13 replies to this topic

[Wickedrob]

I was wondering if there were any in existence because I'm interested in making one.The limitations in comparison to a top down dungeon crawling or open world intrigues me as an interesting challenge.
Also what are some things that I should consider when making one of these?

[sunandshadow]

How are you defining "dungeon crawler"?  There is a pretty wide variety of sidescrollers you can look at, from the MMO MapleStory to old arcade-like games such as Zelda II, Golden Axe, a variety of TMNT games, Super Metroid, or newer things like Viewtiful Joe and Castle Crashers.  Do any of those come close to being a dungeon crawler?

[Wickedrob]

Yes but more exploration based like Pokemon mystery dungeon.Instead of going from stage to stage, you would have the freedom where to explore next while fighting monsters, collecting items, weapons etc.I guess Terraria is another example

[sunandshadow]

MapleStory allows the player to freely wander through the game world like that.  With most RPGs the player is only going to want to be where monsters are the appropriate level, which is probably 3 or fewer places in the world; so it's questionable to me how much freedom of exploration matters.  In MapleStory in particular, exploration isn't really emphasized because of the MMO nature of the game, which means it's unlikely to find anywhere in the game that there are no other players.  But there are certainly sidescrollers that do emphasize exploration, especially the ones which are adventure games rather than platformers.

 

Things you should consider while designing one, well, it's the same as designing any kind of game: you have to identify what you want to make in terms of gameplay genre, theme of the world, amount of story, target audience, platform/controls, MMO or single player, and all that.  Make a list of desired features, looking at these example single player games for suggestions.

[Wickedrob]

I outta try out maple story since it seems to have elements what Id like to recreate.
Btw how do you think you can expand the element of exploration for the player?

[Wickedrob]

I outta try out maple story since it seems to have elements what Id like to recreate.
Btw how do you think you can expand the element of exploration for the player?

[sunandshadow]

To develop exploration, you have to give the player reasons to explore.  Reasons to explore might be clues to a mystery about how the world works or what happened in the world's past to make it the way it is, or abilities the player could learn.  Other motivations for exploration could include crafting ingredients or quest items the player needs to gather, or pages of story the player is trying to collect, or a special type of currency the player needs to expand, upgrade, learn, or craft something.  In a multiplayer game it is possible to spawn a unique set of exploration rewards for each player, which are not visible to or collectible by other players.  Or, collectibles can be in a standard spot but become no longer visible to players who have already collected them.

[DaveTroyer]

River City Ransom is an old gem that I enjoy that has an open-world setting that lets the player explore the city in a side-scrolling kinda way. Its worth checking out to give you an idea of how it can be done.

 

That and it's pretty dang fun IMO 

Edited by DaveTroyer, 15 February 2013 - 12:55 PM.

[thade]

River City Ransom is an old gem that I enjoy that has an open-world setting that lets the player explore the city in a side-scrolling kinda way. Its worth checking out to give you an idea of how it can be done.

 

That and it's pretty dang fun IMO 

The Scott Pilgrim vs. The World XBLA game is very much a spiritual successor to RCR and modern in case retro isn't to your tastes. (It's also funny and fun with up to three friends.)

[Wickedrob]

I'm thinking of something less linear and more freedom and not just a beat em up like Scot Pilgrim or Tmnt.

[Wickedrob]

Im just imagining the same experience of a top down like Zelda, Gta 2 or retro city rampage but side scrolling? Zelda 2 comes to close to what I'm thinking of minus the top down map traveling .

[Wickedrob]

Maybe I'm just rambling now but I appreciate the help and insight everyone

[DaveTroyer]

Maybe take a look at the Castlevania series including and after Symphony of the Night?

 

They have an open feel where the player can explore the map in a side-scroller and the map opens up more and more as the player gains new items and abilities.

 

I can imagine a game with a similar dynamic and with a massive underground dungeon to explore, which is pretty much what you're looking at creating, right? 

[Wickedrob]

THATS IT! CASTLEVANIA! It fits exactly what I want to make! My idea is like Castlevania with more places to explore and item + weapon leveling and synthesis.