Other [Legacy] Project Sandbox

[Deo]

Welcome to the Project Sandbox!

The concept of this thread is simple: post something for feedback, and or give feedback to others. If you want to get some quick feedback on plot ideas or game design elements before you even start your game or if you have a thread, this is the place to do so. If you're thinking about starting your own thread for your project but need some help determining if your first post is up snuff, this is also an ideal place for you to do that too.

Please keep the following in mind while using this thread:

• If you notice something that has been posted but hasn't received any feedback, please consider providing the poster with some form of feedback before you move onto later posts.
• Put some thought and effort into your feedback. While not all short feedback is bad, generally you want to make sure you're offering something worthwhile to the person requesting feedback.
• On a similar note, make sure what you're requesting feedback on has some substance to it. You don't have to provide multiple paragraphs explaining your idea, but don't be vague and leave nothing for anyone to comment on!
• Be respectful and civil. This thread isn't an excuse to be rude to another person or to tell them their idea is bad, be helpful instead.

While this thread is meant for general feedback, Relic Castle also has other threads for feedback on screenshots, maps, and such. If what you're seeking feedback on is more suited there, please post it in the appropriate thread:

• Screenshot Showcase
• Map Showcase
• Fakemon Feedback
• Pixel Art Lounge

 

[Presley]

So I'm working on a fan game, its called Pokémon Crimson Fire. Its based around the Pokémon Champion Lance (Hence the name crimson fire because of his red hair), it is about him in his teens before champion and he seeks to destroy humans who cannot use pokemon as power tools. The female Protagonist will be his cousin Clair, she will be based the same only she will become he gym leader of the 8th gym in johto, although I may do two separate games and make it so you can only be Lance in one and have the clair game called Pokémon Sapphire Blue as the prequel.

But anyway back to this story; Lance will come from his home region (Need to find that out) and he will go around battling trainers as a bad guy, Team crimson will be the bad guys also and they will look to create the ultimate pokemon, lance will work with them for awhile until he has a change of heart after so long eventually destroying team crimson and going to johto to take on the gyms and elite four.

What do you guys think any ideas or anything??

It's kind of a neat concept, but is it canonically accurate to have Lance as a bad guy who wants to destroy humans and views Pokémon as tools?

 

[Mew2]

It's kind of a neat concept, but is it canonically accurate to have Lance as a bad guy who wants to destroy humans and views Pokémon as tools?

What should I do with him then??

 

[theAcecelgor]

So I'm working on a fan game, its called Pokémon Crimson Fire. Its based around the Pokémon Champion Lance (Hence the name crimson fire because of his red hair), it is about him in his teens before champion and he seeks to destroy humans who cannot use pokemon as power tools. The female Protagonist will be his cousin Clair, she will be based the same only she will become he gym leader of the 8th gym in johto, although I may do two separate games and make it so you can only be Lance in one and have the clair game called Pokémon Sapphire Blue as the prequel.

But anyway back to this story; Lance will come from his home region (Need to find that out) and he will go around battling trainers as a bad guy, Team crimson will be the bad guys also and they will look to create the ultimate pokemon, lance will work with them for awhile until he has a change of heart after so long eventually destroying team crimson and going to johto to take on the gyms and elite four.

What do you guys think any ideas or anything??

I think Lance being a villain works with the manga series were Lance looks younger and is the main villain

 

[Presley]

What should I do with him then??

You can still do that, I’m just wondering if there’s anywhere in the canon that refers to Lance as being villainous.------------------------

You can still do that, I’m just wondering if there’s anywhere in the canon that refers to Lance as being villainous.

Whoops, just found something about that. In the manga, he thinks all people should be eradicated besides the ones who show compassion towards Pokemon. Yours is all people should be eradicated except the ones who use Pokemon as tools. Is that intentional, or just wrong choice of words? Regardless, I think the idea is neat and would love to see it in a game.

 

[Mew2]

You can still do that, I’m just wondering if there’s anywhere in the canon that refers to Lance as being villainous.------------------------
Whoops, just found something about that. In the manga, he thinks all people should be eradicated besides the ones who show compassion towards Pokemon. Yours is all people should be eradicated except the ones who use Pokemon as tools. Is that intentional, or just wrong choice of words? Regardless, I think the idea is neat and would love to see it in a game.

yeah i chose the wrong choice of words, but if it sounds neat ill get to work ;)

 

[Presley]

I've thought up of a few concepts that might spice up a Pokémon game a little. A lot of these ideas are inspired by LEGO games, as I used to love them when I was younger.

First, there will be different characters that have different abilities, such as Pokémon, access to things like computers, the ability to read ancient texts, etc. For example, one character might have a Pokémon that's able to smash rocks and another could have a Pokémon that can use Surf. Throughout the game, the player will be able to switch between characters to solve puzzles and advance forward.

In the game, there will be a difference between the "free-roaming" world and parts of the game that are in the main story. Essentially, you are always in the "free-roaming" part of the world, free to do what you normally do in a Pokémon game, with the exception of advancing the main story line. You'll be able to take side quests and explore for items and Pokémon and all that good stuff. To hop into the story, you will have to travel around the "free-roaming" world and interact with someone/something to start that chapter and play the levels within it. It'd be similar to talking to someone for a side quest. You have to complete chapters to advance in the "free-roam" world which, in turn, allows you to advance to further levels. I know that this isn't the clearest explanation, but I'm willing to clarify on it if anyone asks.

Here's a little extra information on the two "worlds." In the "free-roaming" world, players will be able to switch to any unlocked characters. In the "story mode," players are locked into the characters that are a part of that specific portion of the story, unless they have already completed the level. If the level has already been completed, the player will be able to use any character that has been unlocked, similar to the "free-roaming" world. This will allow players to go back and use characters with abilities to explore other parts of the levels to find hidden collectibles.

Hidden collectibles are not integral to the main game. They are just for fun and might add a little more time to those players who like to do things like complete the Pokédex. Throughout the game, in "story mode" levels and the "free-roaming" world, these hidden collectibles can be found by the player. These collectibles are not things like Potions and other items, they are rather "keys" to unlocking things in the game. For example, some collectibles will unlock characters that can be used in the "free-roaming" world and in levels that have already been completed. Other collectibles might unlock areas that contain Pokémon not available anywhere else and/or legendary Pokémon.

Any constructive criticism and touch ups to my ideas would be greatly appreciated.

 

[leilou]

@Presley I really like the idea ... it kind of reminds me of Pokémon Mystery Dungeons concept. But like it is there it might be worth to consider having the main story world within the free roaming world and have puzzles in certain areas. Such like Sky Pillar in SRE(match bike puzzle) and then have entry scenes that lock the player into certain characters when it is needed. That way the free roaming world and the main story world feel like the same and you'll probably solve the main story world to archive something in the free roaming world.

Another probably better example of what I was thinking of was something like Legend of Zelda Breath of the wild world with the puzzle temples.

 

[Presley]

@Presley I really like the idea ... it kind of reminds me of Pokémon Mystery Dungeons concept. But like it is there it might be worth to consider having the main story world within the free roaming world and have puzzles in certain areas. Such like Sky Pillar in SRE(match bike puzzle) and then have entry scenes that lock the player into certain characters when it is needed. That way the free roaming world and the main story world feel like the same and you'll probably solve the main story world to archive something in the free roaming world.

Another probably better example of what I was thinking of was something like Legend of Zelda Breath of the wild world with the puzzle temples.

Yeah, my idea is really similar to yours, actually. I don’t think I really worded it to well. In the “free-roaming” world, you’d be able to go to a certain spot (where the level you’re on takes place in) and you’d interact with something that’d basically set you into story mode. It’s the same map and everything.

 

[RubyFloof]

Hey, newbie here!

I have this idea that I'd like feedback on for a game I'm thinking about making.
Basically in the region, a major theme is about synergy between Pokemon, and relatively more battles than normal will be double battles.
Some of the features I'm thinking about are as follows:
- The evil team(name recommendations would be nice) takes the synergy thing too far, and begins fusing Pokemon and doing terrible things with/to them.
- In double battles, certain multi-target moves can be combined to create a larger attack, like perhaps Discharge and Surf would create some sort of charged water attack.
- I plan to have every type included in the gym system, but some gyms will be two types and have two leaders, creating a double battle with 3 Pokemon of each type. Some type combos I'd like to do are Ghost/Normal and Fairy/Steel.

So what do you guys think? Criticism is welcome!

 

[TechSkylander1518]

That sounds like a super cool idea!

- The evil team(name recommendations would be nice) takes the synergy thing too far, and begins fusing Pokemon and doing terrible things with/to them.

Perhaps this is taking your team in a direction you don't want, but I think it'd be interesting if they tried for a friendly public image, like the Aether Foundation and early Team Plasma. (Since their goal isn't conflicting with the region, but rather an extremist interpretation) So instead of Team (X), which at least gives the hint that they might be like the other teams, they take on a name that's seemingly a friendly one.

What about calling them The Other Family, like in Coraline? There's kind of a parallel there-the promise of comfort and fantastic sights, leading into horrible things and asking people to alter their body. It could give you a naming system for the higher ups, too-admins could be Aunt/Uncle/Mother/Father, and the leader could be Grandmother/Grandfather.

- I plan to have every type included in the gym system, but some gyms will be two types and have two leaders, creating a double battle with 3 Pokemon of each type. Some type combos I'd like to do are Ghost/Normal and Fairy/Steel.

Honestly, if you're willing to do it, I'd say do every gym with two types. Single-type gyms have already been done plenty of times (except for Dark and Fairy), so they're not going to pop as much as concepts involving two.

(If you're up for suggestions on gym themes-I think an Electric/Psychic gym could be really cool. Electricity is really closely tied to the human mind-not only is it what powers it, but it's also through electrical devices that we're able to understand it more)

- In double battles, certain multi-target moves can be combined to create a larger attack, like perhaps Discharge and Surf would create some sort of charged water attack.

I know that's going to be enjoyed! People are always hoping for a feature like that, and it's easy to see why-not only does it make games feel more realistic, it also makes strategy feel more fun-rather than running numbers, you're planting traps of water and fire and seeds and what have you, and really using your Pokemon's powers!


Also, I don't know if you're wanting any storyline feedback, but if yours is a game with a theme or a moral involved, I think a good tie in could be discussed when people value a connection more than the people involved. (A leader who doesn't serve their people, but the people still follow because of his position, an unhealthy romantic relationship that a couple stays in because they want to make it work, etc)

 

[RubyFloof]

Thank you so much for the insight! I really like the name "The Other Family", especially since giving admins/leaders family roles gives the group kind of a "creepy orphanage" type of vibe.

 

[Karyon]

Thank you so much for the insight! I really like the name "The Other Family", especially since giving admins/leaders family roles gives the group kind of a "creepy orphanage" type of vibe.

Just my two cents...
The synergy theme makes me think of the whole zoan concept in One Piece. Basically a zoan is half-animal/half-another animal, usually an human who can turn into a specific animal. But lately there have been sightings of incomplete/failed zoans, with only a part of them beast-like.

So maybe the regular team members with be mostly humans with pokemonesque hints, then the admins will have a more complete beast-like design, and the leader finally.. ..

Do you remember Zorua/Zoroark sometimes poses as human? The leader may be a Zoroark in disguise, or an human able to turn into one

 

[zarexraze]

I have some things that's been brewing in my head for a good while, and I've been bouncing this around in my head on how to approach this and to make it a effective and enjoyable Pokemon experience for many.
The basic idea or theme of the game is something in political psychology called the Overton Window. Also known as the window of discourse, it is in a nutshell the range and depth of ideas tolerated and seen as acceptable in public discourse. It's something that's gotten me interested recently, and it is surprisingly fitting with some of my concepts, and I would really like some advice and suggestions on how to approach this. Specifically in the question of "what is normal?", and "how do you teach what is normal and what is not?" Is it right to say that "this is how it should be" in some situations, or should the whole adventure be more of a blind one? The answers to this questions are always muddy (I mean, they're as subjective as you could get), but it's the approach and characterization, symbolism, and whole theming of the game that could use some direction, even a little. Again, anything to add to this would be lovely.

The other thing is simply a conflict of perspective and requirement, specifically because I have the audacity and the tenacity of try and eventually attempt a Pokemon fan game where there are Two forms of major gameplay, one that's the turn-based scheme familiar to many, and the other being, well to put it simply, Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories for the GBA, minus the cards. (example of gameplay).
The issue I'm having at the moment, is how to decide on which form of gameplay to do at certain moments. I could just simply leave the player to build upon both skills and let the game's story be the deciding factor on which one is used, however that creeps into the issue that the game Sonic: Unleashed brought. That have the running and speed of Day stages and the beat-em-up platformer of Night stages, which resulted in many players being split and trying to just rush through one stage while getting to the other one that they actually enjoy.
So with that in mind, I have several ways to approach this, taking into account that this'll also have three discreet characters to choose from (which was initially planned to be more of a cosmetic choice used to highlight the larger focus on characters):

• One character (and thus one play through) focuses on one playstyle, the second character focuses on the other, and the third goes with requiring both, though not much work is needed in both styles for the third.
• Character choice is left to be more cosmetic, and you need to focus on only one of them to "beat" the game, but both are easily accessible in a single save file. (the one I'm leaning towards)
• Trying to find some balance while going for the setup that made Sonic: Unleashed a bit shaky.

Sooooo, that's really it for now. I'll add that I do NOT plan to go at all of this first, good golly no, that would be a train-wreck. I'm simply asking for the matter of steering my current and future education and training into the direction of the choice I make. So with all that, I would love some form of feedback, if possible.

Thanks in advance.

 

[TechSkylander1518]

The basic idea or theme of the game is something in political psychology called the Overton Window. Also known as the window of discourse, it is in a nutshell the range and depth of ideas tolerated and seen as acceptable in public discourse. It's something that's gotten me interested recently, and it is surprisingly fitting with some of my concepts, and I would really like some advice and suggestions on how to approach this. Specifically in the question of "what is normal?", and "how do you teach what is normal and what is not?" Is it right to say that "this is how it should be" in some situations, or should the whole adventure be more of a blind one? The answers to this questions are always muddy (I mean, they're as subjective as you could get), but it's the approach and characterization, symbolism, and whole theming of the game that could use some direction, even a little. Again, anything to add to this would be lovely.

Could you maybe discuss some of the topics that could connect to this? It's kinda tricky to give an opinion on how to add to this idea without much of a view on where it's being put. (If you don't want to share them publicly, you can PM me them if you don't mind!)

Just looking at the Overton Window, I personally think it's best viewed as a tool with functions that are neither inherently good nor inherently bad. We've had good things come from changing the Window-allowing for more discussion on rights for women, people of color, and the LGBT community, for example-but there are also some pretty terrible things that really shouldn't enter the Window, like arguing in favor of pedophilia, and it's good that we've kept it out. On the flip side, there can be evil done by keeping the Window in place (forbidding people to question the government, for example), or by moving it to allow for wicked deeds to be acceptable topics, like the idea of genocide.

The other thing is simply a conflict of perspective and requirement, specifically because I have the audacity and the tenacity of try and eventually attempt a Pokemon fan game where there are Two forms of major gameplay, one that's the turn-based scheme familiar to many, and the other being, well to put it simply, Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories for the GBA, minus the cards. (example of gameplay).
The issue I'm having at the moment, is how to decide on which form of gameplay to do at certain moments. I could just simply leave the player to build upon both skills and let the game's story be the deciding factor on which one is used, however that creeps into the issue that the game Sonic: Unleashed brought. That have the running and speed of Day stages and the beat-em-up platformer of Night stages, which resulted in many players being split and trying to just rush through one stage while getting to the other one that they actually enjoy.
So with that in mind, I have several ways to approach this, taking into account that this'll also have three discreet characters to choose from (which was initially planned to be more of a cosmetic choice used to highlight the larger focus on characters):

• One character (and thus one play through) focuses on one playstyle, the second character focuses on the other, and the third goes with requiring both, though not much work is needed in both styles for the third.
• Character choice is left to be more cosmetic, and you need to focus on only one of them to "beat" the game, but both are easily accessible in a single save file. (the one I'm leaning towards)
• Trying to find some balance while going for the setup that made Sonic: Unleashed a bit shaky.

Sooooo, that's really it for now. I'll add that I do NOT plan to go at all of this first, good golly no, that would be a train-wreck. I'm simply asking for the matter of steering my current and future education and training into the direction of the choice I make. So with all that, I would love some form of feedback, if possible.

Thanks in advance.

So, this might be a weird idea, but what if you worked it in with the initial character creation? You could frame the questions as one of those "Get to know you" forms, and ask the player what kind of games they like. (Turn-based, KH, or both) It'd let them set it without breaking immersion too much.

And, gosh, this is getting way off from what you're asking about, but if you wanted to fill out that sheet with some more questions, some other ideas you could do:

• "Which of these locations would you like to see most?" You could have an NPC appear in that location when the player reached it and give them some sort of prize.
• "What starter Pokemon are you hoping to receive?"
• "What's your favorite cartoon?" This is a sillier one, but you could come up with fake cartoons about Pokemon, and do something special with the Pokemon of the show they pick.
• "What's your favorite type?" The player could receive one of the type-boosting items or just a gem based on their response.

 

[AddThreeAndFive]

I guess I'll go ahead and share my ideas for a fangame:

• My game will play more or less like an official game. I want it to feel authentic as possible.
• The setting will be based on actual part of the world, like the official games.
• The resident evil team is called Team Kawaii and they love cute Pokemon. So much that they'll steal cute Pokemon from Trainers and force them to release "ugly" Pokemon. On the whole, they are pretty harmless, on the level of Team Skull.
• The game's actual bad guy is a man who is dismayed that foreign Pokemon have in his view "destroyed the region's ecosystem" and is determined to exterminate all foreign Pokemon, no matter how well they have acclimated. In the games climax he convinces a bunch of ordinary people to follow his warped ideal.
• Rather than types, Gyms will be themed around stats or abilities. For example, one gym will use Pokemon with high HP (Snorlax, Blissey) another gym will be themed around physical sweepers.
• An extensive postgame involving the player tracking down their father, a Legendary Pokemon hunter who's gone missing.

More as I get my thoughts together.

 

[skurleton]

Hello! I just thought I'd show off what we have in the works for this very simple fangame. This isn't a completely serious fangame, mostly a fun project me and friends are doing in our spare time! We figured we could give good gameplay with a fun story to boot that can give players a good time.

Heres some of our progress so far:

Spoiler: Art

Concept art of one of our major characters

Spoiler: NPC Dialogue

A talk with a scientist

Unemployment

This will likely not be done for a very long time, but we hope that you all will enjoy it when we (might) finish it!

If you'd like to contact me personally, hit me up on my Discord, skurleton#2603!

 

[Foxowl]

I had an idea for a fangame that I really haven't done anything with.

• The plan is to make a smaller than usual Pokémon fangame, focusing on the backstory of Ultra Space
• It will include maybe 40-50 new “alien Pokémon,” as well as the current 11 Ultra Beasts
• Necrozma will not be catchable
• The region will consist of the 8 main worlds from USUM, as well as wild routes and original worlds for new UBs
• In place of gyms or trials, I’m thinking we include Beast Challenges, where you have to work your way battling and doing puzzles to the center of a world in order to have a battle with a powerful UB and trainer maybe
• The starter may just be Poipole (I haven't decided)
  

The story I came up with was as follows:

In the Pokémon world, around ten years before the events of Pokémon Red and Blue, a space mission is launched to colonize the moon. The ship is supplied with a full crew and their families. When it launches, everything is going perfectly until a shadow appears in front of the ship and a blinding light fills the cabin. The crew wakes up in the wreckage of their spaceship, in an unfamiliar landscape. They meet some people who strangely, look exactly like humans. They invite you to come with them to their village. You, the child of one of the would-be colony’s doctors, are offered a chance to explore this strange, alien land, along with a Pokémon never seen in your old world. Along the way you will challenge powerful trainers, meet strong “ultra beasts,” and discover the mystery of why your crew was brought to this place, and how you need to face the facts: this Ultra Space is your new home.

Right now it's just a bunch of ideas jumbled up in my head, but tell me what you think? It would be my first fangame I'm officially working on, so I'm quite the amateur. If you are interested in helping out/want to ask me more in-depth questions, contact me on Discord. I'm Foxowl23 #1357

 

[MysteryCresent]

Hello!I'm new to these forums and don't really know much,but I'm working on a game called Pokemon Eternus.If anyone could help me,it would be much appreciated.(I don't know how the script and everything works,So I can't really progress much.This game will probably stop as I am running a trial version of RPG maker.If anyone could help me get a full version for free,this game will reach it's end.I would like to have some of the experienced pros help me...):worried:

 

[Aki]

Hello!I'm new to these forums and don't really know much,but I'm working on a game called Pokemon Eternus.If anyone could help me,it would be much appreciated.(I don't know how the script and everything works,So I can't really progress much.This game will probably stop as I am running a trial version of RPG maker.If anyone could help me get a full version for free,this game will reach it's end.I would like to have some of the experienced pros help me...):worried:

Hi MysteryCresent, welcome to Relic Castle! :blush:The thread we're in right now is kind of a catch all for getting feedback and posting ideas if you're not sure where else to go, so no worries, but here's just for team recruitment, I'd recommend adding a little more personal information about the game if you wanna get responses. And if you ever have specific questions, there's a spot for those too!
As for getting a full version of RMXP, I'd recommend checking it out on Steam. RMXP is pretty regularly on sale or in a Humble Bundle where you can pick it up for just $5; if you're in the discord server I post an announcement whenever I notice/someone mentions it's on sale...so it looks like that deal happens about once a month. If you absolutely need it for free, I'm afraid you might have to look for a key giveaway somewhere, I know there's also pirated/cracked versions out there but it's against site rules to share that stuff.

Anyway, hope you enjoy it here, and if you have any questions, feel free to ask!

 

[MysteryCresent]

but here's just for team recruitment

But it says NOT to start any threads or reply to any(P.S I loved MewYou!)

Spoiler: Some Ideas

I was thinking of editing certain pokemon sprites and make them into special pokemon. The region doesn't have the normal forms, so the Eternal form pokemon replaced the original forms.

I also plan on adding Sun and Moon Pokemon but it doesn't work. I have the sprites and PBS,but it still wouldn't work.(I am using PKMN Essentials v17.2)
@Aki
I just played MewYou and saw that Keldeo's sprite was tiny.WHY?