I've always struggled with what do with a blank canvas. Once I get going I'm usually fine, but the initial decision on what to create is always tough.
The same is true when it comes to creating a new game.
Coming up with ideas isn't always the challenging part. I have a bunch of notes for games I'd like to make, but sorting the good ideas from the bad (as well as the realistic ones) is a little tough.
Reading through my ideas there are some themes that crop up frequently. Two of the most common are turn-based strategy and collectible card games. So for my first game of 2019 I'm going to try and combine the two.
Game One - Tiny Tactics
For now I'm referring to this project as "Tiny Tactics", although I expect that name to change as time goes on.
Strategy Games
Right now I'm still collecting ideas for how to structure battles and merge the different elements. Games I'm looking at include:
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Shining Force CD
- The first tactical RPG I ever played. I have a fair amount of experience with how the mechanics work so it will be a good starting point for whatever I end up creating.
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Final Fantasy Tactics
- I played the GBA version a long time ago, but that's about it. The job system is an interesting way of managing skills and attributes.
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Tactics Ogre
- An isometric turn-based strategy game.
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Evolution
- This isn't a turn-based RPG, but I quite like the combat system. Enemies can be knocked back a turn by using certain moves, so there is some strategy in lining moves up correctly.
Card Games
For card games there is a lot of choice. I'm looking at some of the more popular ones - Magic: The Gathering, Hearthstone, Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh! I'm particularly interested in how they handle turns, card strength and any limits on what can be played and when.
1 Comment
Sounds like a great combo! Not sure how much you ever played SNK vs. Capcom: Cardfighters' Clash, but that's still my #1 (though I've only ever played two card games, the other being the sequel to SNK vs. Capcom, which was rubbish). The Lord of the Rings card game looks interesting too, and thankfully the official rules can be downloaded online: https://images-cdn.fantasyflightgames.com/filer_public/ed/c7/edc7c539-c4d4-461c-b998-17fa2451a303/learn_to_play.pdf
And I'm also making a game this month - a text adventure using Quest. I've never done anything like this, but it's proving a lot of fun! I'll post it once it's finished.
And naturally, after that I'll be available for music making :-)