work together can form this kinds of relation on a even deeper level, where it isn't the game forming the relation between characters, its you forming some kind of relation with other players.
But expanding on your idea, maybe it could not only be a puzzle-game with interesting characters, but you also had to keep the relations between the characters at a certain level to advance in the game. And if the relations is to bad or too good, you had to literally go back to where it went wrong. Perhaps if you only let one character solve most of the puzzles, depending on who the other characters is they either think hes the best guy around with that puzzle solving skills, or think his a pretentious bastard. The personality of the characters and what they think about certain stuff is perhaps something the player should gradually learn when hes advancing through the game.[/QUOTE]
I don't think it's fair to compare the core mechanics of a single player game that are meant to move the player to one of the most emotional moments that ever occured in a hugely popular multiplayer platform game.
The relations formed between the plazers are not the main focus of the game by the way, they serve to make the punishment for messing up more grave.
I see why the mechanic you propose would be interesting but I can't see it as more than a nuissance in the game to be honest.
This is a really good idea, apart from a few small issues. I'm imagining it as a 2d platformer, not sure if you are? For some reason the different personalities make me think of the three people in the hotline miami cutscenes.
I may give it a go at some point, I'll let you know if I do.
[QUOTE=Overactor;40045434]Wait, suddenly this idea might happen?
If it does I'll feel obligated to work on my coding skills and help.
What engine do you use? (if any)[/QUOTE]
Yes, i've got some free time and nothing to do.
I don't use any engine, i use XNA framework
and code myself required stuff as i go along with coding.
[QUOTE=Biscuit-Boy;40045400]That seems a little off-message. Suck at the game enough to kill off all of your characters and you either have to restart or trudge through a lame experience?[/QUOTE]
In a sense you are right and it would not be a game for everyone.
But if you put care into the level design, keeping in mind that the player will think things through before facing obstacles and maybe have difficulty settings I don't think it will be THAT much of a problem.
I don't see the game benefitting fron compromising a tight and consistent game experience simply to appeal to a broader audience.
By the way, playing the game without the characters wouldn't be horrible, just a bit bleak compared to what you had before.
[editline]26th March 2013[/editline]
[QUOTE=chaz13;40045895]This is a really good idea, apart from a few small issues. I'm imagining it as a 2d platformer, not sure if you are? For some reason the different personalities make me think of the three people in the hotline miami cutscenes.
I may give it a go at some point, I'll let you know if I do.[/QUOTE]
I did see it as a 2D platformer (as you can see at the top of the OP). I'd be interested in hearing about the small issues you see, it can only make it a better game if I am aware of them.
What exactly might you give a go?
[editline]26th March 2013[/editline]
[QUOTE=Sir.Cartman;40045962]Yes, i've got some free time and nothing to do.
I don't use any engine, i use XNA framework
and code myself required stuff as i go along with coding.[/QUOTE]
I don't think this game idea is ready for development yet. I mean you could try out some ways to code certain aspects of the game but before you could get properly started I think it needs a lot of work regarding the concept. I suppose it would also need to be decided if it would have 2D or 3D characters and props.
[QUOTE=Overactor;40046010]
I did see it as a 2D platformer (as you can see at the top of the OP). I'd be interested in hearing about the small issues you see, it can only make it a better game if I am aware of them.
What exactly might you give a go?
.[/QUOTE]
Well, like mentioned above, what happens if you lose too many characters early in the game? You have to finish the game with one? That'd get pretty boring. Stuff like that :smile:
And making it.
[QUOTE=chaz13;40047457]Well, like mentioned above, what happens if you lose too many characters early in the game? You have to finish the game with one? That'd get pretty boring. Stuff like that :smile:[/QUOTE]
That makes it polarising at the very worst I think. I'd rather have 10 people think it's the best game experience they ever had than 10,000 think it's decent. (exaggeration, but I think you see my point)
And I think that good level design can limit that problem greatly.
[QUOTE=chaz13;40047457]And making it.[/QUOTE]
Cool, all on your own?
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