What makes a good RPG?

[do_pete]

I'm making an RPG based on Lord of the Flies but I haven't played many RPGs so what makes a good RPG and how would I go about making one?

[Delos]

Did someone say RPG Guide?
Well even if they didn't, you're in for a long read. Basically, functionality, interactivity, gameplay...the usual words that can describe any game.
But read the Tut, it's worth it. (Though perhaps a little supurfluous for your needs).

[Cervantes]

Did someone say long read?

Making an RPG in Turing is a common idea, but one that usually fails. If you want to have any hope of success, I strongly suggest you understand object oriented programming and its nuances. Inheritence and Polymorphism (Part III) will be of prime importance.

[do_pete]

Thanks Delos and Cervantes! And yes I already know all about OOP thanks to your tutorials

[MysticVegeta]

I would like to summarize the answer with 2 points:
- User Interaction should be maintained
- Nice graphics and story

[Cervantes]

Excellent!

Good luck with the project, and be sure to post any questions you have.

[chrispminis]

Seeing as it IS an english project, I would make it extremely relevant and plot based. Don't just make it a freeform RPG with just characters from LOTF. Do it mostly plot based. Add a Zelda style trading game It could be one of those adventure rpgs where you interact with character NPCs as Ralph and like Piggy gives you advice etc. And you need to complete tasks to advance in the plot. And add in little minigames that advance plot and tasks.

[Imm0rtal]

an rpg.. on Lord of the Flies.. Good rpg's usually kill off someone important.. OFF THE PIG!

[jamonathin]

Yes, along with what chrisp said, have people give you advice. Kind of like Diablo, where there's a town and somewhere to shop around and stuff - without being interupted. LOTF's would be a good little RPG to do, since the entire story is written out for you, so gl with it

[Imm0rtal]

chrispminis wrote:

And add in little minigames that advance plot and tasks.

Dodge The Boulders as Piggy!

[chrispminis]

Imm0rtal wrote:

Dodge The Boulders as Piggy!

While it could work, you want to create minigames that ADVANCE the plot, not slow it. In the end, Piggy must die, so what would avoiding boulders wih Piggy do to advance the plot? If it was hit Piggy with rocks, I think it would be more relevant.

Also on the subject, I suggest you do it from only one character's POV. Namely, Ralph's. You could do simple games like. Start the fire (obviously you would add a minigame element that would start the fire, doesnt have to be too relevant to the fire.), build huts, chase pig, run away from savages, duel with Jack, climb the mountain, etc.

[[Gandalf]]

I doubt you'll get very far with an RPG, especially if it's not for Computer Science. While it might get you a mark or two higher than something non-plot related, you would probably be better off making something like "Dodge the Boulders". This way you can complete the project successfully on time and get the marks. Really, I don't think your teacher will care much.

When playing a game where you dodge objects, you will obviously lose, since there is no "conclusion" other than losing. Once you die, the plot advances, and everything's fine.

[chrispminis]

Yes, I realize that but then the incentive and the objective is to postpone the plot?

With a game like that, the objective of the game is stopping the plot. I dont want to play a game, find out it you dont get rewarded until you lose, and that in order to finish the game you have to lose the game. Typically games are set up so that the objective is to advance the plot.

[Cervantes]

It depends who's perspective the game is taking. If it is Ralph's perspective, it should be Dodge The Boulders. If it is Jack's perspective, it would be Stone Piggy.

[Imm0rtal]

chrispminis wrote:

Yes, I realize that but then the incentive and the objective is to postpone the plot?

With a game like that, the objective of the game is stopping the plot. I dont want to play a game, find out it you dont get rewarded until you lose, and that in order to finish the game you have to lose the game. Typically games are set up so that the objective is to advance the plot.

Which makes the game more Surprising when you don't. Lots of RPG's have you fight battles you cannot hopefully win so you can get a understanding how powerful your adversary is in the beginning and it gives you a feeling of hopelessness I suppose.

This would be the same idea.. How do I save myself from a group of choir boys who have no care for human life.. despite my best interests to save the fat one.. *sigh*