RPGDX > Forums > Design and programming > Seperate games vs single game vs seperate parts of one game?

js71 · Wandering DJ Joined: 22 Nov 2002 Posts: 815

Okay, the topic title may be a bit confusing, so here's what I mean: (I'm just curious about other's opinions on this)
Which do you think is a better way to split up a story meant for a game/game series?
You could have several games split apart but connected story-wise, like Soul Blazer or the Zelda series (okay, so maybe zelda isn't a great example), or you could cram it all into one game, ala Brain Lord... Or then again, you could have several 'parts' (technically different games, but using the same graphics, strongly connected plot, same/some of the same characters, etc), as I believe the first two Golden Sun games were.
For my EAA games, I was thinking something between seperate parts of one story (golden sun 1 and 2), and soul blazer style-- That is, each game would have different characters, fairly new (but still strongly connected) plot, while still retaining the graphical style of the previous one.
Of course, the ideal way (for me) would be to cram it all into a single game, and be done with it-- But, if we did that, then it would take forever to load and would get pretty big, as game maker games tend to.
Now, I know most people expect improved graphics, etc, in a sequel, but if they count as different chapters (or 'books' as I'm using), I think I may be able to get away with using the same graphical style, and even re-using some graphics where needed. Plus, I wouldn't have to worry about vastly different graphics throughout the series-- Like in the Soul Blazer series, Soul Blazer 1 and 3 looked completely different, and with their american titles, you would NEVER guess they were related.
But then, some people here may frown upon re-using graphics/graphic styles, thinking it's 'cheap'-- But then, I sort of doubt anyone outside the indie community (or even anyone IN the community) will care all that much about our (I didn't want to say me; 'our' refers to me and the other team members) games.
So, I guess my point here is, would anyone have a problem with the EAA games using the same graphics/styles as eachother?
Or, would anyone really care enough to answer, would be a more suitable conclusion, heh.
~Joe

Ninkazu · Posted: Thu Mar 04, 2004 9:56 pm Post subject:

separate parts of the game. It's better economically (if we're talking about development.... and I guess gaming, since you get a lot more story and stuff [thinks of Xenosaga])

Rainer Deyke · Demon Hunter Joined: 05 Jun 2002 Posts: 672

Creating a game is a lot of hard work, so take every shortcut you can afford to take. Reuse graphics, reuse music/sound effects, reuse the game engine - not just within a series but as often as you can get away with it. The faster you can finish any individual game, the more games you can create.

As for making one big game versus a series of smaller games, it depends on how big the big game would be. If you have any doubts about your ability to finish the big game, stick to the smaller games. Don't do anything that's more than 50% bigger than the largest game you previously completed. In general, avoid game projects that take more than one year to complete.

js71 · Wandering DJ Joined: 22 Nov 2002 Posts: 815

Yeah, one of the reasons I wanted to do that was because it would greatly reduce development time for the other two games.
And, if I did redo the graphics, I'd probably end up redoing them about fifteen times like I did with Worlds Beyond's graphics.
Alright, I'm pretty sure I'm just about decided on this, unless a million people post and say otherwise.
EDIT: This was directed to Ninkazu's post.
And yeah, Rainer Deyke, I supppose if I combined all the EAA games into one it would be a bit beyond feasable...
(Ninkazu may remember the 'The Enigma' roleplay on the venosoft forums that never got finished-- That's the second EAA game, and it alone may be a bit much to manage-- I may have to cut it down a bit.)

BadMrBox · Posted: Sun Mar 07, 2004 1:14 am Post subject:

I have no prob with that way of making games. I will do the same with Warrmacks Destiny and its sequel... if I ever get the first game finished...

js71 · Wandering DJ Joined: 22 Nov 2002 Posts: 815

BadMrBox · Posted: Sun Mar 07, 2004 1:24 am Post subject:

Ok. But you still have that Qrious logo ^_~
Do you have any homepage for your EAA label?
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js71 · Wandering DJ Joined: 22 Nov 2002 Posts: 815

Qrious logo, yes, it still lingers...
And EAA is actually the title of the series--
Existance And Apocalypse
A page for the first game, Worlds Beyond, is in the works right now.

BadMrBox · Posted: Sun Mar 07, 2004 5:22 am Post subject:

Ah, I see. ^_^
Me bad.
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therabidwombat · Posted: Mon Mar 08, 2004 8:22 pm Post subject:

First of all, I have to say 'boo!' and scare ... Joe up there. (you changed your name again?!??)

Second of all, I think you should do it the 'Golden Sun' style and keep each of your games seperate. It allows you to re-use graphics/graphics styles/music/etc., which would make them look like a series. But it also allows you to follow the adventures of more than just one band of heros. For example, in Golden Sun, you followed Isaac, Garet, Ivan, and Mia, and in GS2, you followed Felix, Jenna, Sheba, and Piers, until close to the end of the game where the original GS characters joined up. But it was the same game, just chapter...I'm gonna say 2 AND 3.

Anyways, I kinda went off topic a bit there, and I hope I didn't scare you too much by showing up here. That's just my two cents.
_________________
How much crap would a wombat bat if a wombat could bat crap?

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Head Programmer on Worlds Beyond; Possibly entire EAA saga
Progress: ~40% done engine

js71 · Wandering DJ Joined: 22 Nov 2002 Posts: 815

My game?
Well, technically, Wombat, it is OUR game. ;)
Just because the story is mine...
I mean, it wouldn't be anywhere right now without the head programmer.
And interesting idea with the progress in the sig, there... Hmm... May do the same with the graphics progress in mine.

therabidwombat · Posted: Tue Mar 09, 2004 1:37 am Post subject:

js71 · Wandering DJ Joined: 22 Nov 2002 Posts: 815

Actually... You're now a 'pretty, pretty fairy princess'--
Congratulations!
:D

therabidwombat · Posted: Tue Mar 09, 2004 2:17 pm Post subject:

What? This is an outrage! I will not have a weird custom title!

*raises post count*

btw, when's the next level?
_________________
How much crap would a wombat bat if a wombat could bat crap?

---------
Head Programmer on Worlds Beyond; Possibly entire EAA saga
Progress: ~40% done engine

js71 · Wandering DJ Joined: 22 Nov 2002 Posts: 815

It's not costom yet, you see. ;)
I got my custom (custom, whoo *taunts*) title by making some dope DOOF DOOF beats.
doof doof wiki wiki doofbadadoof shwoomdoof doof BAM.
:D