Turn Based RPGs? Do you want them?

[King_Tetiro]

Hey guys! Wow. Never seen a forum with over a million members before. That's new!

A little background on me. In my spare time I love to game develop. I think it's an amazing feeling to see people play your games and enjoy them. And I specialise in RPGs. Specifically the turn based. Like Final Fantasy 1-3, Persona, etc.

With my 1st RPG pretty much in the "DONE" pile, I'm working on the 2nd one which is a sequel. And I was hoping the 1st one to be on Android devices but due to complications it couldn't happen. But now I've fixed that for the sequel so I'm well on my way to developing a turn based RPG for it!

But what has left an odd taste in my mouth is the lack of turn based RPGs on the Android. It seems like a great idea. Especially as you can stop a battle mid way. Like for example you're fighting a boss whilst on the train. You reach your stop. You just put the phone away in the midst of battle without worry of being killed.

You see that's why I'm left confused. Why hasn't it been done? So I've set out to find out!

So please, if you love turn based RPGs or don't like them at all. Post in this topic. It allows me to get a view of what the Android market is like

Though if you do want turn based RPGs, could you provide a bit more information?

• Paid or Free
• If paid, how much is your maximum spending on RPGs?
• And how much is your happy amount?
• If free, are you happy to cope with ads? Or is that a complete no-go?

I really appreciate all the help and opinions in the topic. I'll be producing a topic for the game's progress soon. If the forum rules permit it

 

[umataro42]

I love turn based RPGs, and I've probably spent most of my Android gaming time on them. I prefer something with a story over just an endless runner or Angry Birds type game. There seems to be a lot of JRPG but not a lot of (good) Western ones so it would be great to see more, especially if they're open world (and not closed off like Zenonia for example, where you can only go to the area allowed for each quest).

I would prefer free (of course) but would be happy to pay, especially if it removes ads.
The most I've spent on an RPG is probably $4. I'd be willing to pay $0.99-$5 depending on how much play I get out of the game. I'd be happiest paying $1-2. (All prices based on US Dollars).
If it has ads, as long as they're not too intrusive and don't interfere with the actual game, I'd be ok with it but I'd rather pay a little to not have ads.

I look forward to seeing more about your game.

 

[King_Tetiro]

I love turn based RPGs, and I've probably spent most of my Android gaming time on them. I prefer something with a story over just an endless runner or Angry Birds type game. There seems to be a lot of JRPG but not a lot of (good) Western ones so it would be great to see more, especially if they're open world (and not closed off like Zenonia for example, where you can only go to the area allowed for each quest).

I would prefer free (of course) but would be happy to pay, especially if it removes ads.
The most I've spent on an RPG is probably $4. I'd be willing to pay $0.99-$5 depending on how much play I get out of the game. I'd be happiest paying $1-2. (All prices based on US Dollars).
If it has ads, as long as they're not too intrusive and don't interfere with the actual game, I'd be ok with it but I'd rather pay a little to not have ads.

I look forward to seeing more about your game.

This is great feedback! It provides an in-depth on pricing and shows your thoughts.

Keep the opinions coming!

 

[Rhone]

There are a fair number of JRPGs for Android, thanks in large part to Kemco who seem to push a new one out every couple months. Most of them feel pretty generic, though--go to town, fight through dungeon, go to next town and get incremental equipment upgrade, then fight through next dungeon, rinse and repeat. Slap on typical immature anime storyline. *yawn* Android JRPGs that are well written and interesting, like Cthulhu Saves the World, are rare. Android JRPGs that are truly special/unique in their design, like Radiant Historia on the NDS, are--as far as I can tell--entirely non-existent.

I would definitely like to see more western style turn-based RPGs--something like the classic Ultima games.

As for price preferences: For a game I think I might like but I'm not sure, generally $1-2; for a game I think there's a good chance of me liking, up to $5; I'm willing to go up to $10 or even higher in cases where 1) I've already played and liked games from the developer, 2) the game gets good reviews and sounds like something I'll really enjoy, and 3) the game can compete with similarly priced games that I could get on my Vita.

I flat out ignore any game with IAPs (I don't think they even deserve to be called games, really--it's really just a game for the developers ("let's see how much money we can trick people into spending on this crap")). I generally don't like ads--IMO developers that truly care about making games good will not waste my meagre phone screen space on ads. A free ad supported version with an ad-free paid version is fine, though.

 

[Montoya]

I would love to see a solid, turn-based RPG. I still dig out FF on my PSP from time to time.

I'm fine with either ad-supported or paid pricing schemes. However, in-app purchases for "upgrades" that you need in order to beat an insanely hard level is, IMO, despicable. It's no different than the drug pusher who gives the first "taste" for free.

 

[King_Tetiro]

I would love to see a solid, turn-based RPG. I still dig out FF on my PSP from time to time.

I'm fine with either ad-supported or paid pricing schemes. However, in-app purchases for "upgrades" that you need in order to beat an insanely hard level is, IMO, despicable. It's no different than the drug pusher who gives the first "taste" for free.

You'll be happy to know the only sort of purchase you'd have to make would be the game. I completely agree that in-app purchases are evil. In fact, we're even contributing Codes in competitions which unlock bonuses in the game. Stuff you wouldn't be able to access in a normal run through :thumb:

Spoiler

(And we're not talking simple new-outfits. We're talking a new character, new weapons and a secret dungeon!)

 

[akutasame94]

I will focus on JRPGs as they are best suited for android and cause I have low end device with low resolution, so they tend to work best on my phone, plus I love them.

I was always a fan of JRPGs, tho the best ones are mostly found on consoles, mostly PS1 and 2... It's true that most android rpgs are medicore, but I don't agree that KEMCO games are that medicore. Actually they stand out in the see of dumb, similar rpgs. I am talking mostly of Symphony series. I was pulled in that world. Yes, gameplay can get a bit boring, but games had a decent story, and adorable, lovable characters, especially Symphony of the origin. After saying that I also have to say that I started working in rpg maker vx ace and that I am trying to build an rpg, but programming was never my strong point. I am a writer, even had some jobs and won few awards (even tho I am 18). So my rpg might turn out to have good story, but pretty shitty gameplay. Why am I saying this? Cause that's how most rpgs today are. They either have great graphics and gameplay, due to amazing skill of a programmer, but extremely lame and boring story. Or a great story, due to an excellent idea and inspiration from a writer, but awful gameplay because of the lack of the skill. I understand perfection cannot exist, but I think the best thing is to find a balance.

Turn based system also can get a bit boring. Finding innovations on that field would be very important. It isn't easy, but different animations can contribute to that. Combining skills can be interesting, it's already been seen, but making it so that only certain classes can combine skills (like only mage and assassin for example. Mage teleports assassin behind an enemy and assassin stabs him from behind and so on).

Exploring dungeons can be interesting, but there needs to be proper motivation, not just the need to do it to proceed with the story. That can suffice if the story is good enough, but even if that is the case, needing to go to dungeons every seconds is a bit boring. Create diverse world. Some western rpgs can really help on that field. Think about the jrpg with open world. Yes, we have 2D graphics (they can be made in 3D but they work best in 2D and if it is in that form more phones will support it), but making it open world would be amazing. You get main story and have an option to get to the next part of it by going through cities in any order you want, taking up on different quests. Make the worlds live, make it so that it breathes. Make npcs talk. Yes it's a big job, but it can give you so much in return. I have plenty more ideas, but this is getting a bit long already. Character customization is also extremely important. Make it simple, but deep. I love going through numerous classes and abilities choosing those that suit my style of play.

As for payment, I don't mind paying for the game if the price is right. If the game is a first project it should be cheaper, and if the people receive it well and end up liking it, price can easily go up, but still consider the people with less money. Also consider low end devices. Also releasing demo so you get feedback is great thing to do. In game payments are no go. If I pay the game I don't want to pay again for extra stuff or just so I can finish the game on hardest level. ADS might work if you put an X next to them and if they appear every 30 minutes or so.

That's all for now

 

[Edonidd]

I love turn based games, prefer turn based strategy or especially tactical RPG games, but turn based RPG works well for me too.

Unlike one of the other posters in here, I don't care so much about finding new and different ways to innovate. Find the formula that works for you, and perfect it. Too many game makers have worried and spent too much time trying to make new and unique things, that end up sucking but are unique. Most of the people who still play turn based games are less worried about innovation than you might find on the FPS games or something.

If I find the right game, I am willing to pay a considerable amount, but I rarely find the right game, because I got sick of spending $5 here and there for games that end up not being any good at all. Now I won't pay for any game unless I already like it. Ad-supported trials or even "prequels" probably work best for me personally.

 

[brownchm]

If the game was a quality game that would last hours, then I would buy it. When I want something and it is a very good quality game I am willing to spend a bit more than usual.

 

[King_Tetiro]

I will focus on JRPGs as they are best suited for android and cause I have low end device with low resolution, so they tend to work best on my phone, plus I love them.

You'll be happy to know it's a UK take on JRPGs. And I couldn't agree more. They work perfectly on Android

Turn based system also can get a bit boring. Finding innovations on that field would be very important. It isn't easy, but different animations can contribute to that. Combining skills can be interesting, it's already been seen, but making it so that only certain classes can combine skills (like only mage and assassin for example. Mage teleports assassin behind an enemy and assassin stabs him from behind and so on).

Well the whole system has been known to be repetitive. Though we'll be using the Weather to adjust circumstances in battle. And with the enemies benefitting from the weather as much as you do, you have to think long and hard before trying to use the weather to your advantage.

Exploring dungeons can be interesting, but there needs to be proper motivation, not just the need to do it to proceed with the story. That can suffice if the story is good enough, but even if that is the case, needing to go to dungeons every seconds is a bit boring. Create diverse world. Some western rpgs can really help on that field. Think about the jrpg with open world. Yes, we have 2D graphics (they can be made in 3D but they work best in 2D and if it is in that form more phones will support it), but making it open world would be amazing. You get main story and have an option to get to the next part of it by going through cities in any order you want, taking up on different quests. Make the worlds live, make it so that it breathes. Make npcs talk. Yes it's a big job, but it can give you so much in return. I have plenty more ideas, but this is getting a bit long already. Character customization is also extremely important. Make it simple, but deep. I love going through numerous classes and abilities choosing those that suit my style of play.

Well then good news! We're trying to make the RPG feel like you're exploring the world. You learn as the characters learn about the cultures. You can travel anywhere from the moment you get the ship.
It'll be a 2D experience. And we'll try to make the story and dungeons twine together

As for payment, I don't mind paying for the game if the price is right. If the game is a first project it should be cheaper, and if the people receive it well and end up liking it, price can easily go up, but still consider the people with less money. Also consider low end devices. Also releasing demo so you get feedback is great thing to do. In game payments are no go. If I pay the game I don't want to pay again for extra stuff or just so I can finish the game on hardest level. ADS might work if you put an X next to them and if they appear every 30 minutes or so.

We were definitely thinking of producing a short demo of the game so you can get a feel of the game. I was thinking up to and after the 1st dungeon. I think we'd keep the price constant regardless of popularity increase. Only fair after all

Unlike one of the other posters in here, I don't care so much about finding new and different ways to innovate. Find the formula that works for you, and perfect it. Too many game makers have worried and spent too much time trying to make new and unique things, that end up sucking but are unique. Most of the people who still play turn based games are less worried about innovation than you might find on the FPS games or something.

This right here is what all game designers need to know. If you have a working formula, don't change it! And we won't be! The only aspect that will change will be the programming to ensure gameplay quality.

If I find the right game, I am willing to pay a considerable amount, but I rarely find the right game, because I got sick of spending $5 here and there for games that end up not being any good at all. Now I won't pay for any game unless I already like it. Ad-supported trials or even "prequels" probably work best for me personally.

We definitely won't be charging $5. I'd say no more that $2.50 at the most! After all, people aren't going to pay loads on a new franchise. I know I don't!

If the game was a quality game that would last hours, then I would buy it. When I want something and it is a very good quality game I am willing to spend a bit more than usual.

A wise choice! I usually follow the google play rating system. It's usually right on the money for game quality

 

[rkkeller]

I would love a simple old school turn based RPG like Might and Magic was many years ago.

 

[King_Tetiro]

I would love a simple old school turn based RPG like Might and Magic was many years ago.

Ah the old fantasy style before it became stereotypical.

No more medieval style fantasy for my team anymore! Oh no! The next RPG will be Pirates merged with Cowboys. In our own take of course

 

[umataro42]

Ah the old fantasy style before it became stereotypical.

No more medieval style fantasy for my team anymore! Oh no! The next RPG will be Pirates merged with Cowboys. In our own take of course

Or maybe Pirates vs. Ninja? To settle the age old debate?

 

[ktchong]

Western turn-based RPG like Fallout 1 and 2... YES.

Japanese turn-based RPG like old Final Fantasy games... NO.

I love Western RPG and hate Japanese RPG. I've been so happy that Western RPG have enjoyed a decade-long revival and progress since the late 1990s, have made leaps and bounds in the decade, and are now enjoying a further boom at Kickstarter. I'm even happier that Japanese RPG have been suffering a long slow decline during the same decade. Ah, as they deserve.

 

[syi]

You've never been to gamefaqs?

 

[syi]

It's this sort of thinking that really puts a hamper on industry progress and region seclusion. JRPGs are definitely the quantity. But the western rpgs that most care to mention aren't exactly quality. On the flip side western studios churn out fps games like we're going to forget about WWII if they don't make one every 8 months. Fallout isn't even an rpg anymore really, not since bethesda got their dirty claws in it. The only real western rpg i can think of is an mmo. WoW

 

[King_Tetiro]

It's this sort of thinking that really puts a hamper on industry progress and region seclusion. JRPGs are definitely the quantity. But the western rpgs that most care to mention aren't exactly quality. On the flip side western studios churn out fps games like we're going to forget about WWII if they don't make one every 8 months. Fallout isn't even an rpg anymore really, not since bethesda got their dirty claws in it. The only real western rpg i can think of is an mmo. WoW

The sad thing is that's very true.

That's why I like original games. And also why we're doing Pirates x Cowboys. And a nice hint of Courtesans

 

[ktchong]

I despise JRPG. And I despise MMORPG.

The era of Origin, Interplay, New World, Sir-Tech was in the long past. The era of BioWare, Bethesda and Blizzard greatness is over or coming to a close. But they had served their purpose by making their contributions, advances and progresses in the WRPG genre.

I'm excited when I look at the new wave of rising and upcoming WRPG studios and games. The Witcher. Project Eternity. Wasteland 2. Shadowrun. Cyberpunk. Torment Numera. As if big-budget titles from BioWare and Bethesda are not enough to keep WRPG fans busy, WRPG fans will be flooded by excellent indie titles thanks to Kickstarter. WRPG fans will literally be drowning in A+++ titles in this and the next few years..

WRPG is reaching another new height... while JRPG continues to for a slow death with no end in sight. Just the way I like. Buahahahaha!

 

[syi]

You're bordering on hate speach.

 

[King_Tetiro]

Moving back on topic to avoid hate speech,

I was just wondering. Would you guys like it so that you can easily change team members in battle?

 

[umataro42]

It would be nice, but being able to change members before an upcoming battle would work too.

 

[syi]

That was one of the most broken things from FFX. i enjoyed it, but it really broke the gameplay. In FFXIII it's just annoying. Maybe once per battle?

 

[King_Tetiro]

That was one of the most broken things from FFX. i enjoyed it, but it really broke the gameplay. In FFXIII it's just annoying. Maybe once per battle?

Actually I was thinking of the following. Once per character per turn. However, the character that you switched in can't be used until the next round (or after 3 turns, whichever is nearer at the time). As I agree, it broke FFX as you can swap fast characters to get more turns.

 

[syi]

Actually I was thinking of the following. Once per character per turn. However, the character that you switched in can't be used until the next round (or after 3 turns, whichever is nearer at the time). As I agree, it broke FFX as you can swap fast characters to get more turns.

That just seems more tedious than anything. I'm really tired of my games penalizing me for the things they teach me to do to get the loot I want. Nothing screams poor game design than a boss fight who can only be beaten using a mechanic known to hinder your gameplay and force the game to be unfun. Not to say that it can't be done right, just that you'll have a time of it.

 

[King_Tetiro]

That just seems more tedious than anything. I'm really tired of my games penalizing me for the things they teach me to do to get the loot I want. Nothing screams poor game design than a boss fight who can only be beaten using a mechanic known to hinder your gameplay and force the game to be unfun. Not to say that it can't be done right, just that you'll have a time of it.

You make a valid point. I think we'll keep away from the party switching in-battle for now. Why break what's not broken right?