Vanity Items in Games
Cool or not?
I'm not sure if 'vanity' is the best term, but I'm going to use it. I'm referring to items that do not actually affect gameplay any, but are
usable. Some example:- A coin that the player could flip in-game
- Do I want Item A or Item B? COIN FLIP!
- Do I want Item A or Item B? COIN FLIP!
- I have 3 doors to choose from; Random Number App, give me a number from 1 to 3.
I personally don't think I've played any games that had the first two, but I loved sitting down and having a conversation with Lilarcor, the talking sword from Baldur's Gate 2.
I've been contemplating using this idea in games before, but I really think it could add something to a point and click. However, being an avid point and click player, I know how frustrating having useless items in your inventory is (especially when you get stuck and start trying to combine everything you have or use everything you have on something.)
So, vanity items: yay or nay?
Would it preferred if they were useful for something in the game? For example, near the beginning of the game you find a special coin that you can flip throughout the game, but at the end there is a vending machine that will only take that coin. It dispenses a key that leads to an alternate ending or perhaps a special developer room (think Zombies Ate My Neighbors).
Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated!
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Here are a couple screenshots, just for kicks:
The SAGE editor, now with more Item Editor!
Added some clutter to Aaron's desk.
Reworked the trash can so that it didn't look so...horrible.
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