1
Design Document for:
Another rpg “An epic quest of epic proportions!”
Written by Matt Bicknese
Version 1
April 4th
2012
2
Table of contents
1. Game Overview........................................................................................................................................................ 4
1.1 In one sentence .................................................................................................................................................... 4
1.2 Major influences .................................................................................................................................................. 4
1.3 Purpose of the game............................................................................................................................................. 4
1.4 Target demographic ............................................................................................................................................. 4
2. Game History ........................................................................................................................................................... 4
2.1 Inspiration............................................................................................................................................................ 4
2.2 Mood and title ..................................................................................................................................................... 5
2.3 Aesthetic changes ................................................................................................................................................ 5
3. Interface .................................................................................................................................................................... 6
3.1 Title ..................................................................................................................................................................... 6
3.2 Game screen .....................................................................................................................................................6-7
4. Game mechanics ...................................................................................................................................................... 7
4.1 Controls ............................................................................................................................................................... 7
4.2 Object of the game ...........................................................................................................................................7-8
4.3 Progression .......................................................................................................................................................... 8
4.4 Enemies ............................................................................................................................................................... 8
4.5 Bosses .................................................................................................................................................................. 8
4.6 Items .................................................................................................................................................................8-9
4.7 Battle ..............................................................................................................................................................9-10
4.8 Levels and stats ................................................................................................................................................. 10
4.9 Gold ................................................................................................................................................................... 10
4.10 Saving .............................................................................................................................................................. 10
5. Story ........................................................................................................................................................................ 10
5.1 Main plot ...................................................................................................................................................... 10-11
5.2 Mood and humor ............................................................................................................................................... 11
6. Main Characters .................................................................................................................................................... 11
6.1 Jack Smith ......................................................................................................................................................... 11
6.2 Mr. Smith .......................................................................................................................................................... 12
6.3 Manik ................................................................................................................................................................ 12
6.4 Jasper ................................................................................................................................................................. 12
6.5 Nameless Villagers ............................................................................................................................................ 12
3
Table of contents cont.
7. The World .............................................................................................................................................................. 13
7.1 Map ................................................................................................................................................................... 13
7.2 Towns ........................................................................................................................................................... 13-14
7.3 Dungeons ........................................................................................................................................................... 14
7.4 Side areas...................................................................................................................................................... 14-15
8. Art Style .................................................................................................................................................................. 15
8.1 Sprites and backgrounds .................................................................................................................................... 15
8.2 Cut scenes ..................................................................................................................................................... 15-16
9. Hardware and Software ........................................................................................................................................ 17
9.1 System requirements ......................................................................................................................................... 17
9.2 Game and asset production ................................................................................................................................ 17
10. Development ......................................................................................................................................................... 17
10.1 Process of making the game ............................................................................................................................ 17
10.2 Future plans ..................................................................................................................................................... 18
11. Play Testing .......................................................................................................................................................... 18
11.1 Jake Kocsisko .................................................................................................................................................. 18
11.2 Bobby Macdonald ........................................................................................................................................... 18
11.3 Samantha Lemes.............................................................................................................................................. 19
11.4 Chris Bicknese ................................................................................................................................................. 19
12. Final Self Evaluation ........................................................................................................................................... 19
4
1. Game overview
1.1 In One Sentence…
Another RPG combines action based battling system, item crafting, and
exploration into an epic quest against evil, all to the backdrop of a parodical
RPG story.
1.2 Major Influences
Another RPG is influenced by many aspects from other games, including
Zelda-esque battle systems, crafting like Minecraft, and a world littered with
items À la Elder Scrolls. The overall aesthetic is derived from old pixilated
games such as early Final Fantasy and Pokémon games.
1.3 Purpose of the Game
My game is designed to give the player a sense of creative control through
an abundance of items and combinations, along with a sense of exploration
through a world map.
1.4 Target Demographic
My game is aimed primarily at males ranging from teen to young adult.
However, the lack of mature content and aesthetic appeal can open it up to
all audiences.
2. Game history
2.1 Inspiration
I always wanted to make an RPG, since they’ve been some of my favorite
games over the years. The magic system is actually similar to a previous
(mostly unsuccessful) game attempt of mine, where you used and leveled up
spells. Most of my initial inspiration came from Minecraft and The Elder
Scrolls series, but I think subconsciously The Legend of Zelda had the
biggest impact, which shows in the game play and initial artwork.
5
2.2 Mood and Title
Another RPG started under the title of “Super Smith”; however I made the
addition of elements that parody video games, and characters that are semi-
conscious of their electronic state, which caused a change in title to reflect
this. I chose this change to give the game the ability to laugh at itself and
others in the genre, and so that the mood agreed more with the aesthetics.
2.3 Aesthetic Changes
My game has gone through many visual changes. The main
character originally wore green, but was changed to blue to
differentiate him from Link of The Legend of Zelda. The item inventory was
also a bright blue, influenced by the menu styles of Final Fantasy games,
but since it’s always on screen it clashed with the scenery. And so that was
knocked down to a dark gray, which also makes the text easier to read.
6
3. Interface
3.1 Title
The title screen is very straightforward. You get the option to start, load, or
view game controls via arrows or by clicking the options. The title is boldly
displayed around the perimeter against a scrolling a background of weapons,
characters, and items.
3.2 Game Screen
The in-game screen is unconventional in that all menus are displayed at all
times while the action appears in a port in the upper left. This means there is
no pausing and all item management happens in real time. It also allows
quick access to stats, equipment, and items. I chose this for convenience and
authenticity, as I always thought pausing in mid-battle was a cheap way to
recover yourself, and quite frankly, unrealistic.
7
Game screen example
4. Game mechanics
4.1 Controls
This game is meant to be played with a keyboard and mouse. The player
controls the main character with the arrow keys, while the Z, X, and C
buttons cause the player to attack, use magic, and block respectively. The
item used in each instance is dependent on what is equipped. The enter
button lets you interact with what’s in front of you, including people and
chests, while the mouse is used to click and drop items in your inventory.
4.2 Object of the Game
The goal of the game is to follow the main story while defeating enemies
and collecting items, all while staying alive. If an enemy attacks you, you
will lose health. When your health reaches zero you will start back at the last
8
save point. It requires quick reflexes during battle and smart strategy in item
management to win the game.
4.3 Progression
You will follow the story line of the game, which will unlock new locations
on your world map for you to visit. There will also be side areas with hidden
extras for the adventurous. You get stronger by finding and crafting more
powerful items, and by leveling up from the experience enemies give. This
accumulates until the final battle is reached, where the player wins the game
upon completion. Post game play will be an option afterwards.
4.4 Enemies
Enemies will use a variety of patterns and strategies that the player
must adjust to. This include following the player, shooting at the
player, or moving sporadically. Enemies can hurt you through
these methods, and you must attack back with either weapons or magic to
succeed. Upon defeat, enemies give an amount of experience and may drop
items or gold.
4.5 Bosses
Bosses will be created by Manik, the main antagonist, at the
end of each major dungeon. They will require more strategy
and fire power than your average enemy, and will often
leave a great reward upon being defeated, along with loads
of experience.
4.6 Items
Items can be found throughout the world and stored in an on-screen
inventory, with which the player can click and drop them elsewhere. An
addition table is located below this inventory, where items can be combined
or taken apart to create new ones. Weapons, magic, and shields can be
equipped by dropping them in the appropriately labeled box, and
consumable items can be used in the same manner.
9
Adding and equipment item examples
4.7 Battle
Battles are conducted by hitting the enemy in real time; there are no separate
battle screens. There are lots of options when engaging in battle, including…
- Weapons
Weapons are used to attack whatever is directly in front of you. They
have varying ranges, attack speeds and power, and can be crafted or
bought from a shop. They damage the enemy with the Atk stat.
- Magic
Magic is more versatile. The Fire Spell shoots a fire ball at whatever’s
in front of you. The Ice Spell creates an icy patch that hurts anything
that touches it. The Thieve’s Spell isn’t involved in battle, rather, it
steals money from NPCs. All magic uses the Mag stat for
effectiveness.
- Shields
Shields will block projectiles that hit it and halve all damage while it’s
drawn. They use the Def stat.
The more you use one of these three equipment types, the more the
corresponding stat will go up upon level up. So for example, you could
specialize in one stat, or train to be well balanced. All of the above listed
items can be crafted or bought from a shop; however, you don’t start with
the ability to use magic.
10
Weapon Magic Shield
4.8 Levels and Stats
Starting at level 1, you will gain experience from enemies causing you to
level up. Upon level up you will gain additional health, attack, magic, and
defense power, the magnitude of which depending on what you use most.
4.9 Gold
Gold is the currency used in the game, and can be found from
defeated enemies and chests, or by selling items at a shop. Gold
is used at shops to buy items, mostly consisting of weapons,
magic and potions. The amount of gold you have is displayed right below
your health.
4.10 Saving
You can save the game at any of the small save statues, or by
hitting the save button on the world map screen. You can load the
game via the option on the title screen.
5. Story
5.1 Main Plot
Jack Smith is awakened by his father, who wants him to retrieve his keys
from a cave up north. Upon exploring this cave, you meet a strange wizard
who is after a special ore in the cave, and thinks you are too! Thus, he fights
you by creating a dragon. Upon defeating his new creation, you find the keys
and the ore that the wizard was looking for. The wizard swears revenge for
11
humiliating him and stealing his ore. Upon returning to the town you
discover that he murdered your father, and thus you swear to avenge your
father’s death. This brings you to a mage in the second town that teaches you
how to use magic, which is apparently the key to beating the crazed wizard.
Afterwards you follow hints and leads as you chase the wizard, Manik,
throughout the land, eventually winding up at his floating magic castle,
where the final battle will take place. Upon victory you learn Manik’s best
spells, and with it, you bring your father back to life. And they lived happily
ever after... Until the sequel!
5.2 Mood and Humor
The above story is pretty dark and generic, but throughout the game you will
meet quirky characters, pop culture references, and gamer humor to provide
comedic relief. For example, when you learn magic the old mage brings you
through a Rocky montage for training, complete with “Eye of the Tiger”
playing. Also, the characters generally know that they’re in a game, and
often question or wonder about traditional gaming clichés. One of the first
examples is when your father says “Get up Jack! This would be a boring
game if you slept all day”. Another would be when an NPC notes “People
around here are so repetitive! They say the same things over and over
again!” I think this help differentiate the game from traditional RPGs, and I
feel well executed humor in a game makes the experience much more
memorable.
6. Main Characters
6.1 Jack Smith
The main character, you control him as you fight to avenge your
father’s death. He’s a somewhat typical teenager, being lazy and
impatient to start the game, however the circumstances presented to him
forces him to focus. He’s very good at crafting weapons, being the son of a
blacksmith and all, and his most recognizable for his thick mop of blonde
hair.
12
6.2 Mr. Smith
Jack’s father, Mr. Smith has been a blacksmith his whole life and
it’s thanks to him that Jack can craft weapons in the first place. He
gets killed off fairly quickly, and his death drives Jack to seek vengeance on
the culprit.
6.3 Manik
Manik is the evil wizard that resides in a mystical floating castle.
His motive behind collecting the ores are unknown, but it’s clear
he’ll do anything to get them, including killing a kid’s parent. He is the main
antagonist, and seems quite proud of that fact.
6.4 Jasper
Jasper is the old mage that lives in the secluded town of Kyndalite.
He teaches Jack how to use and craft magic for the first time, and
seems to know a lot about Manik and his motives.
6.5 Nameless Villagers
Villagers populate all of the towns you come across, and come from
very similar backgrounds, hence their similar appearances. Some
wander around, some run shops, but all of them like some good
conversation. They might even tell you some useful information, or even
give you an item!
13
7. The World
7.1 Map
The country of Ukimara filled with mountains, forests, towns and deserts.
These locations can be traveled to by clicking an arrow on the world map,
which shows a top-down view of Ukimara. The world map can be accessed
by leaving your current area.
The world map, from which you can choose locations to visit by clicking the
yellow arrows.
7.2 Towns
Towns are residential areas found throughout the country. They have many
villagers that can give you tips and items to help you on your quests. You
can also find shops here. In general, they’re safe places to rest a bit before
going back out into the world.
14
7.3 Dungeons
Dungeons are the main “levels” in the game, and where you’ll find most of
the enemies, puzzles, and boss fights. They often have rewarding treasure
throughout, and are required for advancing the plot. They can occur in caves,
forests, deserts, and castles.
7.4 Side Areas
Side areas can be mandatory or optional areas of the map, and are often very
short. You can find special items, a few enemies, or random NPCs in these
areas. Optional side areas can be discovered by talking to NPCs, who will
tell you about them and mark them on your map for you. They can also be
mandatory for reaching a required dungeon as well.
15
8. Art style
8.1 Sprites and Backgrounds
The game will have an overall cartoon-like, pixel based look. The scenery is
very colorful and should contain aesthetics that can appeal to all audiences.
8.2 Cut scenes
There will be a few slide show style cut scenes throughout the game. These
will feature colorful pictures that bring the in-game sprites to life. This can
16
also be found in the loading screen. Animated cut scenes may be
implemented at a future date.
Loading screen
Slide from Rocky-style montage – training with magic.
17
9. Hardware and Software
9.1 System Requirements
Another RPG is currently a downloadable .exe file; however, a Mac friendly
version will be made when available. It will run on Windows 2000 or better,
with a DirectX 8 compatible graphics and sound card, 128 MB of memory,
and at least an 800x600 screen resolution.
9.2 Game and Asset Production
The game was made using Game Maker 7.0 Pro, with the sprites being made
using Game Maker’s built in sprite editor. Hand drawn maps and cut scenes
are made using Photoshop CS5.1. The music was written and produced
using Anvil Studio. All sprites and music were created by me except “Eye of
the Tiger”, of which a midi version is used during the Rocky cut scene. Most
sound effects used were borrowed from freesound.org, with some being the
default sounds Game Maker comes with.
10. Development
10.1 Process of Making the Game
Another RPG was an enormous task for me. It became almost a personal
project, something I could easily do in my free time. Because of how much I
enjoyed it, I put in work almost every day of the semester without a second
thought. The prospect of how many hours that must’ve been terrifies me to
be honest. I started with the item inventory system, which went surprisingly
smoothly. From there I made the main character, his abilities, and the world
around him. I drew all of the sprites and backgrounds, wrote nearly all of the
music, and wrote around ninety percent of the code myself, with some help
from the friendly people on the internet. Because of this I feel more proud of
my project because it really is almost all me. There’s no sprites or sounds
from other games, it’s all just Another RPG.
18
10.2 Future Plans
Because I’ve gotten so into this game, I’m very realistic about continuing it
beyond this class. Aside from more items, enemies, bosses and levels, I have
the following ideas for the future:
- A storage system for your items
- All around improved aesthetics (especially scenery and animations)
- Animated video cut scenes
- Co-op multiplayer
- Trading items over the internet
11. Play Testing
So far about ten people have played my game, six males and four females
from the ages of 16 – 23 with an average age of 19 and half. Ironically this is
about the audience I expect for my game, perhaps with it being a little
younger and a little more male dominant. The following are specific
examples of some of their experiences.
11.1 Jake Kocsisko
Jake reportedly played for two hours, finding nearly every item combination
in the game at the time. This tells me that people will spend time mixing
different items in hopes for more powerful equipment. Overall he loved the
game and keeps bugging me for updates.
11.2 Bobby MacDonald
Bobby was very helpful when he played the game. He suggested being
actually able to use the shield to block, since at the time it simply added to
your defense and nothing more. He also suggested having a warning when
your health gets low, along with finding a few minor glitches. Overall he
liked the level up system and finding hidden items.
19
11.3 Samantha Lemes
Sam seemed to like playing with the items, but found some of the enemies
too difficult. I’ve since scaled them down, as the stats were difficult to figure
out without someone testing it first. She liked the art style a lot, and found
them very colorful and fun.
11.4 Chris Bicknese
My little brother was my first testers before I let anyone else play it. Because
of this he found most of the bugs and glitches in the game. He spent a lot of
time on it, and seemed very concerned with finding the best equipment at his
disposal.
12. Final self evaluation
As I said before, this project became very important to me. I feel very proud
with where I’m at, and I’m excited for what the future holds. Of course I
have had some past experience with the program, but Another RPG became
about ten times more intricate, in depth, and refined than anything else I’ve
created thus far. In this respect I feel that I’ve made great strides in my time
with this class. My desire to make a quality game caused me to stick to what
I was familiar with, but I spent some time learning Unity as well, and would
love to get more into that in the future. But for now, I’m thrilled that I have a
game that not only works, but is, from what I feel and what others have told
me, fun to play, which should be the primary goal for any traditional game.